Anacortes Yacht Charters AEROKNOT User manual

OPERATIONS MANUAL
AEROKNOT
Welcome aboard!
We are happy that you have chosen Anacortes Yacht Charters (AYC) and
AEROKNOT for your vacation! We are sure you will enjoy your cruising experience
among the beautiful islands of the Pacific Northwest.
This manual will help you become familiar with this vessel. If, after familiarizing
yourself with it, you have any questions about the boat or about places to visit, please
do not hesitate to ask any of the AYC staff.
Remember, AYC vessels are non-smoking boats, and we appreciate you taking care
in having a fun, safe, and memorable time aboard!
Happy cruising!

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Boat Operation
Engine Inspection
Thru-Hull Locations
Startup
Shutdown
Getting Underway
Cruising
Docking
Fueling
Boat Electrical
110-Volt AC Systems (Shore)
Shore Power
Inverter
Generator
12-Volt DC Systems (House)
House Battery Bank & Switch
Battery Parallel Switch
Sanitation Systems
VacuFlush Toilets
Holding Tank
Water Systems
Fresh Water Tanks
Fresh Water Pressure Pump
Hot Water Tank
Showers
Raw Water Wash-Down
Galley
Stove/Oven
Microwave
Refrigerator-Freezer
Ice Maker

Heating Systems
Diesel Heater (DC)
Engine Heat (DC)
Electronics
VHF Radios
Depth Sounders
Radar
Global Positioning System (GPS) / Plotter
Entertainment Systems
AM/FM Radio
CD Player
TV/DVD
Anchoring / Mooring Cans
Anchoring
Mooring Cans
Barbecue
Dinghy & Outboard Motor
Lowering
Operating
Lifting
Towing
Crabbing & Fishing
Other

BOAT OPERATION
Engine Inspection
Remember your “WOBBS” every morning: Water (Coolant), Oil, Bilges (Inspect and Clean Excess), Belts
and Sea Strainers.
Check the level of COOLANT in the expansion tanks. Check the generator fluids as well.
Check the level of OIL in each engine by checking your dipsticks located inboard on each engine. Look at
the etch marks on each dipstick that indicate the proper oil level. DO NOT OVERFILL OIL; proper oil
levels are below the full line (between half and three-quarters of the hash-area)! Only fill if oil levels
are below the ½-way mark. To fill, it will require you to remove the forward floor hatches to access the most
forward valve cover where the filler cap is located. Please use blue shop towels (located in engine room on
the bulkhead) and the yellow funnel!
Check the general condition of the BELTS (new 2021; are covered so look for black dust), 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 (3) SEA/RAW WATER STRAINER for debris. If necessary, close the seacock,
open the strainer cover, clean the strainer, and reassemble. Remember to reopen the seacock.
Thru-Hull Locations
1 –PORT Engine Raw Water Intake
2 - STARBOARD Engine Raw Water Intake
3 –GenSet Raw Water Intake
4 –Black Water Macerator Pump Discharge Overboard
5 –GenSet Wet Exhaust Discharge Overboard

Startup
Before starting the engines, do your inspection. Check that Ignition Power switches, located on the Electrical
Panel, for PORT and STBD are in the ON position. 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 back to the idle position. Both keys
are in the IGNITION SWITCHES. Normally plan to start the starboard engine first; after each engine as
started, check for water flow through the exhaust.
Turn the key partially clockwise until the ENGINE ALARM sounds and pre-heat the engine. 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, located to the right of the helm, to
connect the other engine battery. Turn off after using.
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 at or above 40 PSI. The engine temperature should rise slowly.
Note -- If oil pressure is low, shut down engine, and inspect engine compartment and look for possible cause
(for example, loss of oil). Caution -- If an engine is overheating or there is lack of raw water expelled in the
engine exhaust, stop the engine immediately. Recheck the raw water cooling system to ensure the raw water
thru-hulls are ‘open’ (handle in-line with valve). Next, check the raw water strainer for debris. Remove the
strainer, clean, re-assemble, and reopen the raw water intake valve (seacock). Restart the engine and re-
check water flow from the exhaust. If water is not flowing properly, the RAW WATER PUMP may need to be
serviced. Seek help.
Shutdown
Before shutting down, allow the engines to ‘idle’ for about 5 minutes to cool them gradually and uniformly.
The time engaged in preparing to dock the boat is usually sufficient. Ensure each GEARSHIFT is in the
‘neutral’ position and each THROTTLE is in the ‘idle’ position. Turn off engines using the ignition keys.
Getting Underway
DISCONNECT the shore power cords (see 110-Volt AC Systems, located under “Boat Electrical”). Close
the PORTHOLES, SALON WINDOWS, and FORWARD HATCHES.Turn on the VHF RADIOS and
ELECTRONICS. ASSIGN crew members their various positions. Once outside the marina, idle the engines
while crew brings in and SECURE FENDERS and LINES.
Cruising
All close-quarters maneuvering should always take place at the upper helm. Assure TRIM TABS are in full
up position.

