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Four winns 278 VISTA User Manual

Four winns 278 VISTA
259 pages
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Table of Contents

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Four winns 278 VISTA Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandFour winns
Model278 VISTA
CategoryBoat
LanguageEnglish

Summary

Preface

Customer Service & Support

Contact details for Four Winns customer service, including address, phone, and email.

Safety Messages

Understanding Safety Symbols and Notices

Explains the meaning of various warning symbols and notice boxes used in the manual.

Label Locations

Warning and Certification Label Identification

Lists and describes the locations of various warning and certification labels on the boat.

Operation

A - 1 GENERAL

Basic guidelines for becoming familiar with boat systems and safety equipment before operation.

A - 2 COMPONENT SYSTEMS

Emphasizes the importance of understanding boat systems and manufacturer information.

A - 3 SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Details required federal safety equipment and recommends additional items.

A - 4 PASSENGER SAFETY

Outlines owner's responsibility for passenger safety and behavior aboard.

A - 5 “RULES OF THE ROAD”

Discusses marine traffic laws and regulations for safe navigation.

A - 6 LIGHTNING

Advises on safety precautions to take during thunderstorms while boating.

A - 7 DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Discusses the dangers and legal implications of operating a boat under the influence.

A - 8 PRE-CRUISE SYSTEMS CHECK

Lists essential checks to perform before leaving the dock for a cruise.

A - 9 ENGINE OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES

General procedures for starting and operating the boat's engine.

A - 10 GROUNDING AND TOWING

Provides guidance and warnings regarding grounding and towing procedures.

A - 11 BOATING EDUCATION

Lists resources for boating courses, manuals, charts, and laws.

A - 12 BOAT OWNER REGISTRATION

Explains federal and state laws requiring boat registration and displaying numbers.

A - 13 ACCIDENT REPORTING

Details requirements and procedures for reporting boating accidents.

A - 14 DISCHARGE OF OIL

Prohibits oil discharge and outlines penalties under federal law.

A - 15 DISPOSAL OF PLASTICS & OTHER GARBAGE

Covers regulations and environmental impact of garbage disposal at sea.

A - 16 MARPOL TREATY

Discusses regulations for disposing of waste and garbage from boats.

Boating Safety

B - 1 GENERAL

Owner's responsibility for ensuring all required safety equipment is aboard.

B - 2 CARBON MONOXIDE

Covers hazards, symptoms, and prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning.

B - 3 SAFE BOATING PRACTICES

Guidelines for safe operation, drugs, and alcohol.

B - 4 WATER SPORTS

Safety precautions for participating in water sports.

Basic Seamanship

C - 1 GENERAL

Introduction to seamanship rules, aids, and boater education resources.

A. Boating Regulations

Discusses USCG authority and state boating regulations.

B. Rules of Seamanship

Explains general right-of-way rules and vessel interactions.

6. Night Running

Provides guidance for safe operation during nighttime and reduced visibility.

7. Whistle Signal

Explains the use and meaning of whistle signals for communication.

C - 2 NAVIGATIONAL AIDS

Explains the purpose and types of navigational aids.

B. Lateral Markers

Describes the function and appearance of lateral markers in navigation.

C. Safe Water Markers

Details safe water markers used to indicate navigable channels.

D. The Uniform State Waterway Marking System

Explains the three types of markers in the USWMS.

G. Anchoring

Provides guidance on selecting, securing, and deploying anchors.

Warranty and Service

D - 1 FOUR WINNS WARRANTY POLICY

Details the Winning Edge Owner Protection Plan and warranty coverage.

D - 3 WARRANTY REGISTRATION

Explains the process and importance of warranty registration.

D - 4 TRANSFER OF WARRANTY

Outlines the procedure and conditions for transferring warranty coverage.

D - 5 PRE-OWNED UNIT REGISTRATION

Encourages registration of ownership for pre-owned boats.

D - 10 OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

Lists key responsibilities of the boat owner related to operation and maintenance.

