NW Explorations
ELDEAN OPERATING MANUAL
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3B:Maneuvering Suggestions
3B1: Docking & Undocking
Usually it’s easier to dock bow in. Have your mate
at the side rail opening, ready to step off and secure
the stern line, against which you can pull to swing
the bow in toward the dock. By having your mate
ready to disembark when close to the dock, he/she
will not have to jump to the dock, risking a turned
ankle or falling overboard. It is the skipper’s job to
put the boat next to the dock so the mate needn’t
jump, but merely step off!
Approaching a dock, have fenders out as required and have the bow line already rigged, passed through its hawse pipe,
and draped back on the side of the boat between the stanchions so it can be reached from the dock. Never put
a line from a cleat over a rail: the boat’s weight will bend or break the rail if it pulls against the line! When the mate’s
ashore, the line can be easily reached!
If dock clearance permits, spring the boat forward so that it pulls forward on the stern line. This will bring the stern close
to the dock. Let the bow line out enough so that the boat can rest against the stern and midships fenders.
3B2: Maneuvering in a Harbor
Whenever you are in a harbor, the trim tabs should be fully Bow Up and the Stabilizers should be in the “Standby” mode.
With its twin screws, you’ll do best if you center the rudder and steer with the engines only! The props are so large that
the boat will respond well except in high winds just with use of the propellers in forward and/or reverse. Take your time,
and keep the boat running “dead slow” so that you can plan each approach. You shouldn’t need to use the throttles at
all.
Filling the Fuel Tanks
With the large fuel tanks, you can fuel the boat pretty fast using a standard hose and nozzle (like those on auto gas
pumps). Fuel each tank, taking the hose around the fore-or-aft deck to reach the outside fill pipe (don’t drag the hose
over the decks or teak rails: have someone help you handle it). Fill both the tanks completely but do not spill fuel! You
can control the flow rate by sound, as the fill pipes make the characteristic “getting to the top of the bottle” pitch change
when the fill pipes begin to fill when the tanks themselves are full. (The tank vents will gurgle before the tanks are full, so
when the vents begin gurgling, slow down until you hear the fill pipes’ pitch change.)
You can tell fuel levels in two ways: By the sight gauges in the engine room on each tank (accurate); and by the gauges on
the electronics panel above the galley cabinets and windshield to left of the lower helm.
3B3: Anchoring
Anchoring can be accomplished safely with a minimum of fuss if you are prepared. Or, if you are not ready, it can be
stressful and dangerous for you or the boat.
Before attempting to anchor, the trim tabs should be fully Bow Up and the Stabilizers should be in the “Standby” mode.
Select an anchorage with a soft bottom such as sand, mud, or gravel, if possible. Look at the charts and cruising guides
for tips on good locations. Then, choose the spot in the anchorage where you have room to “swing” on the anchor
without disturbing other boats. Remember, responsibility for leaving room goes to each successive boat to arrive, for the
first boat has priority in the anchorage!
