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The MAIN diesel tank fuel fill is located on the starboard side mid ships, aft of the sliding door. It has a twist
off cap marked DIESEL. The AUXILIARY diesel tank, primarily used for the cabin heater and MACE
generator, fuel fill is located on the transom left of the transom gate and also has a twist off cap marked
DIESEL. The vents are just below the fills and must be monitored during the fill process. Transferring fuel
from the AUXILIARY tank to the MAIN tank is done via an electric pump in the aft starboard cockpit locker
but is very tedious. Move the valve selector switch in line with “transfer” and manually activate the pump at
the labeled switch next to the pump.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT FUEL! DIESEL! DIESEL! DIESEL! MAKE SURE IT IS
GOING INTO THE RIGHT DECK FILL!
DOUBLE-CHECK!
Before pumping, have an oil/fuel sorbs handy to soak up spilled fuel. You should have a rough idea of the
number of gallons you will need by the engine hour indicator. Also periodically have someone turn on the
key to watch the fuel gauge.
Place the DIESEL nozzle into the tank opening, pump slowly and evenly, and note the sound of the fuel
flow. Pumping too fast may not allow enough time for air to escape, which may result in spouting from the
tank opening. As the tank fills, the sound will rise in pitch or gurgle. Pay attention to the TANK
OVERFLOW VENT
on the outside of the hull near the tank opening. The sound may indicate that the tank
is nearly full. Top off carefully, and be prepared to catch spilled fuel. Spillage may result in a nasty fine
from law enforcement.
Replace each tank cap.
Caution -- Clean up splatter and spillage immediately for environmental and health
reasons. Wash hands with soap and water thoroughly.
Upon filling the MAIN diesel tank reset the GARMIN screen to the full position as follows:
Home Page > Information > Dashboard gages > Fuel > Menu (top right of screen) > “Fill up all
Tanks”
Note: Unlike automobile fuel gauges, fuel gauges on boats are notoriously inaccurate. Therefore,
whenever the fuel level drops below half full, you should refuel at your next opportunity. NEVER let
the fuel fall below 1/4
th
full or you are in danger of running out of fuel. (Towing, and the cost of a
mechanic to bleed the air from the fuel lines, in an expensive proposition for a charter guest.)
BOAT ELECTRICAL
The electrical system is divided into two distribution systems: 110-volt AC and 12-volt DC
.
The
AC/DC ELECTRICAL PANEL
is located in the aft of the main salon. Most switches on the panel
board are labeled and are self-explanatory, but some circuits are unique. When not connected to shore
power, batteries are providing all power. Therefore, monitor the use of onboard electricity carefully with
your volt meter located on the aft wall of salon, and turn off electrical devices that are not needed.
Most breakers are labeled by colored dots. Green signifies “usually on”. Red is “usually off”. Blue dots are
water pressure or water-related such as pumps. Yellow signifies electronics or items to use cautiously. No
dots are breakers signifying irregular use or use with discretion.