www.iFourWinns.com

After I bought my boat, I contacted Four Winns customer service and asked for a print out that lists all factory installed options. The list does not make any reference to my boat having the optional fire suppression system. The attached picture is of my helm. It shows what appears to me as being part of the suppression system. It "lights up" when the ignition is on and turns off when the ignition is off. The other part of this system (if I had it) should be installed on the bulk head in the engine compartment, just in front of the engine if I'm correct. Or is it installed someplace else? Do I infact have the system and it wasn't listed on the option sheet? Do I have only part of the system? Does FW install this face plate on all boats whether you have the system or not?



I have sent an email twice know to FW customer service with no response as of this morning.

Can anyone shed some light on this for me.

Thanks,
Rod

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2010 278 Vista
5.7 GXi DP

Past:
1999 225 Sundowner
5.7 GSi SX

The engine compartment should look like this if you have it...



My dash looks like this.



You can see the Fireboy display in the middle. I would be suprised if they installed the light on your dash, and not the system.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

It would be on your build sheet if it had it. I do think that Sportboat got their boats from other dealer's inventories... so, it could have been added along the way if there had been a pending sale or something?

Do you have the extinguisher bottle similar to firecadet's picture?

Might have a freebie there! Enjoy it if you have it!

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Well, Not sure if "enjoy it if you have it " is the right way to word it. You would be happy if the system was there in case of an engine fire, but likely not a joyful moment if your engine is ablaze.

It will be very obvious with a look if your have the system.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

FW got back to me and sent a drawing of what I should have. The helm drawing they sent is the same as my helm faceplate with green light. They also sent a picture of the extinguisher bottle in the engine compartment, which I do not have. I replied to FW and asked why I would have only part of the system, to which I have not heard back.

If I have only the faceplate and no bottle, why does the faceplate light indicate the system is charged and ready?

In my engine compartment where the bottle should be located, there is a wiring plug there. I will post some pictures of this location.

cougarcruiser,

I have paperwork indicating SportBoat received my boat directly from the FW factory, so I don't know if someone else (SportBoat, another customer, etc.) had it (partially) installed after the fact.

Rod

_________________

2010 278 Vista
5.7 GXi DP

Past:
1999 225 Sundowner
5.7 GSi SX

FW customer service just got back to me with the following response;

"The dash is a common dash that will have the plate installed but may not have the optional equipment. So if you want to add the option, some items for this may already be in the boat.

Example: we install transducers for depth sounders in all our boats but we do not install the gauge unless the dealer orders the option with the boat."

I will accept this response except for the fact that the faceplate green light gives the impression the boat does in fact have the system, charged and ready. Could give some unsuspecting boat owner maybe with no knowledge and experience, a false sense of security.

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2010 278 Vista
5.7 GXi DP

Past:
1999 225 Sundowner
5.7 GSi SX

Well, here's the thing, if you own a boat then you're obligated (by state and federal laws) to have working fire suppression equipment on board AND you're required to be able to show this upon a safety inspection. Little green light be damned, you're still on the hook to prove that the equipment is present and valid (presumably by date stamp on an inspection ticket).

So the question bounces back, just what's actually in your boat and is it valid?

Which reminds me that I need to pull my tank and have it checked....

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

I guess my point being why install only part of a system and have it appear to be active.

And yes I have the appropriate extinguisher on my boat, a 10BC, which is bigger than actually required. Transport Canada requires a 5BC if the boat has an engine, and a second 5BC if the boat has a fuel burning stove and/or heater. On the suppression sysytem, the FW manual states "While the system ensures excellent overall bilge fire protection, it does not eliminate the USCG requirement for hand‑held fire extinguishers." Not sure if the same applies up here.

Her are the pics of my engine compartment



I suspect the electrical connector in this pic is for the suppression system?

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2010 278 Vista
5.7 GXi DP

Past:
1999 225 Sundowner
5.7 GSi SX

The cross-border issue may also have something to do with it. I've no idea how delivery of these systems is handled. Many things are installed after the fact at the dealer (antenna, nav electronics), perhaps this is one of them?

The good news is it may be just a simple matter of the tank being bolted into place and connected to the existing wiring.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista