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Record Your Boat Information Here: Model Name:____________________________________ Serial Number:___________________________________ Date of Purchase:________________________________ Dealership:______________________________________ Record Your Engine & Drive Models Information Here: Engine Model:___________________________________ Drive Model:____________________________________ Engine Serial Number(s):__________________________ __________________________ __________________________ Drive Serial Number(s):___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ OWNERS MANUAL 05-CRUISER MS-505 REV-0...
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Thank you for your purchase of what I believe to be the finest high-perform- ance express cruiser available. Our racing heritage, and ongoing domina- tion of both the offshore racing circuits and the world speed record courses make Fountain Powerboats the ultimate choice for the performance boater.
Table of Contents Expressed Written Warranty (2005-2006 Models) Specifications Hull Support for Trailers & Hoists Quick Reference Layout Drawings/Photos Equipment, Tools, Safety Equipment and Spare Items Pre-boating Checks Fueling and Fuel Systems Hull Technology Starting and Driving, Gauges and Instruments, Controls Electrical Systems and Optional Equipment Appearance and Care Storage...
FOUNTAIN POWERBOATS EXPRESS LIMITED TRANSFERABLE WARRANTY TERM: As used in this Agreement, the term "customer" shall be deemed to include and to mean, without limitation, "consumer" and "purchaser," as the context may require. The consequences to, and the obligations of, each of the parties hereto shall be the same regard- less of which of the above terms is used.
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the selling dealer's store or service center or, at Fountain's discretion, at the Fountain factory on Whichard's Beach Road in Washington, North Carolina. This warranty may be transferred to a second or subsequent owner of the boat provided that the second or subsequent owner notifies Fountain Powerboats, Inc.
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This warranty does not apply to the following: Engines, out-drives, transmission and propellers or any other compo- nents of the powertrain or propulsion system. Custom-built Fountain engines are also excluded from the warranty. Equipment and accessories not manufactured by Fountain. Cracking, crazing, discoloration or blistering of gel coat finishes, powder coat finishes or paint finishes.
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Powerboats within thirty (30) days of the date of sale. However, if the deal- er fails to return the warranty registration card to Fountain within the time period prescribed above, the customer's sole means of recovery shall be against the Dealer. The customer must bring the Fountain boat to the authorized servicing Fountain dealer for such repair.
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The authorized servicing Fountain dealer will examine the boat to deter- mine if, in its opinion, a warrantable defect exists. The servicing Fountain dealer shall then report to Fountain whether a warrantable defect appears to exist. Fountain, at its option and sole discretion, will repair or authorize repair and/or replacement of all parts that are found to be defective.
This limited warranty, along with the Dealer Sales Contract, constitute the entire agreement and understanding between the customer and Fountain with respect to the purchase and sale of boats. No agreement or statement not contained in these agreements shall be binding upon Fountain as war- ranty or otherwise, and neither this limited warranty nor the Sales Contract shall be modified or amended unless it is in writing, executed by the President of Fountain Powerboats and the customer.
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Always monitor water pressure gauges. Loss of water pressure increases engine temperature and can cause severe damage to the engine(s). Always monitor oil pressure gauges. If the oil pressure drops, severe engine damage could occur. 10. Check all bilge pumps before each outing, and before leaving your boat moored to be sure they are fully functional, both in automatic and man- ual modes.
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tion between the drives on the trim indicators. 21. Never trim the outdrive(s) in past 3 while on plane. 22. Always check forward visibility before getting on plane. 23. Always slow down before turning the boat. 24. Turning maneuvers are safer if done in calm water. Fast turns in any conditions are dangerous.
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34. Review the engine owner's manual for care and maintenance of your engine(s). 35. THIS IS NOT AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST. Always use common sense when operating your boat and seek proper guidance from qualified mechanics when making repairs. By signing this warranty card the customer acknowledges that he or she 1) has viewed the Fountain Video Owner's Manual, 2) fully understands safe boating operation and every aspect of his/her Fountain boat.
Specifications 48 Express Cruiser LOA: 48'4" / 14.72 m Beam: 12' / 3.66 m Weight, Dry: 22,000 lbs / 9988 kgs Fuel Capacity: 457 gallons / 1729 L Draft with drives down: 46" Deadrise: 22 degrees Cabin Headroom: 6' 5" Sleeping Capacity: 4 Fresh Water Capacity: 80 gal Holding Tank Capacity: 36 gal...
