Owner’s Manual Page 17Operation - Section A
Lightning will seek a ground when it strikes. Avoid
contact with metal parts such as bow rails, control
handle, or windshield.
NOTICE: Four Winns boats are not equipped
with a lightning protection system.
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.
Acommonandagrantviolationofgoodjudgement
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 penalties may include the termination
of operating 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 experts and
statisticians: DO NOT drink or use drugs when operat-
ing 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.
A - 8 PRE-CRUISE SYSTEM 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.
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 op-
e
ration.Checktheengineanddriveuidlevels.
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 injury
or death. Before starting the engine, check
engine compartment bilge for gasoline 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. Besureyouhavesufcientwaterandother
p
rovisions 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 gauges. Make sure the oil pressure,
water temperature, voltmeter, etc., are reading
normally.
3. Have a safe cruise and enjoy yourself.
A - 9 ENGINE OPERATIONAL
PROCEDURES
Notice: Consult engine manual. Additional engine
information is located in Prelaunch and Underway-
section.
A. Before Starting
1. Check the engine compartment for water, gas,
and/or oil leaks of any kind. Keep the bilge in a
clean condition to prevent blower and bilge pump
damage,andrehazards.
2. Checktheuidlevelsoftheengineoilandpower
steeringsystemdaily.Filloilorsteeringuidas