Four Winds V475, Owner'S Manual

Page: 23 / 189

Owner’s Manual Page 21 Operation - Section A
E. After Stopping Engines
Ensure the starter key is turned OFF (is in the
“0” position or removed) before main battery
switches are turned OFF. Otherwise the
electrical system could be damaged.
1. Inspect the engines and engine compartment for
any leaks.
2. Switch OFF the main battery switches located at
the at the 12VDC cabin panel if the boat is not to
be used for some time.
A - 10 GROUNDING AND TOWING
If the boat should become disabled, or if
assisting another craft that is dis abled, great
care must be taken. The stress applied to a
boat during towing may be come excessive.
Excessive stress can damage the structure of
the boat and create a safety hazard for those
aboard.
Four Winns
®
boats are not designed nor intended to
be used as a towing vessel. The mooring cleats on
Four Winns
®
boats are not designed or intended to be
used for towing purposes. These cleats are specifi-
cally designed as mooring cleats for secur ing the boat
to a dock, pier, etc. DO NOT use these fittings for
towing or attempting to free a grounded vessel.
Freeing a grounded vessel or towing a boat that is
disabled requires specialized equipment and knowl-
edge. Line failure and structural damage caused
by improper towing have resulted in fatal injuries.
Because of this, Four Winns strongly suggests that
these activities be left to those who have the equip-
ment and knowledge such as the US Coast Guard
or Sea Tow
®
, to safely accomplish the towing task.
Running aground can cause serious dam age
to a boat and associated underwater gear.
If the boat should become ground ed, distribute
personal flotation devices and inspect the boat
for possible damage. Thoroughly inspect the
bilge area for signs of leakage. An experi enced
service facility should check the hull and
under water gear at the first opportunity.
DO NOT continue to use the boat if the
condi tion of the hull or underwater equipment
is ques tionable.
If towing or being towed is absolutely necessary, use
the strongest lines available, and attach them to the
bow eyes or stern eyes only. Have all passengers slip
on life jackets and take a seat in the cabin or other
protected area.
Lines can snap or other hardware can be
loosened or broken while towing. Under certain
conditions, this can cause severe injury or
fatality.
A - 11 BOATING EDUCATION
A. Boating Courses
Boating education classes are offered t hrough out
the country. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
offers free courses on different topics usually during
the off-season. The most popular course is the
“Boating Skills & Seamanship Course,” and informa-
tion can be obtained by calling 1 800-336-BOAT
(2628) or by visiting their website at: www.boatus.com/
courseline.
The United States Power Squadron also offers free
courses ranging from basic seamanship to celestial
navigation. For information, contact your local Power
Squadron, or write: USPS, P.O. Box 30423, Raleigh,
NC 27622 or visit their website at: www.usps.org.
The World Wide Web contains many websites
devoted to boating and boating safety. One such site
is www.discoverboating.com which contains many
informative articles and website links for both the new