Engage the GEARSHIFTS ~ Ensure the THROTTLES are in the ‘idle’ position before engaging the
gearshifts to avoid transmission damage. Your speed will vary depending upon vessel weight, load and
weather conditions.
CRUISE SPEED / FUEL BURN / RANGE for the Cummins 370hp ~ All figures are approximate:
RPM 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400
Speed (kts)7.0 8.0 10.0 11.0 13.5 14.5 16.5 19.5
Fuel Consumption (gph) 1.65 3.25 4.65 6.60 8.85 9.80 11.65 13.65
Range (nm) 880 540 490 340 300 285 280 275
The TRIM TABS can be effective at bringing the bow to the ideal cruising attitude. Once established at
cruise, make minor adjustments and then watch your speed on the GPS to see if it improves.
DO NOT EXCEED 2400rpm except for very brief intervals. However, as you can see from the above
figures it may be more sensible to operate the vessel at lower cruising speeds (1200-1400rpm for more
economical and quieter cruising).
Note -- Avoid higher engine speeds as it causes higher engine temperature, possible damage, and higher fuel
consumption.
Docking
During docking use the FLYBRIDGE HELM for greater visibility to the stern. Have your crew make ready
the FENDERS and LINES 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-ship to hand-over the next line.
Confirm TRIM TABS are in the full ‘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 the GEARSHIFTS (and THROTTLES only if necessary) to maneuver the boat. A slight
pause passing through neutral keeps wear on the transmissions at a minimum.
This vessel has both BOW and STERN THRUSTERS. To engage, hold both ON SWITCHES down until
light illuminates. Both thrusters can be used simultaneously but should only be used in 3 to 5 second bursts;
otherwise, if used continuously, they will overheat and/or drain their batteries quickly. Remember to turn
thrusters off after use.
Fueling
OPEN FILLER CAP(S) located midship port and starboard with a DECK FITTING KEY which is kept in
the Pilothouse drawer to the right of the helm.
DIESEL! DIESEL! DIESEL! MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT FUEL!
MAKE SURE IT IS GOING INTO THE CORRECT DECK FILL! DOUBLE-CHECK!!
Before pumping, have an oil/fuel sorbs or blue shop towels 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 in combination with the fuel
gauges. Also, periodically have someone turn on the key to watch the fuel gauge as fueling is in progress.

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. Turn on blower before starting engines. Caution -- Clean up splatter and spillage
immediately for environmental and health reasons. Wash hands with soap and water thoroughly.
BOAT ELECTRICAL
The electrical system is divided into two distribution systems: 110-volt AC and 12-volt DC.
The systems are controlled from the AC ELECTRICAL PANEL located in the Pilothouse starboard-side
cabinet; the DC AUXILIARY PANEL is co-located with the AC panel; the BATTERY SWITCHES PANEL
is found in the most aft salon port cabinet. When not connected to shore power, batteries are providing all
power. Therefore, monitor the use of onboard electricity carefully with the volt meter located also on the
AC/DC panel, 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 are
water pressure or water-related, like pumps. Yellow signifies electronics or items to use cautiously. No dots
on a breaker signify irregular use or use with discretion.
110-Volt AC Systems (Shore)
Shore Power supports all AC equipment and receptacles onboard, as well as the battery chargers.
To connect to shore power, plug the 30-amp POWER CORD into the boat (starboard side) and then into the
dock receptacle. Check the power rating/plug size of the nearest dock receptacle (i.e. 50-amp, 30-amp, 20-
amp, or 15-amp). If necessary, add a CORD ADAPTER located in the engine room forward of the port
engine. After plugging the cord into the receptacle, then turn the dock breaker on. If the cords are coming
off the bow, use the Velcro on the cord sleeve to secure them around the bow line.
At the ELECTRICAL PANEL, flip the SHORE CIRCUIT BREAKER on. Check for reverse polarity.
Then turn on appropriate breakers for battery charger, refrigeration, water heater, etc. Watch the volt meter
for load. If the load exceeds voltage, you will pop the breaker. If this occurs, wait to turn on one of your
systems (i.e. water heater) until your use of volts drop.
-If your outlets fail to work, check the GFIs to make sure that they have not been tripped.
-GFI Locations: Pilothouse helm on port side and in each head.
Inverter
The INVERTER provides AC power to the 110-volt receptacle plugs (i.e. the microwave oven) when the
boat is disconnected from shore power. The inverter does not provide power to the water heater or the
battery charger. The INVERTER PANEL is located in the electrical panel cabinet with an
INVERT/CHARGE SWITCH. Make certain that it is on Invert when without dock power. The actual
inverter is located beneath the stairs.

