Four winns Vista (1994-2000 models) User manual

Vista Owners Manual
10/93 Preface
Page1
PREFACE
This manual will acquaint you with the use and maintenance of your new Four Winns boat. The manual also
providesspecialinformationcriticaltothesafetyofthepassengers,andlongevityoftheequipment. Theinforma-
tiononthefollowing pageliststhe conventionsusedtoincrease thevisibilityofthese importantmessages. Also
includedwiththismanualisthe“BoatingBasics,AGuidetoResponsibleBoating”. Thispublication covers all the
boating basics and should be read along with the Four Winns manual before operating your boat. Review this
informationindetail.
Four Winns continually strives to improve its products. Unit specifications, including standard and optional
equipmentareconstantlybeingmodified. Equipmentavailabilityisalsosubjecttochange. Themostcurrentand
accurateinformationavailableatthetime ofpublicationisincludedinthis manual. Some variationinequipment,
description, location, and details can result.
Theinformationinthismanualfocusesupon the equipmentdesignedandmanufacturedbyFourWinns on Vista
models. 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
conjunctionwiththeinformationprovidedbythe manufacturers. All informationavailableatthetimeofmanufac-
turehas been included with thismanual.
Readthismanualcarefullybeforeoperatingyournewboat. Manyinstructionsmayrequiredirectperformanceof
theactivitytofully understand thecorrectmethod. Ifyou choosetoreadthis manual athome,rememberto take
it to the boat with you.
YourFour Winns dealer knows yourboat 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 write the office listed
below. Be sure to include the boat model, serial number, your daytime telephone number, and specifics of the
informationdesired.
Thismanual hasbeen specificallydevelopedforthe 238,258 & 278 Vistamodels. Pleaserecord themodel and
serialnumberinformationbelow.
Model Serial Number
________________________ __________________________
This manual should be considered part of the boat. Should you sell the boat, pass this manual on to the new
owner. Takespecialcareofthismanual. Certaininformationinthismanualmaynotbeavailableinareplacement
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 49601
616-775-1343
© Four Winns Boats 1995. All Rights Reserved.

Vista Owners Manual
10/93 Preface
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WARNINGCONVENTIONS
This manual contains instructions critical to the safety of those aboard or the longevity of the equipment.
Theconventions belowhave beenadopted to increase the visibilityof thisinformation throughout the
manual.
This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard which WILL cause SEVERE injury or death if the
warningisignored.
This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard which CAN cause SEVERE injury or death if the
warningisignored.
This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard which WILL or CAN cause MINOR personal injury
orproperty damageif thewarning is ignORED
NOTICE
Thisis used tonotify people of installation, operation, or maintenanceinformation which isimportant
butnothazard-related.

Vista Owners Manual
10/93 Preface
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LABELANDSTICKER LOCATIONS
TheNMMA Capacity label,checklists and various warningstickers are placedat different locations oneach
modelfor yoursafety. Additionalwarnings for fuelleakage, operatingthe blower, 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 Identification Number is molded into the gelcoat below the deck-hull joint in the starboard aft corner.
Below is a list corresponding to the various letters in Figure 1.
A. TransomDoorDangerLabel C. ProcedureChecklist
B. LadderDangerLabel D. EquipmentChecklist
Figure 1: Vista Models
B
A
DC,

