Four winns 278 VISTA User manual

258/278 VISTA OWNERS MANUAL
090-2823
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®
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Dear Four Winns Owner,
On behalf of everyone at Four Winns, congratulations – and thank you for choosing
a Four Winns boat.
Four Winns is committed to customer satisfaction. If you are not completely satised with
any aspect of your boat’s condition upon delivery – or if it does not meet your expectations
at any time during your ownership experience – please contact your Four Winns Dealer or our
customer service department. In the event they are unable to assist you, or if you do not receive
the response you expect, I invite you to contact me directly. Your feedback is invaluable to us
as we strive to become the world’s most customer-focused recreational boat brand.
A thorough review of this Owner’s Manual will help you make the most of your boating
experience. It not only includes information specic to the model you have purchased, but
guidelines for better boating as well. Please take time to familiarize yourself with its contents,
and to read – and reread often – important sections.
Once again, thank you and welcome to the Four Winns family.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Olson
President
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

Table of Contents Owner’s Manual Page 1
PREFACE.........................................................................................................................................................10
SAFETY MESSAGES ......................................................................................................................................11
OPERATION ....................................................................................................................................................18
A - 1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................... 18
A - 2 COMPONENT SYSTEMS ........................................................................................................... 18
A - 3 SAFETY EQUIPMENT ................................................................................................................ 18
A - 4 PASSENGER SAFETY ............................................................................................................... 18
A - 5 RULES OF THE ROAD ............................................................................................................... 18
A - 6 LIGHTNING................................................................................................................................. 18
A - 7 DRUGS AND ALCOHOL............................................................................................................. 19
A - 8 PRE-CRUISE SYSTEM CHECK ................................................................................................. 19
A. Before Starting the Engines................................................................................................... 19
B. After Starting the Engine ....................................................................................................... 19
A - 9 ENGINE OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES .................................................................................. 20
A. Before Starting ...................................................................................................................... 20
B. Cold/Warm Engine Start (EFI)............................................................................................... 20
C. Shifting and Control Speed.................................................................................................... 20
D. Stopping Engine.................................................................................................................... 21
A - 10 GROUNDING AND TOWING ...................................................................................................... 21
A - 11 BOATING EDUCATION .............................................................................................................. 22
A. Boating Courses.................................................................................................................... 22
B. Boating Manuals or Literature .................................................................................................22
C. Charts and Maps.....................................................................................................................22
D. Laws and Regulations.............................................................................................................22
A - 12 BOAT OWNER REGISTRATION ..................................................................................................23
A - 13 ACCIDENT REPORTING............................................................................................................ 23
A - 14 DISCHARGE OF OIL .................................................................................................................. 23
A - 15 DISPOSAL OF PLASTICS & OTHER GARBAGE ....................................................................... 23
A - 16 MARPOL TREATY ...................................................................................................................... 24
BOATING SAFETY ........................................................................................................................................ 25
B - 1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................... 25
A. Required Safety Equipment .................................................................................................. 25
B. Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’s)....................................................................................... 25
C. PFD Types............................................................................................................................ 25
D. PFD Pointers ........................................................................................................................ 26
E. Fire Extinguisher ................................................................................................................... 26
F. Fire Extinguisher System ...................................................................................................... 27
G. Visual Distress Signal Devices .............................................................................................. 27
H. Sound Signaling Devices ...................................................................................................... 27
I. Navigation Lights................................................................................................................... 28
J. Additional Recommended Equipment ................................................................................... 28
B - 2 CARBON MONOXIDE................................................................................................................. 28
A. Properties and Characteristics of Carbon Monoxide.............................................................. 29
B. What Makes Carbon Monoxide ............................................................................................. 29
C. How a Person is Affected by Carbon Monoxide..................................................................... 29
D. Effects of Carbon Monoxide .................................................................................................. 29
E. Symptoms............................................................................................................................. 29
F. Treatment (Evaluate, Ventilate, Evacuate, Investigate, Take Corrective Action).................... 29
G. Inspection.............................................................................................................................. 30
Table of Contents