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Specifications Compass, electronic Cooler storage area under wet bar Courtesy lights in cockpit Cup holders in cockpit Dash w/Full instrumentation, depth gauge & Electronics area Depth gauge Dockside pressure water hook-up Engine hatch, motorized, hydraulic Engine mounts, rubber isolated Engine room lights Fender storage Forward cabin w/ king berth, comforter, pillows, w/dresser &...
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Specifications Steering, heavy duty hydraulic w/dual pumps Stereo w/CD and remote (3) Stovetop w/two burners Sun deck, expandable by raising power rear seating Swim ladder Swim platform Table in cabin, removable TV, plasma w/ DVD player (2) Transom shower, hot/cold Trim tabs, heavy duty Trim indicators, mechanical, and trim switches on dash for both drives and tabs...
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Specifications Performance Report: FOUNTAIN POWERBOATS PERFORMANCE REPORT Date: 3/24/2004 Temperature: Each Fountain Powerboat is Time: 3:15PM Wind: 5MPH Test Driver: Water: CALM water tested prior to delivery. Boat Dealer: Serial No.: 385XX Address: Weight: 9007 City & Zip: Customer: Phone: Phone: This test information is Outboard Rotation...
Hull Support Note: When setting up boat trailer or hoist bunks, it is recommended to support hull steps as shown. Hull support at the stern is essential due to the weight of the engine(s) and running gear. Incorrect hull support can have serious negative effects on the running surface of the boat by introducing either hook or rocker;...
Equipment, Tools, Safety Equipment and Spare Items These items are recommended to carry on your vessel for maintenance or minor trouble. Safety equipment for some items is required by law. Tool Chest Screwdriver (Phillips & Flat blade) Pliers (Regular, Channel Loc, Vice Grip) Wrench Set (Open End, Box, Allen, Adjustable, Propeller Wrench) Socket Set (Metric &...
Pre-Boating Checks See Quick Reference Drawings for locating equipment and acces- sories Before launching vessel, perform a visual inspection. Walk around, check hull and deck for any damage from trailer or docking, from the road or from your last trip. Check for damaged propellers and oil leaks from lower units, steering hoses, steering rams and trim tabs.
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Pre-Boating Checks Make sure hull drain plug(s) are installed and tight, (located at the bottom of boat hull under the notch at the keel). FAILURE TO PROPERLY INSTALL THE DRAIN PLUG(S) MAY RESULT IN THE BOAT SINKING. Note: 48 Express Cruisers are not equipped with removable drain plugs.
Pre-Boating Checks Fuel System Everyone who owns or operates a boat must practice fire safety. Each year, boat fires and explosions injure hundreds of individuals and cause millions of dollars in property damage. Many of these accidents can be prevented. Be alert to your boat's fuel system.
Fueling Fueling Procedure as Follows: Refer to the owner's manual for your engines to determine the appro- priate fuel grade for use in your boat. a Close all fuel valves and shut off battery switches before fueling. a Do not smoke. a Fill fuel tanks desired through proper fills.
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Fueling Warning: Fuel is a dangerous explosion and fire hazard. No smoking or sparks during fueling operations. Warning: Do not start engine(s); turn on batteries, or electrical devices if fuel leaks or fumes are present.
Hull Technology HULL STEP TECHNOLOGY HAS CHANGED THE WAY WE NEED TO DRIVE! WHILE SMOOTH OPERATION HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE KEY TO SAFE HIGH SPEED OPERATION, BEING SMOOTH AND USING COMMON SENSE IS EVEN MORE CRITICAL WITH TODAY’S FASTER, MORE TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED HULL DESIGNS.
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Hull Technology IMPORTANT TERMINOLOGY Thrust Angle Thrust Angle Thrust Angle Negative Trim Negative Trim Negative Trim Neutral Trim Neutral Trim Neutral Trim Positive Trim Positive Trim Positive Trim NEGATIVE TRIM NEGATIVE TRIM NEUTRAL TRIM NEUTRAL TRIM POSITIVE TRIM POSITIVE TRIM NEGATIVE TRIM NEGATIVE TRIM NEUTRAL TRIM...
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Hull Technology TRADITIONAL V-BOTTOM TECHNOLOGY TRADITIONAL V-BOTTOM TECHNOLOGY A V-BOTTOM BOAT RUNS MAXIMUM SPEEDS WITH MINIMAL HULL CONTACT. HULL CONTACT WITH WATER CREATES ADHESION. A TRADITIONAL V-BOTTOM BOAT REQUIRES A GREAT DEAL OF POSITIVE TRIM TO AFFECT A MODERATE RELEASE OF HULL CONTACT WITH THE WATER. POSITIVE TRIM USES HORSEPOWER TO CARRY THE BOW OF THE BOAT AT THE PROPER ANGLE OF ATTACK, AS WELL AS PROPEL IT THROUGH THE WATER.
