4
BOAT OPERATION
Engine Inspection
Remember your
“WOBBS”
every morning:
W
ater (Coolant),
O
il,
B
ilges (Inspect and Pump-out),
B
elts
and
S
ea Strainer.
Check the level of COOLANT in the expansion tanks located on top, forward of the engines. Check the
level of OIL in each engine by checking your dipsticks, two on each engine. Look at the etch marks on
each dipstick that indicate the proper oil level.
DO NOT OVERFILL OIL!
Only fill if oil levels are
below the ½ way mark. Ask your fleet captain at checkout if you have any questions about the markings
on dipsticks. Please use a paper towel or oil rag, not the dish towels! Check the general condition of the
BELTS, HOSES, and FUEL LINES.
Ensure the valve on each RAW WATER THRU-HULL is in the
‘open’
position (lever in-line with
valve). Observe the glass of each RAW WATER STRAINER for debris. Shining a flashlight thru the
strainer often helps see debris. If necessary, close the seacock, open the strainer cover, clean the strainer,
and reassemble. Remember to reopen the seacock. Confirm water flow from exhaust(s) Check your
generator fluids as well.
Start-Up
Before starting the engines, do your inspection. The engines should be started from the lower helm
station.
Ensure GEARSHIFTS are in ‘neutral’, or the engines cannot be started because of the “neutral lockout”.
THROTTLES should be run up and down and then brought almost back to the idle position. Turn on
“Engine Start” breaker(s) on electrical panel. Insert both keys into the IGNITION SWITCHES or press
“START’ button to engage starter. Normally, plan to start the port engine first.
Turn the key clockwise partially until the ENGINE ALARM sounds and pre-heat the engine (if
applicable). Turn the key fully clockwise to engage the engine. If the starter does not engage when the
key is turned, move the gearshift lever slightly until you find neutral and try again while turning key.
If the engine cranks slowly or fails to turn over, check the condition of the battery on the ELECTRICAL
PANEL. If the battery is low, try the BATTERY PARALLEL SWITCH or turn main power switch to
BOTH. This switch is located port side at the bottom of steps into aft stateroom to connect the other
engine battery. Turn off after using.
In order for the engine gauges to read, both the keys at the lower helm and on the flybridge must be
turned to the “on” position.
Move the THROTTLE to raise the engine speed to 1000 rpm on the TACHOMETER. Warm the engine
for about 5 minutes before engaging transmission. Observe the readings of the gauges. The oil pressure
will register about 40 PSI when the engine is cold. The engine temperature should rise slowly.
