4
Engine
Surprise has a 42 horsepower Westerbeke diesel engine. The engine stop is located on the port
cockpit coaming, along with tachometer, hour meter, and engine warning lights. There is a
single lever engine throttle control (forward, neutral, reverse) at the starboard helm.
This boat has a definite prop walk to the port in reverse with not much noticeable effect in
forward. When in reverse be careful to keep a firm grip on the wheel. Use only low RPMs.
CRUISE AT 2300 RPM – this will result in 6-6.5 knots.
It is best NOT to exceed 2500 RPM.
Anything beyond 2500rpm will not result in higher speed but will greatly increase fuel and oil
consumption and the wear on the engine.
Starting
Always check the oil and coolant before starting the engine.
Put the key in the key switch and turn it on.
Be sure that the engine battery switch in the aft cabin is turned on.
Make sure the “Kill” handle is pushed in all the way (also be sure that the fuel shut off in
the aft cabinet is pushed all of the way in).
Press the button in the center of the throttle handle to disengage transmission and push
the throttle forward or aft about a quarter of the way.
Hold the pre-heat button in for 30 seconds.
With the pre-heat button held in, press the start button.
Let the engine run for a moment, and then bring the throttle lever back to the idle
position.
Do not operate the starter for more than 10-seconds at a time. If the engine doesn’t
start, wait at least 30-seconds before trying again.
Allow the engine to warm up by idling for approximately 5 minutes before putting under
load.
BE SURE THAT EXHAUST WATER IS BEING EJECTED, shutdown if not.
Normal cruising speed is 2300 rpm.
Shutdown
Move the throttle handle to upward position, neutral.
Allow the engine to cool down for at least a couple minutes. Usually this is the amount
of time it takes to secure your lines and plug into shore power.
Pull out the “kill handle all the way – and wait for the engine to stop.
NEVER turn off the key with the engine running
.
Turn the key off only after the engine has stopped.