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Hull Technology A STRAKE IS A STEP THAT RUNS A STRAKE IS A STEP THAT RUNS A STRAKE IS A STEP THAT RUNS PARALLEL TO THE KEEL, WHICH PARALEL TO THE KEEL, WHICH BREAKS PARALELL TO THE KEEL, WHICH BREAKS THE SURFACE TENSION OF THE THE SURFACE TENSION OF THE WATER BREAKS THE SURFACE TENSION OF THE FLOWING OVER IT.
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Hull Technology GENERALLY SPEAKING, A HIGHER X- DIMENSION, UP TO A REASONABLE LIMIT, REPRESENTS INCREASED TOP END PERFORMANCE BY REDUCING HYDRODYNAMIC DRAG CREATED BY THE SUBMERGED GEAR CASE. THE TRADE-OFF IS THAT WITH A HIGHER X-DIMENSION COMES POOR LOW SPEED PERFORMANCE CREATED BY AIRIATION OF THE PROPELLER.
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Hull Technology HIGH-SPEED OPERATION (Refer to the Performance Report) Smooth Water Smooth Water Smooth Water Rough Water Rough Water Rough Water DRIVES @ 4 ½ - 5 ½ TO WOT TABS @ 2 ½ - 2 ¾ FOR SMOOTH CONDITIONS MORE TAB FOR ROUGHER CONDITIONS UP TO 4 ½...
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Hull Technology TURNING A STEP BOTTOM BOAT Thrust Angle “TRADITIONAL” TURNING TECHNIQUES ARE THE BASIS FOR MOST INCIDENTS INVOLVING STEP BOTTOM BOATS. TRADITIONAL V-BOTTOMS REQUIRE GREATER POSITIVE TRIM TO ATTAIN TOP SPEEDS, AND TRADITIONALLY OPERATORS APPLY NEGATIVE TRIM TO BRING THE BOAT BACK INTO CONTACT WITH THE WATER PRIOR TO TURNING.
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Hull Technology NEGATIVE TRIM TRANSITION FULCRUM - - - - - - + + + + + AS THE TRIM ANGLE MOVES TO THE NEGATIVE POSITION CREATING AN UPWARD THRUST ANGLE ON THE TRANSOM, HULL PRESSURE IS MOVED FROM THE TRANSOM OF THE BOAT TOWARD THE BOW.
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Hull Technology NEGATIVE TRIM EFFECT FULCRUM - - - - - - + + + + + + WITH THE FULCRUM, OR PIVOT POINT FORWARD OF THE CG, A VERY UNSTABLE SITUATION IS CREATED. THIS SITUATION CAN BECOME DISASTEROUS IN A TURN AS THE LEVERAGE CREATED BETWEEN THE TRANSOM OF THE BOAT AND THE FULCRUM IS GREATEST.
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Hull Technology SUMMARY TRIM TO MAINTAIN DIRECT LINE OF THRUST (NEUTRAL AS MINIMUM SETTING). MAINTAIN CONTINUOUS HORIZON POSITIONING. IF YOU LOOSE THE HORIZON, YOU ARE LIKELY TRIMMED TOO HIGH. USE COMMON SENSE & DISCRETION. NEVER MAKE ABRUPT MANEUVERS OR TRIM CHANGES. FEEL CLOSELY FOR ANY INDICATION OF LOSS OF “TRACTION”...
Starting, Driving Gauges, Controls Leave engine hatch door open before you begin starting procedures. Familiarize yourself with the dashboard, side panel, gauges, switches and controls. Turn on your battery switches to the desired positions. (Port, (Center), Starboard, 1-2 or All) Battery Switches are located under the cockpit sink unit.
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Starting, Driving Gauges, Controls Make sure safety switch is armed (Gasoline Engines Only). This switch should have the lanyard on the toggle and be attached to the driver for safety. Note: The engines will not run unless this switch is in the run position. Trim drive(s) to the in position before starting the engine(s).
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Starting, Driving Gauges, Controls Check your bilge and engine compartment once more for any leaks or unusual noise. Engine hatch may now be closed. While at the dock, raise throttle slightly for throttle response. Bring throttle back to idle and check shifters for forward and reverse opera- tion.
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Starting, Driving Gauges, Controls Surface Drive Sterndrive (I/O) With one hand on the throttles and the other hand on the steering wheel, move the throttles forward evenly and smoothly until the ves- sel comes on plane. (Plane is typically used to describe the vessels transition from static depth in the water to riding on the water's sur- face.
