Ventilation And Drainage Systems; Engine Compartment Ventilation; Gravity Ventilation System; Forced Air Ventilation - Four winns 248 Vista Owner's Manual

VENTILATION AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

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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
manufacture) 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 during 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 venti-
lation required prior to starting the engines and while at
idle. See Section H Electrical Systems for blower op-
eration instructions.
Before starting the engine(s) or generator, op-
erate the engine compartment bilge blower for
four (4) minutes. Then check the engine com-
partment for gasoline vapors. ALWAYS oper-
ate the bilge blower while the engines are at
idle or the generator is in use. Failure to comply
could cause explosion and thereby inflict seri-
ous injury or death.
Fumes can come from batteries while charg-
ing. A concentration of hydrogen fumes can be
explosive under the right conditions.
NOTICE
A Gas Vapor Detector is a monitor which will
alert the operator of an accumulation of gaso-
line fumes in the engine compartment. It is op-
tional on the 248/268 Vista and can be installed
by your Four Winns® dealer. DO NOT rely
solely on detectors or similar equipment. AL-
WAYS conduct a physical inspection of the en-
gine compartment.
Vista 248/268 Owner's Manual
03/00
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.
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CABIN VENTILATION

All Vista cabins are equipped with deck hatches for ven-
tilation. The aft cabin window also opens to provide ven-
tilation. The cabin side windows (portlights) on the 248/
268 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 additional
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
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