REDTAIL - Version 2015 - May
Page
7
of
28
Getting Underway
DISCONNECT the shore power cord (see 110-Volt next page). Close the PORTHOLES, WINDOWS, and
FORWARD HATCH. Turn on your VHF and electronics. ASSIGN crew members their various positions. Once
outside the marina, idle the engines while crew brings in fenders and lines. Do not exceed 1,200 RPM until
the engines have fully warmed-up; the temperature gauge should indicate 160-180 on both engines.
Cruising
All close quarters maneuvering may take place from either helm station depending upon your skill,
situation, crew, and communications. Communications is critically important. Nothing bespeaks great
seamanship like a crew quietly and competently maneuvering the boat and handling the lines while
docking. No yelling, shouting, or panic; just calm control.
Personally, I always perform close quarters maneuvering from the Pilothouse helm with the Pilothouse
door open to facilitate communications and allow me quick access to the starboard midship dock lines as
appropriate. I also have the “backup” camera display on the starboard MFD at the pilothouse helm station
– handy if you are backing into the slip.
Engage the GEARSHIFTS. Ensure the throttles are in the ‘idle’ position before engaging the gearshifts to
avoid transmission damage. Cruising speed is a maximum of 2,000 RPMS. If you run at 1,600 RPMS you
will easily cruise at 10 knots and use only 12 gallons of diesel per hour; this is considered efficient cruising
speed. If you travel a bit slower, your fuel efficiency will increase. Your speed will vary depending upon
the weight, load, sea, current, and weather conditions. At these speeds, the TRIM TABS do not have much
effect. If you want to run faster (up to 2000 rpm) the TRIM TABS can be put in the “bow down” position to
provide for a better and more efficient ride (though still consuming more fuel than travelling at lower
rpms).
Docking
During docking, use the Pilothouse helm
for greater visibility to the stern. Have your crew make ready the
lines and fenders in advance and give clear instructions on how you will be docking. Often times your crew
will need to step off from the swim step with the stern line. Another crew member will need to be at the
bow or mid-ships to hand over the next lines.
Rock TRIM TAB switches to the ‘bow up’ position (8 to 10 seconds) to make slow-speed backing and turning
easier. While moving slowly to the dock or mooring location, center the WHEEL (e.g. rudders straight) and
use only the GEARSHIFTS and THROTTLES to maneuver the boat.
A word of experienced advice… Use one of the longer black dock lines amidships. Make it fast to the
boat’s midship cleat. When you come alongside a pier, slip, or dock you can lasso the dock cleat and then
make fast the bitter end to the midship cleat (so you essentially have a loop). Now the helmsperson can
take their time as you have the boat under control. Power forward slowly and the boat will move forward
and sideways towards the dock or you can accomplish the same maneuver in reverse.
There are bow thruster controls in the pilothouse and on the flybridge (new 2015). The new Vetus bow
thruster is meant to augment and help control the bow of the boat. Warning – this is a 57,000lbs boat, the
bow thruster will not have a large effect – do not count on it to move the boat sideways against current or
wind.