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Starting, Driving Gauges, Controls Warning: Never run the vessel at higher speeds with the tabs or drives at the extreme in/out - up/down posi- tions. Never trim the drives to less than 3 on the drive trim indicator while the boat is on plane. You will learn to adjust your vessel for a comfortable ride attitude depending upon loading and balance to achieve desired perform- ance.
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Starting, Driving Gauges, Controls time and fuel usage estimates to ensure you have an adequate fuel supply for your trip. Compass - The compass your boat is equipped with is an excellent aid in navigation. Several factors can influence the operation of your compass, such as the needle deflection caused by metal compo- nents or the use of electrical equipment on your boat.
Electrical System & Optional Equipment Electrical System: Your Fountain Powerboat is equipped with standard 12VDC power. All vessel power is operated by battery switch(s). Lights and acces- sories are protected by fuses or breakers. These are located under the rear seat or under the dashboard wall. Note: See trouble-shoot- ing section for fuse replacement or breaker reset procedures.
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Electrical System & Optional Equipment On the AC panel, slide the cover up exposing the shore power break- er, and turn on the breaker to utilize shore power. A safety cover is provided over the switches that direct power to the panel to prevent both shore power and generator power from being used simultaneously.
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Electrical System & Optional Equipment The generator can be started (2) ways-either in the engine com- partment or on the main panel in the salon. It may be necessary (depending on the model of your generator) to hold the "Pre-Heat" button, (particularly in diesel applications), while starting the generator.
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Electrical System & Optional Equipment 240V Shore Power Systems 48 Express Cruisers may be equipped with a 240V shore power sys- tem which is becoming more and more popular in marinas, especially newer marinas. This systems works the same as a tandem 120V system (2x 120V shore power hook-ups and a transfer switch) except that it handles the transfer of power internally from 240V to 120V.
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Electrical System & Optional Equipment The center of the panel has a master AC breaker which must be switched on for the panel to have power, weather from the generator or from the shore power cord. Connect the shore power cable in the same manner as described for the 120V cable, making sure to hook up the boat side o the cable first, then connect the cable to the dock side power outlet to prevent to possibility of dropping a “hot”...
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Electrical System & Optional Equipment Air Conditioning Air conditioning and heat is another option operated by shore power or optional generator. This unit is operated by its own control panel, controlling on/off and temperature settings. See the manufacturers owner manual for specific operating instructions of your air condition- ing unit.
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Electrical System & Optional Equipment ing of sewage. Overboard discharge requires the valve to be in the “overboard” position, and switch activation to operate the pump. The waste water system directs waste water from several locations (head, sinks, etc.) to a sump that contains a float switch and pump to pump the water to the waste holding tanks in the engine compart- ment.
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Electrical System & Optional Equipment corresponding tank you want to empty. When the tank is empty, release the OVERBOARD DIS- CHARGE switch. Turn the Y-valve to the original position and close the waste thru-hull. Dockside Pump-out: The services of a dockside pump out station is needed to empty the holding tank.
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Electrical System & Optional Equipment Engine Optional Equipment Silent Choice Exhaust: This option allows vessel pilot to choose straight out exhaust or quieter operation at the flip of a switch. This is located at the pilot's right side helm switch panel, labeled "Exhaust Open or Closed".
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Electrical System & Optional Equipment Make sure that the boat attitude is NOT bow down. Raise the bow of the boat to get the engine exhaust tips to angle downward so as to insure that flush water does not flow back into the exhaust pipes, and thus into the engine.
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Electrical System & Optional Equipment Turn on the garden hose all the way, and wait for water to come out of the exhaust pipes. Start the engine corresponding to the valve you just set up to flush, and run the engine (at idle) the desired time to flush out the engine. Continually monitor the engine gauges while flushing to verify engine temperature.
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Electrical System & Optional Equipment Dockside Communications or Television (Cruisers Only): For dockside communications or TV operation, optional jacks for cable TV and telephone are located near the shore power plug receptacles. See the quick reference drawing for location of the receptacles.
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Electrical System & Optional Equipment Bow Thruster: The bow thruster allows you to move the boat laterally, allowing you to push away from or pull towards the dock, or for low speed maneu- vering while off plane. The bow thruster has it’s own battery and charger located under the forward stateroom v-berth.
Appearance and Care Exterior: Hull, Deck Fittings and Windshield. Hull and deck surfaces are gel coat and polyurethane painted graphics. Warning: Do not use any harsh detergents or solvents on gel coat or painted surfaces. Wash hull and deck with boat soap. Rinse well with water, and towel dry.