D - 11 CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS

Mentions compliance with US Coast Guard and ABYC construction standards.

Engines, Drives and Instrumentation

E - 1 GENERAL

Safety precautions and general information regarding engine service.

E - 2 ENGINE EXHAUST

Discusses the hazard of carbon monoxide in exhaust fumes.

B. Carbon Monoxide Monitor

Information on the function and importance of CO monitors.

E - 3 ENGINE & DRIVE SYSTEM

Details about the engine and stern drive propulsion system.

B. Stern Drive

Describes the stern drive propulsion system and its components.

E - 4 PROPELLERS

Explains propeller terminology like diameter, pitch, and prop slip.

E - 5 ENGINE COOLING SYSTEMS

Details on raw water and fresh water cooling systems.

E - 6 RUNNING ANGLE & POWER TRIM/TILT

Explains how to control the boat's running angle using trim and tilt.

B. Power Tilt

Information on the power tilt system for launching and trailering.

E - 7 TRIM TABS

Guidance on using trim tabs to adjust boat attitude.

E - 9 ENGINE INSTRUMENTATION

Explanation of the various gauges at the helm station.

A. Tachometer

Describes the function and importance of the tachometer gauge.

B. Speedometer

Explains how the speedometer works and its limitations.

C. Temperature Gauge

Details the engine temperature gauge and its warnings.

D. Oil Pressure Gauge

Explains the function of the oil pressure gauge and potential issues.

E. Voltmeter

Monitors battery condition and alternator performance.

F. Fuel Gauge

Indicates the fuel level in the tank; readings are relative.

G. Power Trim Gauge

Provides visual indication of the outdrive's trim angle.

H. Gas Vapor Detector

Optional gauge to detect gasoline vapors in the engine compartment.

I. Engine Hour Meter

Records elapsed engine operating time for maintenance scheduling.

K. Emergency Stop Switch

Explains the function and proper use of the emergency stop switch.

Control Systems

F - 1 GENERAL

Overview of control systems, throttle, and shift mechanisms.

F - 2 CONTROL OPERATION

Detailed instructions on operating the throttle and shift controls.

C. Shifting and Control Speed

Procedures for shifting gears and controlling engine speed.

F - 3 NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH

Explains the function of the neutral safety switch.

F - 4 CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Guidelines for periodic inspection and lubrication of control systems.

Steering Systems

G - 1 GENERAL

Information on the rotary and tilt steering systems.

A. Tilt Steering

Details on adjusting the tilt steering wheel for driver comfort.

G - 2 PROPELLER TORQUE

Explains propeller torque and its effect on steering.

G - 3 STEERING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Routine maintenance for steering cables and assemblies.

C. Winter Storage

Instructions for winter storage of the steering system.

Electrical Systems

H - 1 GENERAL

Overview of the boat's 12V DC and AC electrical systems.

H - 2 SINGLE ENGINE - DUAL BATTERY SYSTEM

Explains the dual battery system and its selector switch operation.

B. Operation - Single Engine w/ Dual Battery System

Guides on using battery selector switch positions for optimal battery life.

H - 3 BATTERY CHARGER

Information on the standard battery charger and its operation.

H - 4 VOLTMETER

Explains the function of the voltmeter gauge.

H - 5 12 VOLT ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Details various 12V electrical equipment and their locations.

H - 6 12 VOLT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUTDOWN PROCEDURES

Procedures for shutting down the electrical system when leaving the boat unattended.

H - 8 DOCKSIDE OPERATION

Guidelines for connecting to and operating with shore power.

A. Shore Power Connections

Safe procedures for connecting to shore power outlets.

B. 120 Volt AC Equipment

Information on AC-powered equipment like chargers and refrigerators.

D. Ground Fault Current Interrupters (GFCI)

Explains GFCI function for protection against electrical shock.

H - 9 GENERATOR

Information on the optional generator and its operation.

H - 10 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Routine maintenance for batteries and wiring.

