Owner’s Notes for
Ardent
March 26
th
, 2021
19
o
A foghorn/hailer is mounted on the forward face of the mast just below the radome.
You can access control functions to sound reduced visibility and other sound signals
required by the navigation rules using the “IC” button on the VHF base & handset.
You may also use this as a hailer/loudspeaker.
Refer to the VHF op manual for specific instructions.
o
SJS Note: To listen to the weather reports (should be done in the morning before you head out
and ½ hour before your final destination), push the “WX” button on the radio. Scan the weather
channels for the one with the best reception before sailing in the morning and prior to anchoring
for the evening. This is generally a light wind region, weather changes can be sudden. Listen for
the “inland waters of western Washington” Both cover the San Juan Islands and the Canadian
Gulf Islands. You will also hear “Strait of Juan de Fuca” (south of the San Juans), “Georgia Strait”
(north), and “Rosario Strait” (runs through the eastern part of the San Juans).
o
SJS Note: You should monitor channel 16 (the hailing and distress channel) during your cruise.
You may save a vessel or a life. You may hail vessels on channel 16, but after establishing
contact on channel 16, ask the skipper of the other boat to switch to working channels 78, 79 or
80. San Juan Sailing monitors channel 80 during office hours (closed Sundays). If you need a
review of VHF radio protocol, you’ll find information located in the onboard Charter Guest
Reference Notebook. (By phone you can reach the San Juan Sailing office at 360-671-4300.
Please refer to the Emergency Contact List in the Charter Guest Reference for additional staff
cell phone numbers and the current maintenance pro contact number.)
o
SJS Note: In case of a distress where you can no longer stand by the radio to pass your mayday,
use the red distress button on the radio. First flip up the cover, then press the button until it
confims that the automatic distress signal is engaged. GPS input is automatically coded into
your signal. The VHF Remote also has a red distress button.
Depth Sounder & Boat Speed (rotolog) Transducer
o
Displayed depth is measured to the transducer which is approximately 5.5’ above the bottom
of the keel. San Juan Sailing uses a ZERO OFFSET for charter vessels.
o
The transducer for depth & speed is located under the cabin sole just inside the forward V-
berth.
o
This transducer provides depth and “boat speed” (speed through the water) input to the
network for all network devices.
o
This data is displayed on the MFDs and on the Triton Instrument Displays.
o
SJS Note: The digital depth sounder may not give accurate readings in deep water. In deeper
water, you will receive many false readings caused by currents, changes in water temperature,
fish, and seaweed. Use the depth sounder as an aid to navigation only in shallow water.
o
SJS Note: IMPORTANT -- The key to avoiding rocks is NOT the depth sounder – but knowing
where you are at all times. Rocks are the greatest navigational and safety hazard in the islands
– but they are all clearly marked on the charts.