Four winns 248 Vista User manual

Preface
Page 1
Vista 248/268 Owners Manual
03/00
This manual will acquaint you with the use and maintenance of your new Four Winns® boat. This manual also
provides special information critical to the safety of the passengers, and longevity of the equipment. The
information on the following page lists the conventions used to increase the visibility of these important mes-
sages. Also included in your owner s packet is the Boating Basics, A Guide to Responsible Boating. This
publication covers all the boating basics and should be read along with your Four Winns® Owner s Manual
before operating your boat. Review this information in detail.
Four Winns® continually strives to improve its products. Unit specifications, including standard and optional
equipment are constantly being modified. Equipment availability is also subject to change. The most current
and accurate information available at the time of publication is included in this manual. Some variation in
equipment, description, location, and details can result.
The information in this manual focuses upon the equipment designed and manufactured by Four Winns® on
specific models. When appropriate, please utilize the information pertinent to your specific boat model.
Equipment such as engines, and other accessories are manufactured by others. The information provided in
this manual is intended to be used in conjunction with the information provided by the manufacturer of this
equipment. All information available at the time of manufacture has been included with your owner s packet.
Read this entire manual carefully before operating your new boat. Many instructions may require direct
performance of the activity to fully understand the correct method. If you choose to read this manual at home,
remember to take it to the boat with you.
Your Four Winns® dealer knows your boat best and is interested in your complete satisfaction. Return to him
for service or other assistance. If you find it necessary to contact Four Winns® directly, please refer to the
address information listed below. Be sure to include the boat model, serial number, your daytime telephone
number, and specifics of the information desired.
This manual has been specifically developed for the 248 and 268 Vista models. Please record the serial
number below.
Serial Number
__________________________
This manual should be considered part of the boat. Should you sell the boat, pass this manual on to the new
owner. Take special care of this manual. Certain information in this manual may not be available in a replace-
ment manual.
Thank you for joining the Four Winns® family. We appreciate your purchase and welcome the opportunity to
demonstrate our commitment to you.
Four Winns® Customer Service Department
925 Frisbie Street
Cadillac, Michigan 49 01
231-775-1343
231-779-2345 (FAX)
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
© Outboard Marine Corporation 2000. All Rights Reserved.
PREFACE

Vista 248/268 Owners Manual
03/00
Preface
Page 2
SAFETY WARNINGS
This manual contains instructions critical to the safety of those aboard or the longevity of the equipment.
Pay close attention to all safety warnings. The following safety warnings and instructions are used
throughout the manual and at selected locations on your boat.
This safety symbol and this signal word indicate an imminently hazardous situation, which if not
avoided, WILL result in death or serious injury.
This safety symbol and this signal word indicate a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, CAN result in severe injury or death.
This safety symbol and this signal word indicate a potentially hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, MAY result in minor or moderate personal injury or property damage. It may also be used
to alert against unsafe practices.
NOTICE
This is used to notify people of installation, operation, or maintenance information which is important
but not hazard-related.
OU are responsible for your own safety, as well as the safety of your passengers and fellow boaters.
ou should fully understand and become familiar with the operating procedures and safety precau-
tions in this manual and any other information in the Owners Packet before you launch the boat.
Always operate your boat with consideration, courtesy, and common sense.
The warnings in this manual do not and can not address every conceivable situation. Always use common
sense!
The following pages illustrate the locations of various warning labels, capacity label and other stickers on
your Four Winns® boat.
248 VISTA SPECIFICATIONS* 268 VISTA SPECIFICATIONS*
LOA (W/ SWIM PLATFORM) 26 2 / 7.98 M 28 2 / 8.59 M
LOA (W/OUT SWIM PLATFORM) 23 10 / 7.25 M 25 8 / 7.63 M
BEAM 8 6 / 2.55 M 8 6 / 2.55 M
BRIDGE CLEARANCE W/OUT ARCH 6 9 / 2.06 M 7.0 / 2.13 M
BRIDGE CLEARANCE W/ ARCH N/A 8 10 / 2.69 M
DEAD RISE 170170
DRAFT - DRIVES DOWN 36 / 91CM 39 / 99CM
FUEL CAPACIT 70 GAL / 265 L 85 GAL / 321 L
POTABLE WATER CAPACIT 20 GAL / 75 L 21 GAL/ 79 L
HOLDING TANK - WASTE 16 GAL / 60 L 21 GAL/ 79 L
WEIGHT 5,620 TO 5,850 LBS 6,240 TO 6,470 LBS
2,550 TO 2,650 KG 2,830 TO 2,930 KG
*Specification measurements are approximations and subject to variance.