The inverter’s power source is the DC house or inverter batteries located in the starboard lazarette. The
quantity of DC power is limited to the capacity of these batteries. Therefore, running hair dryers, toaster,
coffeepot, etc. will quickly discharge the house batteries. Use these items VERY SPARINGLY! Monitor
your battery usage very carefully!
When connected to shore power, the inverter automatically becomes a battery charger for the 12-volt
HOUSE BATTERIES. Should you detect the inverter failing to charge the house batteries, check the circuit
breaker in the AC Panel and the inverter control panel. Also, there is usually a circuit breaker located on top
of the inverter box.
Generator
To start your GENERATOR, first check that the generator’s fluids are topped off and the raw water intake is
open. The generator controls are located in the electrical panel and on the generator. First pre-heat the
generator for about 20 seconds. Then, while still pre-heating, turn the switch to start. Hold the switch in that
position while the generator catches (about 5-10 seconds); if the generator does not start on the second
attempt, allow the starter to cool for about 1 minute. Water and exhaust will exit under the stern of the boat.
Allow the generator to warm up for 2 minutes. Turn the AC distribution switch to Generator (or ship). Then
turn on AC systems as you would on shore power, one system at a time.
To turn the generator off, first take off the load by turning off AC breakers. Then turn off main AC
distribution switch. Lastly kill the generator by switching generator switch to “off”until it dies.
12-Volt DC Systems (House)
There is one 4-battery battery-bank that supports 12-volt DC power.
The BATTERY SWITCHES PANEL is located in the most aft port salon cabinet. Normally leave the
ENGINE/GENERATOR and HOUSE SWITCHES in the ‘ON’ position. Note -- Do not change the
position of the switches while the engines are running, or the alternator diodes will be damaged. Change
positions with the engines off.
The 12-volt panel shows all the systems supported by the batteries. Primarily you will be turning on the
breakers for your lights, water pressure, electronics, etc. Bilge pumps should always be left on. The
breakers for high draw items should always be turned off after every use.
House Battery Bank & Switch
The HOUSE BATTERY BANK provides power for all DC systems, except the engines and 3 automatic
bilge pumps. When disconnected from shore power, all 12-volt devices drain the house battery. Use devices
as needed. The DC volt meter on the DC panel can be switched between Port, Starboard, and House Battery
Bank to measure charging or resting battery voltages.
When the battery bank is being charged, the voltage will read from about 13.1 volts to 14.4 volts depending
upon state-of-charge of the battery bank. When the battery bank is at rest (that is, not being charged), the
volt meter can give a rough indication of the state-of-charge of the battery bank.
All batteries are charged by the engine ALTERNATORS while underway. The engine/house batteries are
charged by the BATTERY CHARGERS when connected to shore power. Ensure the Battery Charger and
Inverter Circuit Breakers at the electrical panel are ON. The GENERATOR will also charge the batteries.

