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LA VIDA OPERATING MANUAL
NW Explorations
With the engine at idle and in neutral, remove the transmission dipstick. Wipe it with a towel,
reinsert, and remove to take a reading. If the level is below the add mark, stop the engine, add
a pint of transmission fluid through the plug on top of the transmission case. Start the engine
and measure again. Do not overfill, doing so could cause the seals to blow.
6.2
Engine Controls
The boat is fitted with Hynautic controls with five stations. Controls at each of the five stations
operate together; moving controls at one station moves them all. With five stations, the controls
are a little stiff to operate. Be aware it will take a little oomph to operate the shift and throttle
controls. The two black knob controls are the shift controls, and the two red knob controls are
the throttle controls.
The shift controls should be pointed straight up to be in neutral. There is a neutral detent so you
know when you have shifted into neutral from forward or reverse. Push forward all the way to
shift into forward, and pull back all the way to shift into reverse. It takes two seconds for the
shift to engage. Plan accordingly when maneuvering close quarters.
The throttle control should be pulled back all the way to be in idle. Pushing forward increases
the throttle. Do not shift the engine into gear if the throttle is not in idle position.
6.2.1
Station Transfer
Since the Hynautic system moves all controls together, there is no transfer of station needed. All
stations will have controls in the exact same position.
6.2.2
Synchronizing Engine RPM
The boat allows synchronized RPM from both engines operating from one throttle control. To
do so, switch the ‘
SYNC
’ lever from the middle to starboard position. Now the starboard throttle
control controls the RPM for both engines. Push the port throttle all the way forward so everyone
is aware that the boat is controlled by the starboard throttle.
To go back to independent throttle control, pull the port throttle back to match the starboard
throttle a
nd switch the ‘
SYNC
’ lever back to the middle off position.
6.2.3
Shaft Seals
The two shafts are equipped with packless, self-sealing shaft seals. These multi-seal propeller
shaft seals are dripless, so there is no leaking or spraying of seawater into the bilge. They are
cooled and lubricated by sea water from the main engines.
Note: If an engine fails and you need to operate the boat on one engine, the shaft of the failed
engine must be manually locked or secured to prevent rotation since the shaft seals will not be
getting any cooling water.