Ventilation And Drainage Systems - Four winns Vista 328 Owner's Manual

VENTILATION AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

K - 1 ENGINE COMPARTMENT VENTILATION
All Four Winns Vista® models are equipped with engine
compartment ventilation. This system is designed to meet
or exceed the requirements (in effect at the time of manu-
facture) of the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Marine
Manufacturers Association, and the American Boat and
Yacht Council.
A. Gravity Ventilation System
This system includes air intake and exhaust components.
The exhaust ducting reaches to the lower bilge area. This
provides adequate air movement while underway and dur-
ing bilge blower operation.
B. Forced Air Ventilation
All Four Winns Vista® models are equipped with an elec-
tric bilge blower. The bilge blower provides the ventilation
required prior to starting the engines and while at idle.
See Section H - Electrical Systems for blower operation
instructions.
Before starting the engine(s) or generator, oper-
ate the engine compartment bilge blower for four
(4) minutes. Then check the engine compart-
ment for gasoline vapors. ALWAYS operate the
bilge blower while the engines are at idle or the
generator is in use. Failure to comply could
cause explosion and thereby inflict serious in-
jury or death.
Fumes can come from batteries while charging.
A concentration of hydrogen fumes can be explo-
sive under the right conditions.
NOTICE
A gas vapor detector is a monitor which will alert
the operator of an accumulation of gasoline fumes
in the engine compartment. It is optional on the
298/328 Vista® and can be installed by your
Four Winns dealer. DO NOT rely solely on de-
tectors or similar equipment. ALWAYS conduct
a physical inspection of the engine compartment.
298/328 Vista Owner’s Manual
09/00
C. Engine Ventilation System Maintenance
Periodic inspection and cleaning of the ventilation ducts
is necessary to ensure adequate air circulation. A buildup
of leaves, twigs, or other debris can severely reduce ven-
tilation. Be sure bilge water does not accumulate to a
level that would obstruct the ventilation ducts.
Blower operation can be tested by placing a hand over
the vents. DO NOT rely on the sound of the blower. Be
sure a substantial amount of air is being exhausted by
the bilge blower. Check the bilge blower system often,
preferably before each cruise.
K - 2 CABIN VENTILATION
All Vista® cabins are equipped with deck hatches for
ventilation. The aft cabin window also opens to provide
ventilation. The cabin side windows (portlight) on the 298/
328 Vista® may be opened to provide additional ventila-
tion.
Failure to properly ventilate the boat while the
engines or generator are operating may permit
carbon monoxide to accumulate inside of the
cabin. Refer to Section E-2 - Engine Exhaust
and Section B-2 - Carbon Monoxide for addition-
al information.
Screens for the forward deck hatches are available for all
Four Winns® boats. The screens are removable and must
be stored properly when not in use.
NOTICE
Be sure deck hatches are secured while under-
way. Damage to the hatch may result. Store
screens in a safe place to prevent damage.
K - 3 HULL DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
A. Transom Drain
A transom drain with plug is provided in the engine com-
partment to allow water drainage. When boat is out of
the water, the boat and cradle should be positioned so
Section K
Page 1