Voltage (Wet Cell Battery)
Battery State
12.65 volts
100%
12.47 volts
75%
12.25 volts
50%
11.95 volts
25%
11.70 volts
0%
Battery Parallel Switch
Each ENGINE BATTERY is connected to its corresponding engine. However, should one engine battery be
insufficiently charged to start its engine, the other engine battery may be momentarily connected to provide a
boost. Press the BATTERY PARALLEL SWITCH located at the helm. Turn off after engine start-up.
SANITATION SYSTEMS
VacuFlush Toilets
It is important that every member of your party be informed on the proper use of the marine toilets. The
valves, openings, and pumps are small and could clog easily. If the toilet clogs, it is YOUR
RESPONSIBILITY! Always flush the head for children so that you can make sure that nothing foreign is
being flushed.
The ONLY things that should get flushed are #1, #2, and marine-grade toilet paper provided by AYC!
Caution –Never put household toilet paper, Kleenex, tampons, sanitary napkins, paper towels, or food into
the toilets. ☺ Use only the special dissolving marine toilet paper provided by AYC.
Breakers for toilets are located on the DC electrical panel. In addition, the Guest Head toilet also has a
rocker switch labeled “Flush”that must be in the on position.
To use the toilet for #1, after use simply depress the foot pedal down for 3 seconds and release. To use the
toilet for #2, first add a slight amount of additional water by lifting up with your foot underneath the foot
pedal briefly and release. Afterwards, flush. Best practice is to release the pedal after 3 seconds but if this
does not evacuate the bowl, after pressure builds (listen for the pressure pump to shut off), flush again for
another 3 seconds.
When you need to CLEAN the toilets, first shut off the water pressure switch located on the electrical panel.
Once cleaned, turn the water pressure switch back on.
Holding Tank
The sanitation HOLDING TANK holds approximately 48 gallons. Be aware of the rate of waste production
(about 1 gallon per flush). With an overfilled tank, it is possible to break a hose, clog a vent, or burst the
tank. The result will be an indescribable catastrophe and an EXPENSIVE FIX to you. EMPTY the tank
EVERY OTHER DAY to avoid this problem.
The HOLDING TANK is located outboard of the starboard engine. You can do a visual check with a
flashlight or the “watermelon” test by thumping it. There is a tank watch gauge located on the electrical

panel (be sure to turn the breaker on to read the gauge), but do not rely on this alone as the sending unit can
get clogged. T1 and T2 are the water tank levels; T3 is the holding tank level.
The holding tank is emptied in one of two ways:
1 - At a Marine Pump-Out Station, remove the WASTE CAP located starboard and open with a deck key.
(The cap is not attached for sanitary reasons so be careful to not drop it overboard!) Insert the pump-out
nozzle into the waste opening. Double-check your deck fitting! Turn on pump and open valve located on
handle. When pumping is finished, close lever on handle and turn off pump. Remove from deck fitting.
If there is a fresh water hose on the dock, RINSE the tank by adding 2 minutes of fresh water into tank. Then
re-pump to leave the tank rinsed. This also eliminates head odors.
2 - The tank’s contents can be discharged with the MACERATOR only in certain waters. Be sure to know
the rules!
To operate the macerator, open the thru-hull. Turn the macerator switch “on”on the DC electrical panel.
Listen to the macerator’s sound. When the pitch becomes higher, the tank is empty. It should only take a
few minutes to empty the tank.
WATER SYSTEMS
Fresh Water Tanks
The FRESH WATER TANKS hold 110 gallons. Observe the water level by reading the gauges on the
electrical panel (T1and T2). Gray water from the sinks and showers drain overboard through various thru-
hulls, usually located near the using unit.
To refill the tanks, remove the WATER CAPS located on the bow’s port side. Avoid flushing debris from
the deck into the tank opening. DO NOT fill water and diesel at the same time!
Fresh Water Pressure Pump
The FRESH WATER PRESSURE PUMP is located under the companionway stairs. Activate pump at the
DC panel by turning on the breaker. If the water pump continues to run, you are either out of water or might
have an air lock and need to bleed the system by opening up a faucet. If you run out of water, SHUT OFF
THE HOT WATER HEATER on the AC panel. Serious damage can occur!
Hot Water Tank
The HOT WATER TANK/HEATER has a 20-gallon capacity tank and is available when connected to shore
power or via a heat exchanger while underway. To use on shore power, flip on the water heater circuit
breaker on the AC electrical panel. Do not use the water heater if the water tank level is very low. The water
heater is located forward starboard side under the companionway stairs.