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARRANTYANDSERVICE ...................................................................................................................... 1
A - 1 FOURWINNSWARRANTYPOLICY ...................................................................................... 1
A - 2 HULLSTRUCTUREWARRANTY ........................................................................................... 1
A - 3 WARRANTYREGISTRATION ................................................................................................. 1
A - 4 TRANSFEROFWARRANTY ................................................................................................. 1
A - 5 PRE-OWNEDUNITREGISTRATION ...................................................................................... 1
A - 6 INSURANCECOVERAGE ..................................................................................................... 2
A - 7 SERIALNUMBERRECORD .................................................................................................. 2
A - 8 PRE-DELIVERYSERVICE..................................................................................................... 2
A - 9 REPLACEMENTPARTS ........................................................................................................ 2
A - 10 CUSTOMERSATISFACTIONSURVEY................................................................................... 2
A- 11 WINNGEAR .......................................................................................................................... 3
ENGINESANDINSTRUMENTATION......................................................................................................... 1
B - 1 GENERAL.............................................................................................................................. 2
B - 2 ENGINEEXHAUST ................................................................................................................ 2
A. CarbonMonoxide ............................................................................................................. 2
B. CarbonMonoxideMonitor................................................................................................. 3
B - 3 ENGINE&DRIVE SYSTEM ................................................................................................... 3
A. Engine ............................................................................................................................. 3
B. SternDrive ....................................................................................................................... 3
B - 4 ENGINEFLUSHING ............................................................................................................... 4
B - 5 PROPELLERS....................................................................................................................... 4
A. Diameter.......................................................................................................................... 4
B. Pitch................................................................................................................................ 4
C. PropSlip ......................................................................................................................... 4
B - 6 RUNNINGANGLE&POWERTRIM/TILT................................................................................. 5
A. PowerTrim ...................................................................................................................... 5
B. PowerTilt ........................................................................................................................ 6
B - 7 TRIMTABS ............................................................................................................................ 6
A. ControlListing.................................................................................................................. 6
B. InducePlaning&ControlTrimAngle................................................................................. 6
C. TrimTabMaintenance ...................................................................................................... 7
B - 8 ENGINEINSTRUMENTATION ................................................................................................. 7
A. Tachometer...................................................................................................................... 8
B. Speedometer ................................................................................................................... 8
C. TemperatureGauge.......................................................................................................... 8
D. OilPressureGauge ......................................................................................................... 9
E. Voltmeter ......................................................................................................................... 9
F. FuelGauge ...................................................................................................................... 9
G. PowerTrimGauge ........................................................................................................... 9
H. DepthGauge ................................................................................................................... 9
I. GasVaporDetector ......................................................................................................... 9

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J. EngineHourMeter ........................................................................................................... 9
K. Ignition Switch ................................................................................................................. 9
L. Emergency IgnitionShut-Off ............................................................................................. 9
M. Alarm Systems .............................................................................................................. 10
N. InstrumentMaintenance .................................................................................................. 10
CONTROLSYSTEMS ............................................................................................................................... 1
C - 1 GENERAL.............................................................................................................................. 1
C - 2 CONTROLOPERATION ......................................................................................................... 1
A. StandardEngines............................................................................................................. 1
B. Multi-portFuel InjectedEngines(EFI) ............................................................................... 1
C - 3 NEUTRALSAFETYSWITCH.................................................................................................. 1
C - 4 CONTROLSYSTEMMAINTENANCE ..................................................................................... 1
STEERINGSYSTEMS............................................................................................................................... 1
D - 1 GENERAL.............................................................................................................................. 1
A. RotarySteering ................................................................................................................ 1
B. TiltSteering...................................................................................................................... 1
C. PowerSteering................................................................................................................. 1
D - 2 PROPELLERTORQUE .......................................................................................................... 2
D - 3 STEERINGSYSTEMMAINTENANCE.................................................................................... 2
ELECTRICALSYSTEMS........................................................................................................................... 1
E - 1 GENERAL.............................................................................................................................. 1
E - 2 SINGLEBATTERYSYSTEM .................................................................................................. 1
E - 3 SINGLEENGINE - DUALBATTERYSYSTEM........................................................................ 2
A. Installation ....................................................................................................................... 2
B. Operation......................................................................................................................... 2
C. BatteryCharger................................................................................................................ 3
E - 4 DUALENGINE- DUALBATTERYSYSTEM ........................................................................... 3
A. Installation ....................................................................................................................... 3
B. Operation......................................................................................................................... 3
C. BatteryCharger................................................................................................................ 4
E - 5 VOLTMETER ......................................................................................................................... 4
E - 6 12VOLTELECTRICALEQUIPMENT ...................................................................................... 4
A. HelmEquipment .............................................................................................................. 4
B. InstallationofAdditional12 VoltEquipment ....................................................................... 5
C. Interior Equipment ............................................................................................................ 6
E - 7 120(220)VOLTELECTRICALSYSTEM ................................................................................. 6
E - 8 DOCKSIDEOPERATION........................................................................................................ 7
A. ShorePowerConnections ................................................................................................ 7
B. 120VoltAC Equipment .................................................................................................... 7
C. Reverse PolarityIndicator ................................................................................................. 8
D. GroundFaultCurrentInterrupters(GFCI)........................................................................... 9
E - 9 GENERATOROPTION ........................................................................................................... 9
E - 10 ELECTRICALSYSTEMMAINTENANCE................................................................................ 10
A. BatteryMaintenance....................................................................................................... 10
B. ElectricalWiring Maintenance ......................................................................................... 10

