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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
contact 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
pleasure 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 boaters around you.
A common and flagrant violation of good judge m ent
and the law by boaters 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 intoxi-
cated. Criminal penal ties may include the termi nation
of operat ing privileges for up to one year. Many states
have passed similar laws.
Alcohol or drugs have an inhibiting effect on the
judgement and reaction time of the boat operator
and his/her passengers. Heed the advice of ex perts
and statisticians...DO NOT drink or use drugs when
operating a boat. NEVER allow an obviously
intoxicat ed person to take the helm.
Have fun in your Four Winns
the good sense to be mentally alert and physically
capable of operating the boat in a safe manner.
A - 8
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.
Operation - Section A
boat, but also have
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2. Be sure all necessary safety equipment is on
board and operative. This includes items such
as the running lights, horn, spotlight, life sav ing
devices, etc.
3. Conduct an engine and if applicable an engine
room general inspection. Check the bilge water
level and bilge pump operation. Check the en gine
oil level, coolant level and drive-unit oil level. Look
for other signs of potential prob lems such as leaks
and conduct function checks. Check for the scent
of fuel fumes.
4. Activate the Bilge Blower. Check the blower
output.
Fuel vapors can explode resulting in injury or
death. Before starting the engine, check engine
compartment bilge for fuel or vapors. 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
provisions 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
apparent water or oil leaks.
2. Check the displays . Make sure the oil pres sure,
water 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 damage
to boat and even severe injury or death from a
rebounding anchor.
Owner's Manual Page 18
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