BENETEAU OCEANIS 55 User manual

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OCEANIS 55
OWNER'S MANUAL

3
CONTENTS
5.......................................................................................................Introduction
9...................................................................................... General specifications
13..............................................................Design categories and displacement
17....................................................................................Stability and buoyancy
21...............................................................................................Manoeuvrability
23............................................................................................ Rigging and sails
41..............................................................................................................Safety
55...................................Information relating to fire risks and risks of explosion
61.............................................................................................Electrical system
89.................................................Liquefied Petroleum Gas(LPG)system (LPG)
95.......................................................................................Domestic appliances
105................................................................................ Audio-visual equipment
109...........................................................................................Onboard comfort
131..............................................................................................Water systems
165...........................................................................................................Engine
197............................................................................................Steering system
207..................................................................................................Deck fittings
223....................................................................................................Hull fittings
229....................................................................................... Handling, transport
237..................................................................................................Environment
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4
5
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7
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9
10
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15
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome
You have just taken delivery of your new BENETEAU boat and we thank you for the confidence you have shown us in
ordering a vessel of our brand. The whole BENETEAU team welcomes you aboard.
A BENETEAU is made to last, in order to bring you all the pleasure you expect from a vessel over a period of many years.
Each boat is subject to the utmost attention to detail from the design stage right through to launching.
This manual is meant to help you to enjoy your boat comfortably and safely. It includes the boat specifications, the
equipment provided or installed, the systems and tips on her operation and maintenance. Some of the equipment
described in this manual may be optional.
Your BENETEAU dealer will be able to help and advise you in the use and maintenance of your boat.
The initial commissioning of your boat will require a lot of skill and care. The proper working of all your boat's equipment
is the result of the quality of the commissioning operations. This is why the initial launch must be overseen by your dealer.
Read this Owner's Manual carefully and take the time to get to know your boat before you use it.
The better you know your vessel the more pleasure you will get from being at the helm.
Keep this manual somewhere safe and should you sell your boat, hand it to the new owner.
You are advised to keep any user's guides supplied by the manufacturers of any equipment for your boat
(accessories...),together with your manual.
For all the equipment on your boat,please
read the instruction manuals provided by the
manufacturer.

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This manual has been produced to help you enjoy using your boat in all safety. It contains the details of the boat and of all the equipment provided and installed on your
boat, as well as the instructions for their use. Read it carefully and really get to know your boat before using it.
This owner's manual is not in any way a navigation or mariner's training manual. If this is your first boat or if you have changed to a type of boat with which you are not
familiar, make sure that you learn how to use it and manoeuvre it safely and with ease, before taking the helm alone. Your dealer, or national sailing or motorboat association,
or your yacht club will be very happy to tell you about the navigation schools or qualified instructors in your area.
Make sure that the wind and sea conditions forecast are appropriate forthe design category of your boat and that you and yourcrew are capable of manoeuvering the boat
in these conditions.
Even with a well-adapted boat, the wind and sea conditions which correspond to the design categories A,B and C range from storm force winds for category A to severe
storm conditions at the upper end of category C and would put the boat at risk from massive waves and extreme gusts. These are dangerous conditions in which only an
experienced, fit and well-trained crew, manoeuvering a well-maintained boat, could navigate sufficiently well.
This owner's manual is not intended as a detailed maintenance or repairs manual. Should any problems arise please contact your dealer. If a maintenance manual is
provided, please use it.
Always use the services of an experienced professional for the maintenance of your boat, for fitting accessories and for any modifications. Any alterations which may affect
the safety specifications of the boat must be assessed, carried out and recorded by persons qualified to do so. The boat manufacturer cannot be held responsible for any
modifications not approved by them.
Some countries require you to hold a Certificate of Competency or other qualifications, or other specific regulations may be in force.
Always maintain your boat well and make note of any deterioration due to wear and tear or to heavy or inappropriate use.
Any boat – no matter how well-built– could suffer serious damage if used recklessly. This is not compatible with safe navigation. Always adjust the speed and heading of
your boat according to the sea conditions.
If your boat is equipped with a life-raft, read the instruction manual carefully. The crew must have available onboard all the safety gear (lifejackets, harnesses etc)
appropriate for the type of boat and for the weather conditions etc.. In some countries it is mandatory to have this safety equipment onboard. The crew must be fully familiarised
with the useofthe safetygearand withemergency manoeuvres (ManOverboardprocedures,towinganothervesseletc).Sailingschoolsandclubsregularlyruntrainingsessions
for these.
It is advised that, when on deck, everyone should wear the appropriate buoyancy aids (lifejackets, personal buoyancy aids) Be advised that in some countries, it is
mandatory to wear a buoyancy aid which meets the national regulations at all times.