Owner’s Manual Page 2Table of Contents
H. Operation .............................................................................................................................. 30
I. Boathouses, Sea Walls and Conned Spaces ...................................................................... 30
J. The Effect of Boats Moored Along Side...................................................................................31
K. Backdrafting (Station Wagon Effect)........................................................................................31
L. Accumulation of Exhaust Gases-Swim Platform......................................................................32
M. Dangerous Activity - “Teak Surng”/“Dragging” .......................................................................32
N. Cabin Appliances ....................................................................................................................32
O. Air Conditioning (Applicable Models Only)...............................................................................32
P. Ventilation of Accommodation (Occupied) Spaces..................................................................32
Q. Running of Engines in Idle.......................................................................................................32
R. Altitude and Sea Conditions ....................................................................................................32
S. Portable Generator Sets..........................................................................................................33
T. Maintenance - Engine Performance ........................................................................................33
U. Maintenance - External Conditions..........................................................................................33
V. Maintenance - Exhaust System Integrity .................................................................................33
W. Maintenance - Ventilation Systems ........................................................................................34
X. Maintenance - Bulkhead and Deck Integrity ............................................................................34
Y. Maintenance - Air Conditioning Systems (If Applicable)...........................................................34
Z. Maintenance - Liquid Drains....................................................................................................34
AA. Carbon Monoxide Detection Systems ....................................................................................34
B - 3 SAFE BOATING PRACTICES.......................................................................................................35
A. Drugs and Alcohol...................................................................................................................35
B. Safe Operation........................................................................................................................35
C. Passenger Safety....................................................................................................................35
D. Propeller..................................................................................................................................36
E. First Aid...................................................................................................................................36
F. Operation By Minors ...............................................................................................................36
G. “Rules of the Road” .................................................................................................................36
H. Voluntary Inspections..............................................................................................................36
I. Safe Boating Courses .............................................................................................................36
B - 4 WATER SPORTS..........................................................................................................................37
A. Water Sport Guidelines ...........................................................................................................37
B. Water Skiing/Wakeboarding/Kneeboarding.............................................................................37
BASIC SEAMANSHIP......................................................................................................................................39
C - 1 GENERAL .....................................................................................................................................39
A. Boating Regulations ..................................................................................................................39
B. Rules of Seamanship ................................................................................................................39
C - 2 NAVIGATIONAL AIDS...................................................................................................................41
A. International Association of Lighthouse Authorities System B (IALA-B) .....................................41
B. Lateral Markers .........................................................................................................................41
C. Safe Water Markers ..................................................................................................................41
D. The Uniform State Waterway Marking System ..........................................................................42
E. A Special Sign...........................................................................................................................42
F. Noise.........................................................................................................................................42
G. Anchoring..................................................................................................................................42
C - 3 RECOMMENDED READING ........................................................................................................43
C - 4 CONTACTS...................................................................................................................................43
C - 5 OWNER’S LOGS AND RECORDS ...............................................................................................44
C - 6 NAVIGATIONAL AIDS CHART......................................................................................................44