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E - 11 STRAYCURRENTCORROSION ........................................................................................... 10
A. General.......................................................................................................................... 10
B. GalvanicCorrosion ........................................................................................................... 11
C. CorrosionPrevention ........................................................................................................ 11
FUELSYSTEMS ....................................................................................................................................... 1
F - 1 GASOLINEFUELSYSTEMS ................................................................................................. 1
A. System Testing ................................................................................................................ 1
B. Fuel Fills ......................................................................................................................... 1
C. Fuel Vents ....................................................................................................................... 1
D. Anti-SyphonValves .......................................................................................................... 2
E. FuelGauge...................................................................................................................... 2
F. FuelSender ..................................................................................................................... 2
G. Fuel Filters ...................................................................................................................... 2
H. GasVaporDetector ......................................................................................................... 2
I. UseandMaintenance ...................................................................................................... 3
F - 2 FUELSTANDARDS................................................................................................................ 3
A. ProblemsWithAlcohol In Gasoline................................................................................... 3
B. Recommendations ........................................................................................................... 3
F - 3 FUELINGINSTRUCTIONS...................................................................................................... 4
WATERAND WASTE SYSTEMS............................................................................................................... 1
G - 1 GENERAL.............................................................................................................................. 1
G - 2 PRESSURIZEDWATERSYSTEM ......................................................................................... 2
A. Priming the System ......................................................................................................... 2
B. SystemOperation............................................................................................................ 2
C. Water Heating Systems ................................................................................................... 2
D. Usingthe Shower............................................................................................................. 3
G - 3 GREYWATER SYSTEM........................................................................................................ 3
G - 4 SHOREWATERCONNECTION ............................................................................................. 4
G - 5 TRANSOMWASHDOWN ...................................................................................................... 4
G - 6 HEADS .................................................................................................................................. 4
A. PortableHead .................................................................................................................. 4
B. PorcelainHead ................................................................................................................ 4
C. OverboardDischarge ........................................................................................................ 5
D. DocksidePumpout .......................................................................................................... 6
G - 7 SYSTEMMAINTENANCE ....................................................................................................... 6
A. Clean Ventsand Screens .................................................................................................. 6
B. Winterizing the Water System........................................................................................... 7
C. Winterizing the Waste System.......................................................................................... 7
VENTILATIONANDDRAINAGESYSTEMS .............................................................................................. 1
H - 1 ENGINECOMPARTMENTVENTILATION ............................................................................... 1
A. GravityVentilation System ............................................................................................... 1
B. ForcedAirVentilation ....................................................................................................... 1
C. Engine Ventilation SystemMaintenance ........................................................................... 1
H - 2 CABINVENTILATION ............................................................................................................. 1