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Notes on reading this manual
The various symbols used throughout the manual for crucial safety information are as follows:
- While some of the information and illustrations in this manual may show details which are slightly different from those found on your boat, the key information remains the
same. Future versions of this manual will show any possible modifications as required.
- Due to the constant desire to improve the products, SPBI S.A. reserves the right to make any changes considered necessary to the design or to the equipment.
That is the reason why the specifications and information given are not contractual, they may be modified without prior notice or up dates.
- This owner's manual complies with the European Directive 94/25/CE of the 16 June 1994 amended by the European Directive 2003/44/CE of the 16 June 2003;
and with the standard NF EN ISO 10240 of February 2005 .
- This owner's manual is written in several languages. French is the authentic reference language.
- This owner's manual was written and made up into pages by SPBI S.A.. Any reproduction of this manual, direct or indirect, provisional or permanent, by whatever means this
may be, whether in whole or in part, and any modification of this manual by a third party for commercial reasons, are forbidden.
DANGER
Indicates the existence of a serious inherent danger with a high risk of death or serious injury if the appropriate precautions are not taken.
WARNING
Indicates the existence of a danger which could lead to injury or death if the appropriate precautions are not taken.
WARNING
Indicates either a reminder of safety procedures or alerts you to dangerous manoeuvres or operations, which could result in injuries to those onboard orin damage to the boat
or to components of it, or to the environment.
ADVICE-RECOMMENDATION
Indicates a recommendation or advice for carrying out manoeuvres appropriate for the planned manoeuvres.

9
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Construction..................................................................................... 10
General dimensions......................................................................... 10
Engine................................................................................................ 10
Electricity .......................................................................................... 10
Capacities.......................................................................................... 11
Sails................................................................................................... 11
1

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1.1 CONSTRUCTION
Model......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................OCEANIS 55
Architect / Interior design......................................................................................................................................................................................Berret Raccoupeau / Nauta design
Builder..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................SPBI S.A
Principal means of propulsion...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................Sail
Hull and deck construction material ..........................................................................................................................................Laminated sandwich glass / Polyester / Balsa wood
Application.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................infusion
1.2 GENERAL DIMENSIONS
L.O.A (Lmax)*..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................16,78 m
(Including removable parts that can be dismantled (bow roller, pulpit, bowsprit), without affecting the structure of the boat)
Hull length (Lh)*..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................15,99 m
(Excluding: removable parts that can be dismantled, without affecting the structure of the boat)
Overall width (Bmax)*........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4,96 m
(Including: removable parts that can be dismantled, without affecting the structure of the boat)
Beam(Bh)*........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4,96 m
(Excluding: removable parts that can be dismantled, without affecting the structure of the boat)
Air draught - Empty vessel: – Classical mast / Roller furling mast.................................................................................................................................................................23,95 m
Draught - Boat fully laden: Deep draught version (Deep draught keel)............................................................................................................................................................2,30 m
Draught - Boat fully laden: Shallow draught version (Shallow draught keel)....................................................................................................................................................1,91 m
Draught - Boat fully laden: Very shallow draught keel version (Short draught keel)........................................................................................................................................1,56 m
Wetted surface area...................................................................................................................................................................................................................Approximately 55 m²
1.3 ENGINE
Nominal maximum propulsion power (at the propeller output).......................................................................................................................................................................58,8 Kw
Maximum recommended engine size...............................................................................................................................................................................................................269 kg
1.4 ELECTRICITY
Circuit type: Direct current DC...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................12V
Circuit type: Alternating current AC.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................220V
Circuit type: AC (US version) ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................110V
General specifications

