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Bilges:
Remove the largest cabin sole panel under the dinette table to check the bilges. There is normally a small
amount of water in the bilge. Check for debris, oil, or anything unusual. The Yanmar engine is cooled by a
heat exchanger. The engine pumps sea water through a sea water strainer, then through a heat exchanger
that cools the coolant fluid, thus cooling the engine. The sea water is then pumped overboard.
Belts:
Check the general condition of the belts, hoses, and fuel lines.
Sea Strainer:
The sea water strainer is located aft of the engine through the Port Lazzarette. There is also one on the
starboard side for the generator. They should be checked daily, as it can clog with seaweed and other debris.
To check the strainer, shine a flashlight through the plastic bulb. If debris is visible it will have to be
removed. To clear debris from the strainer, close the thru-hull valve located aft of the strainer. Unscrew the
plastic bulb holding the strainer. Be careful not to lose the rubber O-ring. Rinse the strainer and plastic bulb
and replace them with the O-ring in place. Do not fully tighten initially because the air needs to be removed.
Slowly open the thru-hull valve and allow the air in the plastic bulb to escape. When the air has escaped,
tighten the plastic bulb by hand and observe for leaks. The continued supply of seawater is critical to the
operation of the engine.
Startup
Always leave battery selector switches to the
ON
position. The battery selector switch is located under the
Nav Table.
Place the throttle/shift lever in neutral (straight up and centered). Push the switch to the ON position. You
will hear the audible alarm sound. Turn the key to the start position until engine starts. When starting cold,
allow the engine to warm up at an idle for FIVE MINUTES
prior to applying a load. If load is applied
before the engine warms it may seize. Normal idle speed is 800 to 1000 RPM. Be sure the audible alarm is
not sounding. It should stop when the engine starts.
NOTE:
Do not hold the start button for more that FIVE
SECONDS at a time. If the engine does not start the first time, wait a few seconds before trying again.
Please remember NEVER TURN THE SWITCH OFF WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING! You will do
serious alternator damage. It should always remain on. While the engine is warming, check for water exiting
the exhaust. You may not be able to see the water, but you should be able to hear it exit with the exhaust.
Shifting
To engage the transmission. Push throttle forward for forward propulsion, or back for backward propulsion.
As this is a pivoting move of the saildrive, there is a 1-2 second pause between forward and reverse. Take
your time.