Table of Contents Owner’s Manual Page 3
WARRANTY AND SERVICE.......................................................................................................................... 45
D - 1 FOUR WINNS WARRANTY POLICY .......................................................................................... 45
D - 2 DECK/HULL STRUCTURE WARRANTY .................................................................................... 45
D - 3 WARRANTY REGISTRATION .................................................................................................... 45
D - 4 TRANSFER OF WARRANTY ..................................................................................................... 45
D - 5 PRE-OWNED UNIT REGISTRATION ......................................................................................... 45
D - 6 INSURANCE COVERAGE .......................................................................................................... 46
D - 7 SERIAL NUMBER RECORD....................................................................................................... 46
D - 8 PRE-DELIVERY SERVICE.......................................................................................................... 46
D - 9 REPLACEMENT PARTS............................................................................................................. 46
D - 10 OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITIES.................................................................................................. 46
D - 11 CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS................................................................................................. 47
D - 12 WINNGEAR................................................................................................................................. 47
NAME/ADDRESS CHANGE FORM ............................................................................................ 49
WARRANTY REGISTRATION TRANSFER REQUEST .............................................................. 51
ENGINES AND INSTRUMENTATION............................................................................................................ 53
E - 1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................... 53
E - 2 ENGINE EXHAUST..................................................................................................................... 53
A Carbon Monoxide.................................................................................................................. 53
B Carbon Monoxide Monitor..................................................................................................... 54
E - 3 ENGINES & Drive System .......................................................................................................... 54
A Engine................................................................................................................................... 54
B. Stern Drive ............................................................................................................................ 55
E - 4 PROPELLERS ............................................................................................................................ 55
A. Diameter ............................................................................................................................... 55
B. Pitch...................................................................................................................................... 55
C. Prop Slip .............................................................................................................................. 55
E - 5 ENGINE COOLING SYSTEMS ................................................................................................... 56
A. Raw Water Cooling ............................................................................................................... 56
B. Fresh Water Cooling ............................................................................................................. 56
E - 6 RUNNING ANGLE & POWER TRIM/TILT ................................................................................... 57
A. Power Trim ........................................................................................................................... 57
B. Power Tilt ............................................................................................................................. 58
E - 7 TRIM TABS ................................................................................................................................ 58
A. Control Listing ....................................................................................................................... 58
B. Induced Planning & Controlling Trim Angle ........................................................................... 58
C. Trim Tab Maintenance ......................................................................................................... 59
E - 8 ENGINE INSTRUMENTATION ................................................................................................... 59
A. Tachometer .......................................................................................................................... 59
B. Speedometer ....................................................................................................................... 60
C. Temperature Gauge ............................................................................................................. 60
D. Oil Pressure Gauge .............................................................................................................. 60
E. Voltmeter - (Included in 4-in-1 Gauge)................................................................................... 61
F. Fuel Gauge - (Included in 4-in-1 Gauge) ............................................................................... 61
G. Power Trim Gauge ............................................................................................................... 61
H. Gas Vapor Detector ............................................................................................................. 61
I. Engine Hour Meter ............................................................................................................... 61
J. Ignition Switch ...................................................................................................................... 61
K. Emergency Stop Switch ....................................................................................................... 61
L. Alarm System ....................................................................................................................... 62
M. Navigational Equipment ....................................................................................................... 62
N. Instrument Maintenance ....................................................................................................... 65

Owner’s Manual Page 4Table of Contents
CONTROL SYSTEMS .................................................................................................................................... 66
F - 1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................... 66
F - 2 CONTROL OPERATION............................................................................................................. 66
A. General ................................................................................................................................. 66
B. Maneuvering of Side-Mount Control ..................................................................................... 66
C. Shifting and Control Speed ................................................................................................... 67
F - 3 NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH........................................................................................................68
F - 4 CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................ 68
STEERING SYSTEMS.................................................................................................................................... 69
G - 1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................... 69
A. Tilt Steering........................................................................................................................... 69
B. Rotary Steering ..................................................................................................................... 69
C. Power Steering ..................................................................................................................... 69
G - 2 PROPELLER TORQUE .............................................................................................................. 70
G - 3 STEERING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE........................................................................................ 70
A. General Maintenance............................................................................................................ 70
B. Rotary System Maintenance ................................................................................................. 70
C. Winter Storage ..................................................................................................................... 71
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ............................................................................................................................... 72
H - 1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................... 72
H - 2 SINGLE ENGINE - DUAL BATTERY SYSTEM ........................................................................... 72
A. Installation............................................................................................................................. 72
B. Operation - Single Engine with Dual Battery System............................................................. 73
H - 3 BATTERY CHARGER ................................................................................................................ 74
H - 4 VOLTMETER ............................................................................................................................. 74
H - 5 12 VOLT ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT ........................................................................................ 74
A. Helm Equipment......................................................................................................................74
B. Installation of Additional 12 Volt Equipment ............................................................................75
C. Interior Equipment ..................................................................................................................75
H - 6 12 VOLT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUTDOWN PROCEDURES................................................ 76
H - 7 120 (220) VOLT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM .................................................................................... 76
H - 8 DOCKSIDE OPERATION ........................................................................................................... 76
A. Shore Power Connections .................................................................................................... 77
B. 120 Volt AC Equipment ........................................................................................................ 77
C. Reverse Polarity Indicator .................................................................................................... 78
D. Ground Fault Current Interrupters (GFCI).............................................................................. 79
H - 9 GENERATOR ............................................................................................................................. 79
H - 10 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE ................................................................................... 79
A. Battery Maintenance ............................................................................................................ 79
B. Electrical Wiring Maintenance .............................................................................................. 80
H - 11 STRAY CURRENT CORROSION ............................................................................................... 80
A. General ................................................................................................................................ 80
B. Galvanic Corrosion ............................................................................................................... 81
C. Corrosion Prevention ............................................................................................................ 81
FUEL SYSTEMS ............................................................................................................................................ 88
I - 1 GASOLINE FUEL SYSTEMS ...................................................................................................... 88
A. System Testing ..................................................................................................................... 88
B. Fuel Fills................................................................................................................................ 88