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1.5 CAPACITIES
Total mass of the liquid content of fixed tanks when they are full.................................................................................................................................................................1 688 kg
Fuel capacity: Tank 1 (*) .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................200 l
Fuel capacity: Tank 2 (*) .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................200 l
Fuel capacity: Extra tank.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................200 l
Fresh water capacity: Tank 1 (*) .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................330 l
Fresh water capacity: Tank 2 (*) ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 324 l
Fresh water capacity: Extra tank.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................324 l
Black water capacity (WC): in each bathroom ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 80 l
Black water capacity (WC): Skipper's cabin..........................................................................................................................................................................................................50 l
It may not be possible to use these capacities fully depending on the trim and load of the boat. It is recommended to keep a reserve of 20% in the fuel tanks.
(*): Refer to the corresponding chapter to locate the position of the tank (relationship between the tank number and its position on board).
1.6 SAILS
I ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................20,93 m
J........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................6,60 m
P.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................19,85 m
E.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................5,90 m
Mainsail (classic) - standard...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................67 m²
Mainsail (classic) - hydranet...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................67 m²
Furling mainsail..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................53 m²
Laminated genoa mylar / taffetas.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................66 m²
Genoa - hydranet ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................66m²
Genoa - standard ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................66m²
Jib.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................53 m²
Staysail...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................35 m²
Asymmetrical spinnaker ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................200 m²
Code O.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................116 m²
Planned sail area.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................135,50 m²
General specifications
1

13
DESIGN CATEGORIES AND DISPLACEMENT
Boats n°1 to n°4................................................................................ 14
Boats from the hull N°5.................................................................... 15
Design categories............................................................................. 16
2

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- Some of the data is shown on the manufacturer's plate fixed to the boat. The explanation of the data is given in the appropriate chapters of this manual.
- The recommended maximum load includes the weight of all the people onboard, of provisions, personal belongings, of all equipment not included in the weight of the boat in
ballast, of the cargo (if relevant) and of all liquids contained in fixed tanks when full (fuel, water, grey water, black water).
- The maximum recommended weight shown on the manufacturer's plate does not include the weight contained in the fixed tanks of liquid when full (fuel, water, grey water,
black water).
2.1 BOATS N°1 TO N°4
2.1.1 Deep draught version (Deep draught keel)
2.1.2 Shallow draught version (Shallow draught keel)
Design category ABCD
Maximum number of people to be allowed onboard 12 14 16 16
Light displacement (kg) 17 030
Recommended maximum load (kg) 5500
Displacement with maximum load (kg) 22 530
Design category ABCD
Maximum number of people to be allowed onboard 12 14 16 16
Light displacement (kg) 17 612
Recommended maximum load (kg) 5500
Displacement with maximum load (kg) 23 112
Design categories and displacement