B. Electrical Wiring Maintenance

Tips for inspecting and maintaining electrical wiring.

H - 11 STRAY CURRENT CORROSION

Understanding and preventing stray current corrosion.

B. Galvanic Corrosion

Explains galvanic corrosion and its causes.

C. Corrosion Prevention

Methods for preventing corrosion using anodes and proper maintenance.

Fuel Systems

I - 1 GASOLINE FUEL SYSTEMS

Covers design and requirements for gasoline fuel systems.

A. System Testing

Information on factory inspection and testing of fuel systems.

B. Fuel Fills

Details on locating and operating fuel fill deck plates.

C. Anti-Syphon Valves

Explains the function of anti-syphon valves in the fuel system.

D. Fuel Gauge

Describes the fuel gauge and how to interpret its readings.

E. Fuel Senders

Explains how the fuel sender works and factors affecting readings.

F. Fuel Filters

Importance of fuel filters and their maintenance.

G. Use and Maintenance

Safety warnings and maintenance for fuel system components.

I - 2 FUEL STANDARDS

Information on gasoline requirements and alcohol blends.

I - 3 FUELING INSTRUCTIONS

Safe procedures for fueling the boat at a marina.

Water and Waste Systems

J - 1 GENERAL

Overview of the fresh water supply system components.

J - 2 PRESSURIZED WATER SYSTEM

Details on priming, operating, and heating the water system.

C. Water Heating Systems

Information on the boat's water heater and its operation.

D. Using The Shower

Guidance on using the boat's shower and maintaining the system.

J - 3 GREY WATER SYSTEM

Optional system for managing grey water from sinks and showers.

J - 4 SHORE WATER CONNECTION

How to connect to a dockside water supply for fresh water.

J - 5 TRANSOM SHOWER

Information on the transom shower unit and its operation.

J - 6 HEADS

Details on standard porcelain head and VacuFlush sanitation systems.

B. VacuFlush® Sanitation System - Optional

Explains the operation of the VacuFlush toilet system.

C. Head With Overboard Discharge

Describes the overboard discharge option for the head system.

D. Dockside Waste Pump Out

Procedures for pumping out the waste holding tank at a marina.

J - 7 SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Maintenance procedures for water and waste system components.

A. Clean Vents and Screens

Instructions for cleaning water tank vents and filter screens.

B. Winterizing the Water System

Steps for draining and winterizing the fresh water system.

Ventilation and Drainage Systems

K - 1 ENGINE COMPARTMENT VENTILATION

Ensuring adequate air circulation in the engine compartment to prevent hazards.

K - 2 CABIN VENTILATION

Methods for ventilating the cabin to prevent CO buildup.

K - 3 HULL DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

How hull drainage systems remove water from the boat.

B. Bilge Pumps

Operation and maintenance of forward and aft bilge pumps.

E. Cockpit Drainage

How the self-bailing cockpit design drains water overboard.

Interior Equipment

L - 1 GALLEY EQUIPMENT

Details on the electric stove, microwave, and refrigerator.

L - 3 ENTERTAINMENT

Information on the stereo system and optional TV/DVD player.

B. TV and DVD Player Option

Details on the optional flat screen TV and DVD player.

L - 4 AIR CONDITIONING OPTION

Operation and maintenance of the air conditioner/heater unit.

Exterior Equipment

M - 1 RAILS & DECK HARDWARE

Maintenance and proper use of exterior rails and deck fittings.

M - 3 COMPANIONWAY DOOR

Operation and cleaning of the companionway door and hatch.

M - 4 WINDOWS

Care and cleaning instructions for windshields and plexiglass windows.

B. Plexiglass

Specific cleaning advice for plexiglass components.

M - 6 SWIM PLATFORM

Information on the integrated swim platform and boarding ladder.

M - 7 HELM SEAT STORAGE

Location and accessibility of storage compartments under the helm seat.

M - 9 BOW PLATFORM

Description of the integrated bow platform for anchoring.

M - 10 WINDLASS OPTION - 278 Vista® ONLY

Details on the optional electric windlass system.