Table of Contents Owner’s Manual Page 5
C. Anti-Syphon Valves............................................................................................................... 89
D. Fuel Gauge ........................................................................................................................... 89
E. Fuel Senders ........................................................................................................................ 89
F. Fuel Filters ............................................................................................................................ 90
G. Use and Maintenance .......................................................................................................... 90
I - 2 FUEL STANDARDS .................................................................................................................... 90
A. Problems With Alcohol in Gasoline........................................................................................ 91
B. Recommendations ................................................................................................................ 91
I - 3 FUELING INSTRUCTIONS ......................................................................................................... 91
WATER AND WASTE SYSTEMS .................................................................................................................. 93
J - 1 GENERAL ................................................................................................................................... 93
J - 2 PRESSURIZED WATER SYSTEM.............................................................................................. 94
A. Priming the System............................................................................................................... 94
B. System Operation ................................................................................................................. 94
C. Water Heating Systems......................................................................................................... 94
D. Using The Shower ................................................................................................................ 95
J - 3 GREY WATER SYSTEMS .......................................................................................................... 95
J - 4 SHORE WATER CONNECTION ................................................................................................ 95
J - 5 TRANSOM SHOWER ................................................................................................................ 96
J - 6 HEADS ....................................................................................................................................... 96
A. Porcelain Head - Standard ................................................................................................... 96
B. VacuFlush®Sanitation System (Optional).............................................................................. 97
C. Head With Overboard Discharge .......................................................................................... 98
D. Dockside Waste Pump Out ................................................................................................... 98
J - 7 SYSTEM MAINTENANCE........................................................................................................... 99
A. Clean Vents and Screens...................................................................................................... 99
B. Winterizing the Water System ............................................................................................. 100
VENTILATION AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS ............................................................................................... 136
K - 1 ENGINE COMPARTMENT VENTILATION................................................................................ 136
A. Natural Ventilation System .................................................................................................. 136
B. Forced Air Ventilation.......................................................................................................... 136
C. Engine Ventilation System Maintenance ............................................................................. 136
K - 2 CABIN VENTILATION ............................................................................................................... 136
K - 3 HULL DRAINAGE SYSTEM ..................................................................................................... 136
A. Transom Drain ................................................................................................................... 136
B. Bilge Pumps ....................................................................................................................... 137
C. Sump ................................................................................................................................. 137
D. Bilge Compartment Drainage .............................................................................................. 137
E. Cockpit Drainage ................................................................................................................ 137
INTERIOR EQUIPMENT............................................................................................................................... 138
L - 1 GALLEY EQUIPMENT .............................................................................................................. 138
A. Electric Stove ...................................................................................................................... 138
B. Microwave Oven ................................................................................................................. 138
C. Refrigerator ........................................................................................................................ 138
L - 2 REFRESHMENT CENTER........................................................................................................ 139
L - 3 ENTERTAINMENT......................................................................................................................139
A. Stereo System ......................................................................................................................139
B. TV and DVD Player Optional.................................................................................................139