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2.2 BOATS FROM THE HULL N°5
2.2.1 Deep draught version (Deep draught keel)
2.2.2 Shallow draught version (Shallow draught keel)
2.2.3 Very shallow draught keel version (Short draught keel)
If some of those onboard are children, the total number of people allowed onboard may be increased, provided that:
- The total weight of the children does not exceed 37,5 kg;
and that
- the total weight of all allowed onboard (based on about 75 kg per adult) is not exceeded.
Design category ABCD
Maximum number of people to be allowed onboard 12 14 16 16
Light displacement 16 803 kg
Recommended maximum load 5 500 kg
Displacement with maximum load 22 303 kg
Design category ABCD
Maximum number of people to be allowed onboard 12 14 16 16
Light displacement 17 133 kg
Recommended maximum load 5 500 kg
Displacement with maximum load 22 633 kg
Design category ABCD
Maximum number of people to be allowed onboard 12 14 16 16
Light displacement 17 428 kg
Recommended maximum load 5 500 kg
Displacement with maximum load 22 928 kg
- Do not exceed the recommended maximum
number of people onboard. However many
people are onboard, the total, combined load of
people and any gear or equipment must never
exceed the recommended maximum load.
- Always use the seats or seating areas
provided.
- When loading the boat, never exceed the
recommended maximum load. Always load the
boatwithcareanddistributetheloads in orderto
maintain the theoretical trim (more or less
horizontal).
- Avoid placing heavy loads high up in the
boat.
Design categories and displacement
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2.3 DESIGN CATEGORIES
Category A: At high sea
The boat is designed to sail in winds that may exceed Beaufort force 8 and in waves of a significant height of 4 metres and more.
This craft is largely self-sufficient. Abnormal conditions such as hurricanes are excluded.
Such conditions may be encountered on extended voyages, for example across oceans, or inshore when unsheltered from the wind andwaves for several hundred nautical miles.
Category B: In open sea
The boat is designed to sail in winds not exceeding Beaufort force 8 and in corresponding seas (waves of a significant height of less than or equal to 4 metres).
Such conditions may be encountered on offshore voyages of sufficient length, or on coastal waters when unsheltered from the wind and waves for several dozens of nautical
miles.
These conditions may also be experienced on inland seas of sufficient size for the wave height to be generated.
Category C: Near to the coast
The boat is designed to sail in winds not exceeding Beaufort force 6 and in corresponding seas (waves of a significant height of less than or equal to 2 metres). You may meet
with such conditions in exposed inland waters, in estuaries and in coastal waters with moderate weather conditions.
Category D: In sheltered waters
The boat is designed to sail in winds that may exceed Beaufort force 4 and in waves of a significant height of 0,5 metres and more.
Such conditions may be encountered in sheltered inland waters, and in coastal waters in fine weather.
NOTE:
- The significant wave height is the mean height of the highest one-third of the waves, which approximately corresponds to the wave height estimated by an experienced
observer. Some waves will be double this height.
- The creation of different design categories results from the need to distinguish between different levels of risk according to the construction of the boats.
"The parameters for the characteristicsare established to define the conditions of navigationwhich each category may encounter;they serve purely to evaluate the boat designs
and are not to be used to limit the geographical areas in which these boats may operate".
- One boat may be classed in several design categories at the same time, each with their different maximum capabilities.
Design categories and displacement

17
STABILITY AND BUOYANCY
Stability data..................................................................................... 18
Access to the boat............................................................................ 19
3

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3.1 STABILITY DATA
- Fully laden displacement was used to evaluate the stability and buoyancy of the boat. The value of this displacement
can be found in paragraph "Technical specifications" at the beginning of this manual.
- Any changes in the distribution of loads onboard (for example by adding a raised structure for fishing, fitting a radar or
in-mast furling, changing the engine etc.) can significantly affect the boat's stability, trim and its performance;
- It is important to keep water in the bilges to a minimum;
- The boat's stability is affected by adding to the weight of the superstructure;
- In heavy weather it is important to close all the hatches, lockers and doors to minimise the risk of water pouring in;
- The boat's stability can be reduced when towing a boat or when using a davit or boom to lift a heavy load;
- Breaking waves are a serious threat to stability.
- Reduce speed in waves.
- Always adjust the speed and heading of
your boat according to the sea conditions.
- All of the watertight hatches must remain
closed when at sea.
- Think unlock the hatch (located in the front
cabin) before using the boat. This should allow
opening of the hatch by a person from the
outside.
Stability and buoyancy

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3.2 ACCESS TO THE BOAT
Access to the cockpit
Access to the engine compartment
Access to companionway
Steps - Companionway Side hatches (Port aft cabin & Starboard)
- It is imperative that both the cockpit and the
engine compartment are kept closed when at
sea.
- When at sea close the guardrail side-
opening or openings.
- Slamminganaccesshatchmaycauseinjury
: always close the hatch gently and carefully.
- Do not allow children to open or close the
hatches unsupervised.
- Think unlock the hatch (located in the front
cabin) before using the boat. This should allow
opening of the hatch by a person from the
outside.
- Itisimperativethatcompanionwayaccessis
kept closed when at sea.
- Close the deck hatches and portholes
before each trip.
- Closeallaccessdoorsandhatchesinheavy
weather or when the sea is rough.
- Keeptheseacocks,dischargeanddrainage
points closed to minimise the risk of seawater
pouring in.
Stability and buoyancy
3

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Access to the crew cabin
Ladder
Fitting / Holding
Stability and buoyancy