Preface
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Vista 248/268 Owners Manual
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NMMA ACHT TAG AND OTHER WARNING LABEL LOCATIONS
The NMMA Certification label and various warning label stickers are placed at different locations on each
model for your safety. Additional warnings for fuel leakage, blower operation, and other important information
will be imprinted or located on the dash. Many of these stickers and labels are not required by the U.S. Coast
Guard but are important to ensure the safe operation of your Four Winns® boat. In addition, the Hull Identifica-
tion Number plate is permanently attached below the deck-hull joint on the starboard aft corner.
NOTICE
Not all of the warning label stickers are depicted in the following pages. Some of these
stickers will be found on appliances i.e. microwave, TV/VCR, generator, shore power cord.
Be sure to read and follow all manufacturers literature and warning label(s) relating to their
product(s).
A. Boarding Ladder Label B. Gate Access Warning label C. Hull Identification Tag
D. ACC Fuse Block Label E. Main Fuse Block Label F. Helm Warning Boarding Ladder
G. NMMA Certification Label H. Microwave Caution Label I. Check List Warning Label
J. Label Emergency Stop Switch
Figure 1: 248/268V WARNING LABEL LOCATIONS

Vista 248/268 Owners Manual
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Preface
Page 4
D
A. 2- ear Owners Stern Drive Protection Label B. Carbon Monoxide Warning Label
C. Oil Discharge Plate D. NMMA Certification Sticker
E. Winning Edge Sticker F. Armor Coat Sticker
G. Sling Label Location
A= 910 A= 101
B=20 B= 26
C=119 C= 126
Ensure slings are in proper location as indicated by the sling label
location. Failure to do so may result in permanent hull structure
damage and will invalidate the hull structure warranty.
Figure 2: 248/268V ADDITIONAL LABEL/STICKER LOCATIONS
DIMENSIONAL DATA
248V 268V
SLING

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Vista 248/268 Owners Manual
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EQUIPMENT
DRAIN PLUG - SECURED?
MOVEABLE SEATS - SECURED?
LIFE JACKET - ONE FOR EACH PERSON?
OTHER EMERGENCY GEAR - ON BOARD?
PROCEDURES
EMERGENCY STOP SWITCH - TETHER
HOOKED UP?
EVERYBODY - SEATED IN BOAT? NEVER ON
SEAT BACKS, RAISED SEATS, OR EDGES OF
BOAT!
OPERATOR S VISION - UNOBSTRUCTED?
WEATHER CONDITIONS - SAFE TO GO OUT?
PASSENGERS - AWARE OF EMERGENC
PROCEDURES?
Figure 3: 248/268V HELM STATION
EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES CHECKLIST LABEL
NMMA CERTIFICATION LABEL
WARNING
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE:
CAPACITY PLATE & EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES CHECKLIST LABEL