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H - 3 HULLDRAINAGESYSTEMS ................................................................................................. 2
A. TransomDrain ................................................................................................................. 2
B. Bilge Pumps .................................................................................................................... 2
C. LinerDrains ..................................................................................................................... 2
D. BilgeCompartmentDrainage............................................................................................ 2
E. CockpitDrainage ............................................................................................................. 3
H - 4 CARBONMONOXIDE ............................................................................................................ 3
A. DefinitionofCarbonMonoxide .......................................................................................... 3
B. Properties and CharacteristicsofCarbonMonoxide .......................................................... 3
C. WhatMakesCarbonMonoxide ........................................................................................ 3
D. HowaPerson isAffectedbyCarbonMonoxide ................................................................. 3
E. EffectsofCarbonMonoxide.............................................................................................. 4
F. Symptoms ....................................................................................................................... 4
G. Treatment(Evacuate,Ventilate, Investigate,TakeCorrectiveAction) .................................. 4
H. Inspection ........................................................................................................................ 4
I. Operation......................................................................................................................... 4
J. Boathouses, Sea Walls and Other Boats.......................................................................... 5
K. Backdrafting(StationWagonEffect) ................................................................................. 5
L. CabinAppliances ............................................................................................................. 6
M. VentilationofAccomodation Spaces ................................................................................. 6
N. AltitudeandSea Conditions ............................................................................................. 6
O. PortableGeneratorSets................................................................................................... 6
P. Maintenance-EnginePerformance .................................................................................. 6
Q. Maintenance-ExternalConditions ................................................................................... 6
R. CO Detection Systems .................................................................................................... 7
INTERIOREQUIPMENT ............................................................................................................................ 1
I - 1 GALLEYEQUIPMENT.................................................................................................................. 1
A. AlcoholStove ................................................................................................................... 1
B. Alcohol/Electric Stove ...................................................................................................... 1
C. MicrowaveOven ............................................................................................................... 1
D. Ice Box ............................................................................................................................ 1
E. Refrigerator ...................................................................................................................... 1
I - 2 STEREOSYSTEM ....................................................................................................................... 1
I - 3 AIRCONDITIONING ...................................................................................................................... 2
A. General............................................................................................................................ 2
B. Operation......................................................................................................................... 2
C. Maintenance .................................................................................................................... 2
EXTERIORAND SAFETYEQUIPMENT..................................................................................................... 1
J - 1 RAILS &DECK HARDWARE ................................................................................................. 1
J - 2 TRANSOMDOOR.................................................................................................................. 1
J - 3 COMPANIONWAYDOOR ...................................................................................................... 2
J - 4 WINDSHIELDS ...................................................................................................................... 2
A. WindshieldsandCabinWindows...................................................................................... 2
B. Plexiglass........................................................................................................................ 3
J - 5 FOREDECKHATCH ............................................................................................................... 3
J - 6 SWIMPLATFORM ................................................................................................................. 3
J - 7 COCKPITSTORAGE ............................................................................................................. 3

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J - 8 ANCHORSTORAGE&OPTIONS .......................................................................................... 4
A. AnchorStorage ................................................................................................................ 4
B. Bow RollerAssembly ...................................................................................................... 4
C. Windlass ......................................................................................................................... 4
J - 9 NAVIGATIONALEQUIPMENT................................................................................................. 5
A. Compass ......................................................................................................................... 5
B. DepthSounder ................................................................................................................ 5
C. ShiptoShore VHFRadio ................................................................................................. 5
D. NavigationalPackage...................................................................................................... 5
E. RadarArch....................................................................................................................... 5
J - 10 SPOTLIGHT ........................................................................................................................... 5
UPHOLSTERY .......................................................................................................................................... 1
K - 1 INTERIORSEATING ............................................................................................................... 1
A. CabinTables .................................................................................................................... 1
B. V-berthCompartment ....................................................................................................... 1
C. Dinette............................................................................................................................. 1
D. AftCabin ......................................................................................................................... 1
K - 2 EXTERIORSEATING.............................................................................................................. 2
A. CompanionHelmSeat ..................................................................................................... 2
B. Stern Seat ....................................................................................................................... 3
C. CockpitTables ................................................................................................................. 4
K - 3 INTERIORUPHOLSTERYCARE............................................................................................ 4
A. CleaningInteriorFabric..................................................................................................... 4
B. Draperies ......................................................................................................................... 4
K - 4 EXTERIORUPHOLSTERYCARE........................................................................................... 5
K - 5 REPLACEMENTUPHOLSTERY ............................................................................................ 6
K - 6 CARPETCARE ..................................................................................................................... 6
A. InteriorandExteriorCarpet ............................................................................................... 6
B. CleaningandMaintenance ............................................................................................... 6
C. StainRemoval .................................................................................................................. 6
WEATHERCOVERS ................................................................................................................................. 1
L - 1 GENERALINFORMATION ..................................................................................................... 1
A. BiminiTop & Camper ....................................................................................................... 1
B. CockpitCover................................................................................................................... 2
L-2 TRAILERING .......................................................................................................................... 2
L - 3 WINTERSTORAGE ............................................................................................................... 2
L - 4 MAINTENANCE ..................................................................................................................... 2
L - 5 CARBONMONOXIDE ............................................................................................................ 3
FIBERGLASSANDHULLINFORMATION ................................................................................................ 1
M - 1 HULLDESIGNINFORMATION................................................................................................ 1
M - 2 FIBERGLASSCONSTRUCTION ............................................................................................. 1
M - 3 EQUIPMENTINSTALLATION .................................................................................................. 1
M - 4 FIBERGLASSCARE&MAINTENANCE ................................................................................. 2
A. GeneralMaintenance ....................................................................................................... 2
B. WeatheringEffects onGelCoat ....................................................................................... 2
C. Stains .............................................................................................................................. 3