Owner’s Manual Page 6Table of Contents
L - 4 AIR CONDITIONING OPTION.....................................................................................................140
EXTERIOR AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT........................................................................................................148
M - 1 RAILS & DECK HARDWARE .................................................................................................... 148
M - 2 TRANSOM DOOR..................................................................................................................... 148
M - 3 COMPANIONWAY DOOR......................................................................................................... 149
M - 4 WINDOWS ............................................................................................................................... 150
A. Windshield and Cabin Windows ......................................................................................... 150
B. Plexiglass ........................................................................................................................... 150
M - 5 FORDECK HATCHES............................................................................................................... 150
M - 6 SWIM PLATFORM .................................................................................................................... 151
M - 7 HELM SEAT STORAGE............................................................................................................ 151
M - 8 TRANSOM STORAGE LOCKER .............................................................................................. 152
M - 9 BOW PLATFORM .................................................................................................................... 152
M - 10 WINDLASS OPTION - 278 VISTA ONLY .................................................................................. 152
M - 11 RADAR ARCH - 278 VISTA ONLY............................................................................................ 153
M - 12 SPOTLIGHT .............................................................................................................................. 153
M - 13 ENGINE HATCH w/ ELECTRIC LIFT ........................................................................................ 153
UPHOLSTERY ...............................................................................................................................................155
N - 1 INTERIOR SEATING...................................................................................................................155
A. Dinette Table.........................................................................................................................155
B. V-berth or Forward Cabin.................................................................................................... 155
C. Mid Cabin (Aft Cabin) Berth...................................................................................................156
N - 2 EXTERIOR SEATING .................................................................................................................157
A. Helm Seat .............................................................................................................................157
B. U-Shaped Stern Seat - 278 Vista (Standard) & 258 Vista (Optional) .....................................157
C. Mediterranean SunSport Seating - 258 Vista Only ................................................................157
D. Cockpit Table ........................................................................................................................158
E. Deck Sunpads.......................................................................................................................158
N - 3 INTERIOR UPHOLSTERY CARE ...............................................................................................159
A. Cleaning Interior Fabric/Upholstery .......................................................................................159
B. Interior Carpets .....................................................................................................................159
C. Privacy Curtains....................................................................................................................160
N - 4 EXTERIOR UPHOLSTERY CARE ..............................................................................................160
A. Cleaning Vinyl .......................................................................................................................160
B. Exterior Carpets ....................................................................................................................161
C. Cleaning and Maintenance....................................................................................................162
D. Stain Removal Testing ..........................................................................................................162
E. Stain Removal Procedures....................................................................................................162
N - 5 REPLACEMENT UPHOLSTERY ................................................................................................162
WEATHER COVERS......................................................................................................................................163
O - 1 GENERAL INFORMATION .........................................................................................................163
O - 2 GENERAL CANVAS INSTALLATION GUIDELINES ...................................................................163
O - 3 TRAILERING...............................................................................................................................164
O - 4 BIMINI TOP.................................................................................................................................164
O - 5 CAMPER ....................................................................................................................................165
O - 6 COCKPIT COVER.......................................................................................................................167
O - 7 USE OF WEATHER COVERS AND CARBON MONOXIDE .......................................................168
O - 8 WINTER STORAGE....................................................................................................................169

Table of Contents Owner’s Manual Page 7
O - 9 MAINTENANCE ..........................................................................................................................169
FIBERGLASS AND HULL..............................................................................................................................170
P - 1 HULL DESIGN INFORMATION...................................................................................................170
P - 2 FIBERGLASS CONSTRUCTION ................................................................................................170
P - 3 EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION.....................................................................................................170
P - 4 FIBERGLASS CARE & MAINTENANCE .....................................................................................170
A. General Maintenance............................................................................................................170
B. Weathering Effects on Gel Coat............................................................................................171
C. Stains....................................................................................................................................172
P - 5 FIBERGLASS REPAIRS .............................................................................................................172
A. Scratches .............................................................................................................................172
B. Gouges & Cracks..................................................................................................................173
C. Osmotic Blistering ................................................................................................................173
P - 6 ANTI-FOULING PAINT................................................................................................................174
P - 7 HULL SUPPORT.........................................................................................................................174
WOODWORK AND COMPOSITES................................................................................................................176
Q - 1 HIGH-PRESSURE LAMINATE CARE ........................................................................................176
Q - 2 CHERRY .....................................................................................................................................176
Q - 3 STAR BOARD.............................................................................................................................176
Q - 4 LAMINATED FIBERGLASS.........................................................................................................176
Q - 5 WOODGRAIN ENHANCEMENTS...............................................................................................177
Q - 6 FIBERGLASS COUNTERTOP....................................................................................................177
Q - 7 ACRYLIC PLASTIC - (PLEXIGLASS)..........................................................................................177
Q - 8 FLEXITEEK .................................................................................................................................178
GENERAL MAINTENANCE ...........................................................................................................................179
R - 1 WINTERIZATION ........................................................................................................................179
A. Prior to Lifting for Winter Lay up ............................................................................................179
B. After Lifting............................................................................................................................179
C. Prior to Winter Storage..........................................................................................................180
R - 2 ENGINE FLUSH OUT .................................................................................................................180
A. Volvo Penta®Engine Flush Out (Four Winns Installation)......................................................180
B. MerCruiser®Engine Flush Out Option ...................................................................................181
R - 3 GENERAL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ....................................................................................182
TRAILER INFORMATION ..............................................................................................................................185
S - 1 GENERAL TRAILER INFORMATION .........................................................................................185
A. Regulations...........................................................................................................................185
B. Load Carrying Capacity.........................................................................................................185
C. Hitches..................................................................................................................................186
S - 2 TRAILER COMPONENTS...........................................................................................................186
A. Bunk Supports ......................................................................................................................186
B. Tongue..................................................................................................................................186
C. Swivel Jack ...........................................................................................................................188
D. Coupling Assembly ...............................................................................................................189
E. Surge Breaks ........................................................................................................................189
F. Winch....................................................................................................................................190
G. Tires and Wheels ..................................................................................................................190
H. Spare Tire Carrier .................................................................................................................191