M - 11 RADAR ARCH - 278 Vista® Only

Information on the optional radar arch for navigation equipment.

M - 13 ENGINE HATCH w/ ELECTRIC LIFT

Operation of the electric lift for the engine hatch.

Upholstery

N - 1 INTERIOR SEATING

Details on the dinette table and V-berth seating configurations.

B. V-berth or Forward Cabin

How to access storage below the V-berth cushions.

C. Mid Cabin (Aft Cabin) Berth

Description of sleeping quarters and storage in the mid cabin.

N - 2 EXTERIOR SEATING

Information on adjustable helm seats and stern seating options.

D. Cockpit Table

How to set up and store the aft cockpit table.

E. Deck Sunpads

Details on optional sunpads for foredeck lounging.

N - 3 INTERIOR UPHOLSTERY CARE

Guidelines for cleaning and maintaining interior fabric and upholstery.

A. Cleaning Interior Fabric/Upholstery

Recommendations for cleaning interior fabrics and spot removal.

C. Privacy Curtains

Instructions for removing and cleaning privacy curtains.

N - 4 EXTERIOR UPHOLSTERY CARE

Procedures for cleaning and maintaining exterior vinyl and carpets.

A. Cleaning Vinyl

Specifics on cleaning vinyl upholstery with recommended products.

B. Exterior Carpets

Guidance on cleaning and maintaining removable exterior carpets.

C. Cleaning and Maintenance

General advice for carpet cleaning and stain removal.

N - 5 REPLACEMENT UPHOLSTERY

Information on obtaining replacement upholstery parts.

Weather Covers

O - 1 GENERAL INFORMATION

Overview of weather covers, bimini tops, and camper tops.

O - 2 GENERAL CANVAS INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

Step-by-step instructions for installing and removing canvas covers.

O - 3 TRAILERING

Precautions for trailering the boat with weather covers installed.

O - 4 BIMINI TOP

Information on the standard bimini top and its installation.

O - 5 CAMPER

Instructions for installing the optional camper canvas for full enclosure.

O - 6 COCKPIT COVER

Information on the optional cockpit cover for short-term storage.

O - 7 USE OF WEATHER COVERS AND CARBON MONOXIDE

Safety warning regarding carbon monoxide buildup when using canvas covers.

O - 8 WINTER STORAGE

Guidelines for properly protecting the boat during winter dry dock storage.

O - 9 MAINTENANCE

Maintenance tips for weather covers, including cleaning and winterizing.

Fiberglass and Hull Information

P - 1 HULL DESIGN INFORMATION

Principles behind hull design for strength and weight.

P - 4 FIBERGLASS CARE & MAINTENANCE

Routine maintenance to preserve the gel coat's beauty and finish.

B. Weathering Effects on Gel Coat

Explains common weathering effects like chalking, fading, and blistering.

C. Stains

Methods for removing various types of stains from the boat's exterior.

P - 5 FIBERGLASS REPAIRS

Step-by-step procedures for repairing scratches, gouges, and cracks.

A. Scratches

A basic procedure for repairing minor scratches in the gel coat.

B. Gouges & Cracks

Repair methods for cosmetic damage like gouges and stress cracks.

P - 6 ANTIFOULING PAINT

Information on applying antifouling paint for hull protection.

P - 7 HULL SUPPORT

Importance of proper hull support during lifting or storage.

WOODWORK AND COMPOSITES

Q - 1 HIGH-PRESSURE LAMINATE CARE

Cleaning and maintenance of interior laminate surfaces.

Q - 4 LAMINATED FIBERGLASS

Cleaning and waxing laminated fiberglass components.

Q - 5 WOODGRAIN ENHANCEMENTS

Care instructions for woodgrain trim and steering wheel.

Q - 7 Acrylic Plastic - (Plexiglass)

Proper methods for cleaning acrylic plastic components.

Q - 8 FLEXITEEK

Cleaning instructions for the optional Flexiteek swim platform.