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Appearance and Care Counter tops, sinks, glass, etc.: Use household cleaning products to keep these items clean. Do not run garden hose in cabin. Do not use harsh chemicals, solvents or abrasives. Do not spray water or cleaners in master electrical panel. Cockpit, Upholstery, Dashboard: Cockpit has removable carpet.
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Appearance and Care sories, pat dry and coat with a protectant such as CRC or WD- 40. Do not flood engines, or other components in the engine compartment with water. Be aware of local laws regarding discharge of oily or greasy water from the bilge while cleaning.
Storage We do not recommend storing the boat in the water on a mooring buoy, or tied to a dock. It is impossible to project situations that could result in the boat becoming swamped, resulting in significant damage, or total loss. Store the boat with the cockpit cover on, and any provided poles installed to prevent pooling of water on the cover.
Do it Yourself Maintenance Many service and maintenance items can and should be performed or checked regularly. Before going on a boat trip, check all of your fluid levels. Safe boating starts with good maintenance. Check engine oil and generator oil if so equipped (4-stroke Outboards, and all Inboards): With engine off, pull up the dipstick, (see engine compartment quick reference drawing...
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Do it Yourself Maintenance fication as to which system is provided on your engine package. Check the level by visually inspecting the reservoirs, and top off as necessary with pre-mix coolant. Engine coolant reservoirs are mounted on the engines. The generator reservoir is mounted separate from the generator.
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Do it Yourself Maintenance Steering Fluid Reservoir: Unless leaking or fluid is discolored from the faulty power steering pumps, service is typically mini- mal. If fluid is leaking, or discolored, have the system serviced and repaired immediately. Reservoir can be topped off to the full line with Dextron III transmission fluid.
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Do it Yourself Maintenance 7. Ensure fire extinguishers are USCG-approved and are in good working order. 8. Repair all bare wires or loose electrical connections that might cause a short in your boat's electrical system and start a fire. 9. Do not store disposable propane cylinders or charcoal lighting fluid on board the boat.
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Do it Yourself Maintenance Sea Strainers: Sea strainers protect important pumps on the engines, generator, and air conditioning units from sand, trash and marine growth in the water. Check and clean them out as needed. Warning: If the vessel is in the water during sea strainer cleaning, shut off all ball valves feeding the strainer(s).
Accessories & Apparel Fountain Powerboats offers a complete line of award winning apparel and accessories for your boat. Show off your Fountain pride with everything from custom leather jackets to fashionable casual attire, super sized beach towels to travel gear, and more. Fountain offers custom “poker run”...
Refurbishment & Upgrades Do you want a new look, to add more horsepower, or to completely restore your Fountain Powerboat? The Fountain Powerboats Factory Service Department has expanded to provide complete restoration, interior upgrades, re-powers, fac- tory parts, and custom paint- graphics for your Fountain sport- boat, fishboat or cruiser.
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Refurbishment & Upgrades suits your personality and budget. An updated look will add resale value, and give you that "new boat" look and feel for a fraction of the cost of a new boat. In addition to "upgrade" work and parts, we have all of the neces- sary resources to provide you with maintenance and service on your Mercury engine drive train components as well as Fountain and Mercury warranty service.
Troubleshooting Electrical: 12Volt DC equipment and accessories: Many problems can be solved or traced to blown fuses or popped breakers. Also check for loose or corroded wires at battery and ground blocks. In the case of cruisers, many times it is a matter of not having the correct breaker switch turned on.
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Troubleshooting clamps and wrenches can cure most hose and fitting leaks. Check all hoses and fitting regularly. Likely locations for fluid leaks would be in the engine compartment (water, oils, fuel); under the dash (steering fluid); at the transom (steering fluid, drive fluid, hydraulic fluid); cabin (water from fresh water systems, water from faulty hatch seals).
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THIS MANUAL IS NOT INTENDED TO BE ALL INCLUSIVE, AND IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR GENERAL BOATING KNOWL- EDGE OR PRACTICE OF COMMON BOATING SAFETY PROCE- DURES. FOUNTAIN POWERBOATS RECOMMENDS BOATERS PARTICI- PATE IN AN APPROVED UNITED STATES COAST GUARD BOATING COURSE, AND THAT ALL BOATERS OBSERVE SAFE BOATING PRACTICES, INCLUDING BOAT HANDLING, SYSTEMS OPERATION, NAVIGATION, AND MAINTENANCE.
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Fountain Powerboats, Inc. P.O. Drawer 457 Washington, NC 27889 252-975-2000 www.fountainpowerboats.com ASE Symbol: FPB...
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