Vista 248/268 Owners Manual
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Preface
Page 6
WARNING
CARBON MONOXIDE IS PRODUCED BY ALL
GASOLINE ENGINES AND GENERATOR SETS.
AVOID BRAIN DAMAGE OR DEATH FROM CARBON MONOXIDE.
KEEP COCKPIT AND CABIN AREAS WELL VENTILATED.
AVOID BLOCKAGE OF EXHAUST OUTLETS.
SIGNS IF EXPOSURE INCLUDE NAUSEA, DIZZINESS, AND DROWSINESS.
SEE BOAT OWNERS MANUAL FOR MORE DETAILS.
IF USING A CATALYTIC HEATER, PROVIDE VENTILATION.
DO NOT USE CATALYTIC HEATER WHILE SLEEPING.
CARBON MONOXIDE WARNING LABEL
WARNING
EXHAUST FUMES FROM ENGINES CONTAIN CARBON MONOXIDE.
BOATS WITH CANVAS DEPLOYED ARE MORE LIKELY TO COLLECT
EXHAUST FUMES. AVOID BRAIN DAMAGE OR DEATH FROM CARBON
MONOXIDE. KEEP COCKPIT AND CABIN AREAS WELL VENTILATED.
SIGNS OF EXPOSURE INCLUDE NAUSEA, DIZZINESS, AND DROWSINESS.
SEE BOAT OWNERS MANUAL FOR MORE DETAILS. IF USING A
CATALYTIC HEATER, PROVIDE VENTILATION. DO NOT USE CATALYTIC
HEATER WHILE SLEEPING.
CARBON MONOXIDE CANVAS WARNING LABEL
HELM BOARDING LADDER WARNING LABEL
DANGER
SHUT OFF MOTOR WHEN NEAR
SWIMMERS. SEVERE INJURY OR
DEATH WILL RESULT FROM
CONTACT WITH A ROTATING
PROPELLER.
WARNING
GASOLINE VAPORS CAN EXPLODE RESULTING
IN INJURY OR DEATH. BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
-CHECK ENGINE BILGE COMPARTMENT FOR
GASOLINE OR VAPORS, AND
-OPERATE BLOWER FOR FOUR MINUTES, AND
VERIFY BLOWER OPERATION.
RUN BLOWER WHEN VESSEL IS OPERATING BE-
LOW CRUISING SPEED.
POWERED VENTILATION FOR GAS ENGINES
WARNING
NO VENTILATION IS PROVIDED.
FUEL VAPORS ARE A FIRE AND
EXPLOSION HAZARD. TO AVOID
INJURY OR DEATH, DO NOT STORE
FUEL OR FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS HERE.
NO VENTILATION WARNING LABEL
DANGER
NEVER APPROACH OR USE
LADDER WHEN MOTOR IS
RUNNING. SEVERE INJUR
OR DEATH WILL RESULT
FROM CONTACT WITH
ROTATING PROPELLER.
LADDER WARNING LABEL
WARNING LABELS DESCRIPTIONS

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Page 7
Vista 248/268 Owners Manual
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BOW
Figure 4: LEAKING FUEL WARNING LABEL LOCATION
WARNING
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
FROM FIRE OR EXPLOSION RESULTING
FROM LEAKING FUEL. INSPECT SYSTEM
FOR LEAKS AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR.
TRANSOM DOOR WARNING LABEL
WARNING
PREVENT FALLS OVERBOARD.
CLOSE, LATCH, AND STA
INSIDE GATE(S) WHILE UNDERWA .
WARNING
1) TURNOFF THE BOATS SHORE CONNECTION SWITCH BEFORE
CONNECTING OR DISCONNECTING SHORE CABLE.
2) CONNECT SHORE POWER CABLE AT THE BOAT FIRST.
3) IF POLARITY WARNING INDICATOR IS ACTIVATED, IMMEDIATELY
DISCONNECT CABLE.
4) DISCONNECT SHORE POWER CABLE AT SHORE OUTLET FIRST.
5) CLOSE SHORE POWER INLET COVER TIGHTLY.
TO MINIMIZE SHOCK AND FIRE HAZARDS:
SHORE POWER WARNING
WARNING
DO NOT USE SKI TOW FITTING
FOR LIFTING OR PARASAILING.
FITTING COULD PULL OUT OF
DECK RESULTING IN SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH.
SKI TOW WARNING LABEL
WARNING LABELS DESCRIPTIONS