General Maintenance

R - 1 WINTERIZATION

Comprehensive guide to winterizing the boat's systems for storage.

A. Prior to Lifting for Winter Lay-up

Steps to prepare the boat before lifting it for winter storage.

B. After Lifting

Procedures to follow after the boat has been lifted for storage.

R - 2 ENGINE FLUSH OUT

Procedures for flushing the engine cooling system.

R - 3 GENERAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Scheduled maintenance tasks for various boat systems.

Trailer Information

S - 1 GENERAL TRAILER INFORMATION

Basic information on trailer regulations and matching.

A. Regulations

Federal requirements for trailer registration and tire information.

B. Load Carrying Capacity

Understanding the trailer's maximum load capacity and GVWR.

C. Hitches

Guidance on selecting the correct hitch ball size and type.

S - 2 TRAILER COMPONENTS

Description of key trailer components like bunks and tongue.

S - 3 OPERATION

Procedures for hitching and backing the trailer.

A. Hitching Trailer

Step-by-step guide for properly hitching the trailer.

B. Backing Up With Surge Brakes

Guidance on backing up the trailer, especially with surge brakes.

S - 4 TRAILERING

Comprehensive checklist and tactics for safe trailering.

A. Checklist

Essential checks to perform before trailering the boat.

S - 5 MAINTENANCE

Maintenance tips for the trailer's exterior finish and bunks.

A. Care of Exterior Finish

How to clean and maintain the trailer's painted or galvanized finish.

B. Bunks

Instructions for inspecting and replacing bunk boards.

S - 6 AXLE INSPECTION & REPAIRS

Procedures for inspecting and repairing trailer axles and bearings.

A. Removal of Hub

Step-by-step guide for removing the hub to inspect bearings.

B. Bearing/Seal Inspection and Replacement

How to inspect and replace wheel bearings and seals.

C. Hub Reinstallation

Steps for reinstalling the hub and tightening lug nuts.

Pre-Launch and Underway

T - 1 LAUNCH & CRUISE CHECKLIST

A comprehensive checklist for preparing the boat before launch and cruise.

T - 2 FUELING

Safe fueling procedures, recommendations, and post-fueling checks.

T - 3 LOADING PASSENGERS AND GEAR

Guidelines for safely loading passengers and distributing gear.

T - 4 STARTING PROCEDURES

Basic steps for starting the boat's engine.

T - 5 MANEUVERING

Techniques for maneuvering the boat, including leaving the dock and stopping.

A. Leaving the Dock

Procedures for safely departing from the dock.

T - 6 ACCELERATION

Guidance on bringing the boat onto plane safely.

T - 7 TRIMMING YOUR BOAT

How to use trim tabs and power trim for optimal boat attitude.

B. Tilt/Trim Control Switch - Stern Drive Models Only

Explains the function of the tilt/trim control switch.

T - 8 NAVIGATION LIGHTS

Proper use and importance of navigation lights.

T - 9 HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS

How to react to hazardous conditions like storms and fog.

A. Storms

Actions to take when encountering storms while boating.

B. Fog

Guidelines for operating safely in fog conditions.

C. Running Aground

Procedures to follow if the boat runs aground.

D. Warning Markers

Recognizing and understanding navigational warning markers.

E. Collision

Steps to take in case of a collision with another vessel.

F. Fire

Safety procedures and guidelines for dealing with fires on board.

T - 10 REACTING TO EMERGENCIES

Preparing and responding to various emergency situations.

A. Flooding

Actions to take if the boat begins to take on water.

B. Capsizing and Man Overboard

Procedures for dealing with capsizing and man overboard incidents.

T - 11 RETURNING TO SHORE

Guidance on approaching and docking the boat.

A. Docking

Techniques for safe and effective docking procedures.

Glossary

Float Plan

Fuel Log

Service Log

Service Information

258 Vista® Locator Drawing

278 Vista® Locator Drawing

ELECTRICAL SCHEMATICS

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