Four Winds V475, Owner'S Manual

Page: 168 / 189

Owner’s Manual Page 166 Pre-Launch and Underway - Section S
4. If the bow of the other boat penetrated your boat’s
hull, prepare to block the opening once the boats
are separated.
5. Shore up the hole with a spare PFD or bunk
cushion from your boat.
6. While blocking the hole, trim the boat so that the
hole is out of the water.
F. Fire
Most fires are caused by electrical problems or
careless fueling practices. A fire on board your boat is
a serious emergency. You must work quickly to
implement safety procedures. If a fire occurs, immedi-
ately stop the engine.
1. Make sure all persons aboard are wearing their
PFDs.
2. If the fire is small, attempt to put it out with your
fire extinguisher. If the fire is in the engine com-
partment, turn off the bilge blower. Do not open
the engine compartment. This feeds oxygen to the
fire and may cause it to flare up.
3. If the fire gets out of control, execute a distress
signal and call for help if equipped with a ship-to-
shore radio.
4. All persons aboard should jump overboard and
swim a safe distance away from the flames.
IMPORTANT: All persons aboard should know the
location and proper operation of the fire extinguishers.
Guidelines
• Use only approved marine cooking and heating
systems.
• Open flames demand constant attention.
• Keep flammable materials in approved containers
in an overboard vented locker sealed from the
interior of the boat.
• Ensure ventilation systems are unobstructed.
• Remove mooring covers before starting engine.
• Check the bilge for fuel leaks.
• Extinguish smoking materials carefully.
• Use special care with flame or high temperatures
around urethane foam.
• Check cleaning products for flammability.
• Ventilate when cleaning or painting.
• Disconnect electrical system from its power source
before performing maintenance.
• Replace breaker or fuse with same amperage
device.
• Electrical appliances must be within rated amper-
age of boat circuits. Observe the boat carefully
while the electrical system is being energized.
• Allow only a qualified marine electrician to service
the boats electrical system.
G. Medical Emergency
Accidents while boating can and may happen. Be
prepared to handle these emergencies when they
happen. Keeping a first aid kit and dry blankets on
board can assist during these situations. It is also a
good idea to contact your local Red Cross for informa-
tion and training on first aid and CPR.
H. Propulsion Failure
Before you call for help regarding an engine or drive
unit failure, it is a good idea to eliminate the possibility
of simple problems. Turn off the engine and check to
see that (1) there is fuel in the tank; (2) the engine
cooling intakes on the drive are not clogged; (3) props
are clean and free of weeds, netting, etc. ; (4) no
hoses are leaking; (5) there is oil in the engine.
Once you have checked out the possibilities listed
above and find they are not the problem, call for help
giving your position and a detailed description of your
boat.
I. Control Failure
Note: Refer to your engine manual for specific
information regarding control failure. The Emergency
shifting procedure is taken directly from the engine
manual.
In the unlikely event of a shift/throttle failure, observe
the fault displays on the EVS displays. Acknowledge