Vista 248/268 Owners Manual
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Preface
Page 8
WARNING
HIGH VOLTAGE
TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK
TURN OFF AC SUPPLY POWER BEFORE
OPENING PANEL
FIGURE 5: HIGH VOLTAGE WARNING LABEL
DISCHARGE OF OIL PROHIBITED
THE FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT PROHIBITS THE
DISCHARGE OF OIL OR OILY WASTE INTO OR UPON THE NAVI-
GABLE WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES, OR THE WATERS OF THE
CONTIGUOUS ZONE, OR WHICH MAY EFFECT NATURAL RE-
SOURCES BELONGING TO, APPERTAINING TO, OR UNDER THE EX-
CLUSIVE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY OF THE UNITED STATES, IF
SUCH DISCHARGE CAUSES A FILM OR DISCOLORATION OF THE
SURFACE OF THE WATER OR CAUSES A SLUDGE OR EMULSION
BENEATH THE SURFACE OF THE WATER. VIOLATORS ARE SUB-
JECT TO SUBSTANTIAL CIVIL PENALTIES AND/OR CRIMINAL SANC-
TIONS INCLUDING FINES AND IMPRISONMENT.
Figure 6: OIL DISCHARGE PLATE
WARNING LABELS

Page1
TableofContentsVista 248/268 Owner’s Manual
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
OPERATION ............................................................................................................................................. 1
A - 1 GENERAL................................................................................................................... 1
A - 2 COMPONENT SYSTEMS ........................................................................................... 1
A - 3 SAFETY EQUIPMENT ................................................................................................ 1
A - 4 PASSENGER SAFETY ............................................................................................... 1
A- 5 “RULES OF THE ROAD” ............................................................................................. 1
A - 6 LIGHTNING ................................................................................................................. 1
A - 7 DRUGSANDALCOHOL ............................................................................................. 2
A - 8 PRE-CRUISE SYSTEM CHECK .................................................................................. 2
A. Before Starting The Engines ............................................................................. 2
B. After Starting The Engine ................................................................................. 2
A- 9 ENGINE OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES .................................................................... 2
A. Before Starting ................................................................................................. 2
B. Cold Engine Start (Carbureted Engines) ............................................................ 3
C. Warm Engine Starting ....................................................................................... 3
D. Shifting and Control Speed................................................................................ 4
E. Stopping Engine ................................................................................................ 4
A- 10 GROUNDING AND TOWING....................................................................................... 4
A- 11 BOATING EDUCATION ............................................................................................... 5
A. Boating Courses .............................................................................................. 5
B. Boating Manuals or Literature........................................................................... 5
C. Charts and Maps ............................................................................................. 5
SAFETYEQUIPMENT .............................................................................................................................. 1
B - 1 GENERAL.................................................................................................................... 1
A. Required SafetyEquipment .............................................................................. 1
B. PersonalFloatationDevices(PFD’s) .................................................................. 1
C. PFDTypes ......................................................................................................... 1
D. PFDPointers ..................................................................................................... 2
E. EmergencyStop Switch ..................................................................................... 2
F. FireExtinguisher ................................................................................................ 3
G. Fire Extinguisher System................................................................................... 3
H. VisualDistress Signal Devices........................................................................... 3
I. Sound SignalingDevices .................................................................................... 4
J. NavigationLights ................................................................................................ 4
K. Additional RecommendedEquipment ................................................................. 4
B - 2 CARBONMONOXIDE ................................................................................................. 5
A. PropertiesandCharacteristics ofCarbon Monoxide ........................................... 5
B. WhatMakes Carbon Monoxide ......................................................................... 5
C. Howa PersonisAffectedby Carbon Monoxide.................................................. 5
D. EffectsofCarbonMonoxide .............................................................................. 5
E. Symptoms ....................................................................................................... 6
F. Treatment(Evacuate,Ventilate,Investigate,TakeCorrectiveAction) ................... 6
G. Inspection ........................................................................................................ 6
H. Operation ......................................................................................................... 6
I. Boathouses, Sea Walls and Other Boats .......................................................... 7
J. Backdrafting(StationWagonEffect) .................................................................. 7
K. CabinAppliances.............................................................................................. 8
L. AirConditioning ................................................................................................ 8