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M - 5 FIBERGLASSREPAIRS ........................................................................................................ 3
A. Scratches ........................................................................................................................ 4
B. Gouges, Cracks, & Blisters.............................................................................................. 4
C. Osmotic Blistering ........................................................................................................... 5
M - 6 ANTI-FOULINGPAINT ............................................................................................................ 5
M - 7 HULLSUPPORT .................................................................................................................... 6
WOODWORKANDCOMPOSITES ........................................................................................................... 1
N - 1 TEAK..................................................................................................................................... 1
N - 2 HIGH-PRESSURELAMINATECARE ..................................................................................... 1
N- 3 ASH....................................................................................................................................... 1
N- 4 BIRCH.................................................................................................................................... 1
N - 5 STARBOARD ........................................................................................................................ 1
N - 6 FOUNTAINHEAD.................................................................................................................... 2
GENERALMAINTENANCE ....................................................................................................................... 1
O - 1 WINTERIZATION .................................................................................................................... 1
A. PriortoLifting for WinterLayup......................................................................................... 1
B. AfterLifting....................................................................................................................... 1
C. Priorto WinterStorage..................................................................................................... 2
O - 2 ENGINEFLUSHOUT ............................................................................................................. 2
O - 3 GENERALMAINTENANCESCHEDULE................................................................................. 3
TRAILERS ................................................................................................................................................ 1
P - 1 GENERALTRAILERINFORMATION ...................................................................................... 1
A. Regulations ...................................................................................................................... 1
B. LoadCarryingCapacity ..................................................................................................... 1
C. Hitches ............................................................................................................................. 1
P - 2 TRAILERCOMPONENTS ....................................................................................................... 2
A. BunkSupports .................................................................................................................. 2
B. Tongue .............................................................................................................................. 2
C. SwivelJack ....................................................................................................................... 2
D. SurgeBrakes.................................................................................................................... 3
E. Winch............................................................................................................................... 4
F. Wheels ............................................................................................................................. 4
G. SpareTireCarrier .............................................................................................................. 5
H. Lights .............................................................................................................................. 5
I. Tie-downs ........................................................................................................................ 5
P - 3 OPERATION .......................................................................................................................... 6
A. HitchingTrailer ................................................................................................................. 6
B. BackingUp....................................................................................................................... 7
P - 4 TRAILERING .......................................................................................................................... 7
A. Checklist ......................................................................................................................... 7
B. Tactics............................................................................................................................. 8
P - 5 MAINTENANCE ..................................................................................................................... 9
A. CareofExteriorFinish..................................................................................................... 9
B. Bunks............................................................................................................................. 9
C. SwivelJack ..................................................................................................................... 9
D. BrakeActuator & CouplingAssembly .............................................................................. 9