Owner’s Manual Page 8Table of Contents
I. Lights ....................................................................................................................................191
J. Tie-downs .............................................................................................................................191
S - 3 OPERATION ...............................................................................................................................192
A. Hitching Trailer......................................................................................................................192
B. Backing up with Surge Breaks...............................................................................................194
S - 4 TRAILERING...............................................................................................................................195
A. Checklist ...............................................................................................................................195
B. Tactics ..................................................................................................................................196
S - 5 MAINTENANCE ..........................................................................................................................196
A. Care of Exterior Finish...........................................................................................................196
B. Bunks....................................................................................................................................196
C. Swivel Jack ...........................................................................................................................197
D. Brake Actuator & Coupling Assembly....................................................................................197
E. Winch....................................................................................................................................197
F. Lights ....................................................................................................................................197
G. Tie-downs .............................................................................................................................197
H. Wheels..................................................................................................................................197
I. Brakes...................................................................................................................................197
J. Bearings................................................................................................................................198
S - 6 AXEL INSPECTION AND REPAIRS ...........................................................................................198
A. Removal of Hub ....................................................................................................................198
B. Hub Reinstallation .................................................................................................................199
PRE-LAUNCH AND UNDERWAY.................................................................................................................200
T - 1 LAUNCH & CRUISE CHECKLIST...............................................................................................200
T - 2 FUELING.....................................................................................................................................201
A. Recommendations ................................................................................................................201
B. Preliminary Guidelines ..........................................................................................................201
C. Pumping Fuel........................................................................................................................201
D. After Fueling..........................................................................................................................201
T - 3 LOADING PASSENGERS & GEAR ............................................................................................202
T - 4 STARTING PROCEDURES ........................................................................................................202
A. Preliminary Checks ...............................................................................................................202
B. Starting..................................................................................................................................202
T - 5 MANEUVERING..........................................................................................................................203
A. Leaving the Dock ..................................................................................................................203
B. Stopping................................................................................................................................203
T - 6 ACCELERATION.........................................................................................................................204
T - 7 TRIMMING YOUR BOAT ............................................................................................................204
A. Trim Tabs .............................................................................................................................204
B. Tilt/Trim Control Switches - Stern Drive Models Only ............................................................205
T - 8 NAVIGATION LIGHTS.................................................................................................................205
T - 9 HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS.......................................................................................................206
A. Storms ..................................................................................................................................206
B. Fog........................................................................................................................................206
C. Running Aground ..................................................................................................................207
B. Warning Markers...................................................................................................................207
T - 10 REACTING TO EMERGENCIES.................................................................................................207
A. Flooding ................................................................................................................................207
B. Capsizing and Man Overboard..............................................................................................207
C. Capsizing ..............................................................................................................................207
D. Man Overboard .....................................................................................................................207
E. Collision ................................................................................................................................208

