Drugs And Alcohol; Pre-Cruise Systems Check; Before Starting The Engines; After Starting The Engine - Four winns 248 Vista Owner's Manual

DO NOT swim or dangle legs or arms into the
water during a lightning storm. Stay out of the
water!
Lightning will seek a ground when it strikes. Avoid con-
tact with metal parts such as bow rails, control handle,
or windshield.
A - 7

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Please keep in mind that along with the fun of boating
comes responsibility. As the owner or operator of a plea-
sure boat, you are obligated (morally and legally) to use
good judgement while underway in providing for the
safety and well-being of your passengers and other boat-
ers around you.
A common and flagrant violation of good judgement and
the law by mariners involves the use of alcohol or drugs.
Each year, about half of all accidents involving fatalities
involve the use of alcohol or drugs.
It is a federal offense to operate a boat while intoxicated.
Criminal penalties may include the termination of operat-
ing privileges for up to one year. Many states have
passed similar laws.
Alcohol or drugs have an inhibiting effect on the judge-
ment and reaction time of the boat operator and his/her
passengers. Heed the advice of experts and statisti-
cians...DO NOT drink or use drugs when operating a
boat. NEVER allow an obviously intoxicated person to
take the helm.
Have fun in your Four Winns® boat, but also have the
good sense to be mentally alert and physically capable
of operating the boat in a safe manner.
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PRE-CRUISE SYSTEMS CHECK

Before leaving the dock, the following items should be
checked:
A. Before Starting The Engine
1. Check the weather forecast. Determine if the cruise
planned can be made safely.
Vista™ Owner's Manual
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2. Be sure all necessary safety equipment is on board
and operative. This includes items such as the run-
ning lights, horn, spotlight, life saving devices, etc.
3. Check the bilge water level and bilge pump opera-
tion. Check the engine and drive fluid levels. Look
for other signs of potential problems. Check for the
scent of fuel fumes.
4. Activate the Bilge Blower. Check the blower output.
Gasoline vapors can explode resulting in in-
jury or death. Before starting the engine, check
engine compartment bilge for gasoline or va-
pors. Operate blower for four minutes, and
verify blower operation. ALWAYS run the
blower when the vessel is operating below
cruising speed.
5. Ensure an adequate amount of fuel is on board.
6. Be sure you have sufficient water and other provi-
sions on board for the cruise planned.
7. Leave a written message listing details of the planned
cruise with a close friend ashore.
B. After Starting The Engine
1. Visibly check the engine to be sure there are no ap-
parent water or oil leaks.
2. Check the gauges. Make sure the oil pressure, wa-
ter temperature, voltmeter, etc. are reading normally.
3. Have a safe cruise and enjoy yourself.
Always be sure to raise the anchor and ensure
the chain stop is engaged prior to operating
your boat. Failure to raise and secure anchor
before getting underway could result in dam-
age to boat and even severe injury or death
from a rebounding anchor.
A - 9

ENGINE OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES

Notice: Consult engine manual. Addi-
tional engine information is located in
Section T.
Section A
Page 2