Four winns S Series, Owner'S Manual

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Owner’s Manual Page 17 Operation - Section A
A - 1 GENERAL
Before starting the boat, become famil iar with all of
the various systems and related operations. Be sure
all neces sary safety equip ment is onboard. Know the
“Rules of the Road”. Have an experi enced operator
brief you on the general opera tion of your new boat.
Perform a “Pre-Cruise Systems Check”. This manual
is a part of your boat’s equipment. Always keep it on
board.
A - 2 COMPONENT SYS TEMS
Before you can really enjoy your boat, a thorough
understanding of its systems and their operation is
essential. This manual and the associated manu-
facturers information are included in the owner’s
packet. This information is provided to enhance your
knowledge of the boat. Read this information carefully.
After becoming familiar with the boat and its systems,
reread this manual and other material provided in the
owner’s packet. Maintenance and service tips are
included to help keep the boat in like-new condition.
A - 3 SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Besides the equipment installed on the boat by
Four Winns, certain other equipment is re quired for
passenger safety. The “Boating Basics, A Guide to
Responsible Boating”, describes the Federal equip-
ment requirements and is included in the owners’
packet . These Federal requirements may also be
found on the United States Coast Guard’s website:
www.uscgboating.org/safety. Remember that these
laws are for your protection and are minimum require-
ments. Check your local and state regulations, also.
More information on safety equipment is provided
in Section B.
Items like a sea anchor, working anchor, extra dock
lines, flare pistol, a line perma nently secured to your
ring buoy, etc. could at some time save your passen-
gers lives, or save your boat from damage.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers a “Courtesy Examina-
tion.” This inspection will confirm the boat is equipped
with all of the necessary safety equip ment.
Operation
A - 4 PASSENGER SAFETY
You are responsible for the safety of your passen gers
as well as for their behavior while aboard. Make sure:
1. Each passenger is properly instructed in Personal
Flotation Device (PFD) use and keeps one within
reach in case of emergency. All non-swimmers
and children should wear a PFD at all times when
underway.
2. Passengers do not sit on gunwales, open decks,
elevated pedestal seats or on seat backs when
the boat is underway. This could cause them to
be thrown overboard during a sudden maneuver.
3. At least one other person knows how to oper ate
the boat in case of an emergency.
A - 5 “RULES OF THE ROAD”
As in driving an automobile, there are a few rules that
must be known if safe boating operation is to be
maintained. The Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary,
Department of Natural Resources or your local boat
club sponsor courses in boat handling, including
“rules of the road”. Such cours es are strongly recom-
mended. Books on this subject are also available
from local libraries.
A - 6 LIGHTNING
When boating, it is important to be aware of the
weather around you. When the weather changes for
the worse, DO NOT jeopardize your safety by trying
to “ride out the storm”. If possible, return to a safe
harbor and dock your vessel immediately.
If caught in a storm, seek shelter inside the cabin and
wait for the storm to pass. With open bow models,
suntops and campers will provide some protec tion,
but should not be relied on if you are able to return to
shore. Exercise care when high winds are present!
DO NOT swim or dangle legs or arms into the
water during a lightning storm. Stay out of the
water!