Table of Contents Owner’s Manual Page 9
F. Fire........................................................................................................................................208
G. Medical Emergency...............................................................................................................209
H. Propulsion Failure .................................................................................................................209
I. Control Failure.......................................................................................................................209
J. Steering Failure.....................................................................................................................209
K. Additional Underway Information...........................................................................................209
T - 11 RETURNING TO SHORE............................................................................................................209
A. Docking.................................................................................................................................209
B. Mooring.................................................................................................................................210
GLOSSARY....................................................................................................................................................211
FLOAT PLAN .................................................................................................................................................218
FUEL LOG......................................................................................................................................................219
SERVICE LOG ...............................................................................................................................................222
SERVICE INFORMATION ..............................................................................................................................225
258 VISTA®LOCATOR DRAWING................................................................................................................226
278 VISTA®LOCATOR DRAWING................................................................................................................227
ELECTRICAL SCHEMATICS.........................................................................................................................228

Owner’s Manual Page 10Preface
Congratulations on your new boat purchase and welcome to our boating family!
We want your boating experience to be the most enjoyable possible. The more you know about your new boat,
the more you’ll enjoy the time you spend aboard. That’s why we prepared this manual. It’s your guide for safe
operation as well as understanding your boat’s system and equipment. It has been written for the beginning
boater but experienced boaters will nd helpful information as well. Be sure to read the contents thoroughly.
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 infor-
mation on the following page lists the graphics used to increase the visibility of these important messages.
Also included in your owner’s packet is the “Boating Basics, A Guide to Responsible Boating”. This guide covers
boating basics and should be read along with your Four Winns Owner’s Manual before operating your boat.
Review this information completely before using your new boat.
Four Winns continually strives to improve its products. Unit specications, including standard and optional
equipment are constantly being modied. Equipment availability is also subject to change without notice.
The most current and accurate information available at the time of publication is included in this manu-
al. Some variation in material, equipment, description, location, and details can result.
The information in this manual focuses upon the equipment designed and manufactured by Four Winns on
specic models. When appropriate, please utilize the information pertinent to your specic 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 manufacturers
of this equipment. All information available at the time of manufacture has been included with your owner’s
packet. In many cases, replacement of manufacturer’s literature may be obtained via their respective websites.
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 committed to your complete satisfaction. Return to the
dealer for service or other assistance. If you nd it necessary to contact Four Winns directly, please refer to
the contact information listed below. Be sure to include the boat model, hull identication number, your daytime
telephone number, and specics of the information desired.
This manual has been specically developed for the 258 and 278 Vista®models. Please record the model and
hull identication number information below.
Model Hull Identication 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. An electronic version of this manual may be viewed on our website at www.fourwinns.com.
Thank you for joining the Four Winns family. We appreciate your purchase and welcome the opportunity to
demonstrate our commitment to you.
Preface
Four Winns Customer Service
Department925
Frisbie Street
Cadillac, Michigan 49601
231 775-1343 (Phone) 231 779-2345 (Fax)
E-Mail Address: [e-mail]
©FOUR WINNS LLC 2006. All Rights Reserved.

Owner’s Manual Page 11Preface
The popularity of boating and other water sports has grown tremendously in the past few years. Because of this,
safety is an important issue for everyone who shares our waterways.
Remember that along with the freedom and exhilaration of boating comes the responsibility that you have for the
safety of your passengers and the other boaters who share the water with you. Throughout this manual, specic
precautions and symbols identify safety-related information. Be sure to pay close attention to them.
IMPORTANT HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR NEW BOAT
NOTICE
Boxes that are gray require your special attention. Notice boxes include helpful boating practices and law
reminders.
This symbol means “pay attention!” Here is important information for your safety. If you don’t follow these
instructions, you can damage your boat, hurt yourself or someone else or, even worse, have a fatal accident.
This symbol and signal word indicate a potentially hazardous situation. If you ignore this safety message,
property damage or minor or moderate personal injury MAY or CAN result.
This symbol and signal word indicate a potential hazard. If you ignore this safety message, serious injury
or death CAN result.
This symbol and signal word indicates an immediate hazard. If you ignore this safety message, serious
personal injury or death WILL result.
The precautions in this manual can not and do not cover every boating situation. If a specic method or
procedure is not recommended, you must make sure that what you do is safe for you and others. Always
use common sense when boating! Remember to make sure that every safe boating excursion is a happy
experience.
We’d also like to remind you to be kind to our environment while you’re boating. Don’t throw garbage and other
refuse overboard. Do your best to keep harmful compounds like gasoline, oil and antifreeze out of the water.
Please see the notications below:
DISCHARGE OF OIL PROHIBITED
THE FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT PROHIBITS THE DISCHARGE OF OIL OR
OILY WASTE INTO OR UPON THE NAVIGABLE WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES, OR THE
WATERS OF THE CONTIGUOUS ZONE, OR WHICH MAY EFFECT NATURAL RESOURCES
BELONGING TO, APPERTAINING TO, OR UNDER THE EXCLUSIVE MANAGEMENT AUTHOR-
ITY 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 SUBJECT TO SUBSTANTIAL CIVIL PENALTIES
AND/OR CRIMINAL SANCTIONS INCLUDING FINES AND IMPRISONMENT.
Oil Discharge Plate - (Specic Models Only - Location Not Shown)
Safety Messages

Owner’s Manual Page 12Preface
Trash Overboard Decal - (Specic Models Only - Location Not Shown)
This manual has been compiled to help you operate your boat with safety and pleasure. It contains the
details of the boat, the equipment supplied or tted, its systems, and information on its operation and
maintenance. Please read it carefully and familiarize yourself with the boat before using it.
If this is your rst boat, or if you are changing to a type of boat you are not familiar with, for your own
comfort and safety, please ensure that you obtain handling and operating experience before “assuming
command” of the boat. Your dealer or national sailing federation or yacht club will be pleased to advise you
of local sea schools and competent instructors.
PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL IN A SECURE PLACE, AND HAND IT OVER TO THE NEW OWNER
WHEN YOU SELL THE BOAT.

Owner’s Manual Page 13Preface
LABEL LOCATIONS
Various warning labels 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 US Coast Guard but are important to ensure the safe operation
of your Four Winns® boat. In addition, the Hull Identication Number plate is permanently attached below the
deck-hull joint on the starboard aft corner.
Below are letters corresponding to the various locations for each item on the drawings. See the following pages
of this section for the actual wording of each of the various warning labels found on your boat.
Figure 1: Warning Labels and Other Label Locations - Reference Only
(Location may vary depending on model)
C
(A) Hull Identication Number Plate
(B) Gasoline Vapor Blower Warning
(C) Helm Boarding Ladder Warning (Imprinted)
(D) Rotating Prop Boarding Ladder
(E) Leaking Fuel
(F) NMMA Yacht Certication Plate
(G) Helm Boarding Ladder Warning
(H) NMMA Certied Sticker
(I) Winning Edge Sticker
(J) CO - Cabin Doors Warning
(K) CO - Transom Warning Label
(L) Prevent Falls Overboard Label
B
AD
EH
G
F
IK
JL

Owner’s Manual Page 14Preface
YACHT CERTIFICATION & WARNING LABELS
Gasoline Vapors -
Blower Warning Label
(applicable models only)
NMMA Yacht Certication Plate
GASOLINE VAPORS CAN EXPLODE
RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
- CHECK ENGINE BILGE COMPART-
MENT FOR GASOLINE OR VAPORS,
AND
- OPERATE BLOWER FOR FOUR
MINUTES, AND VERIFY BLOWER
OPERATION.
RUN BLOWER WHEN VESSEL IS
OPERATING BELOW CRUISING SPEED.
Canadian Conformity Label EU Builders Plate - CE Certication Plate (Export)

Owner’s Manual Page 15Preface
No Ventilation - Do Not Store Fuel Warning Label
Shore Power Inlet Warning Label
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.
Carbon Monoxide - Canvas Warning Label
Carbon Monoxide - Cabin Doors Warning Label
Dockside Air Conditioning Inlet Label
Microwave Caution Label

Owner’s Manual Page 16Preface
Leaking Fuel Warning LabelRotating Propeller - Ladder Warning Label
Gasoline Vapor-Blower Warning Label
CO Swim Platform and
Lounging Area Warning Label Ski Tow Warning Label
No Ventilation - Do Not Store Fuel Warning Label Transom/Side Door Warning Label
Rotating Propeller - Helm Warning Label
CO-CABIN WARNING LABEL
CO - HELM WARNING LABEL