Dream Catcher Grand Banks 49 Classic User manual

“Dream Catcher”
A 49' Grand Banks Classic
Operating Manual
Edition of March 27, 2013
Copyrighted. See notice next page.
Section Contents
1 Introduction & General Description
2 Important Vessel Numbers
3 Operating Checklists & Maneuvering Suggestions
4 Specific Discussion of Boat Systems
5 “What to Do” for Some Specific Concerns
6EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
7 Index

Copyright 2011 Joseph D. Coons
This manual was written for this boat’s owner and it’s charter company by Joseph D. Coons, 1220
Birch Falls Drive, Bellingham, WA 98229, tel [phone]. All rights reserved. This manual may
not be quoted, copied, or duplicated, in whole or in part, in printed or electronic form, without
express written consent from the author.
About the Author
Joe Coons is a retired AM-FM broadcasting station owner and computer systems corporate
executive who throughout his life was involved in communications and mechanical, electrical, and
electronic systems. He cruised his own boat on the Hudson River and Lake Champlain when a
teen and in his early twenties, and during the 70's and 80's accumulated some 2,500 hours as an
instrument-rated private pilot. Beginning in 1986 he became seriously involved in boating as a
boat owner, subsequently working in a “retirement career” as a broker, also commissioning
vessels, operating a charter fleet, checking out boat charterers, and training new power boaters.
He has held a 50-ton Coast Guard Master’s license, and operated his own boats and a substantial
number of others from 26 to 70 feet in the near-coastal waters of Washington State, British
Columbia, and Alaska. His “helm time” exceeds 8,000 hours. In addition, he has trained hundreds
of boaters in the skills of vessel operation.
Warning!
This notice is a part of this manual, and is placed here to warn you as an owner, crew
member or passenger on this vessel that the author of this manual assumes no responsibility
for any errors or omissions herein, and represents only that the writings and illustrations herein
represent his “best efforts” to provide a comprehensive overview of the vessel, so that it can
be operated by a person who has the necessary experience and/or training to operate such a
vessel given the additional information herein.
You should be aware that this operating manual is provided as a convenience to the
owner(s), crew members and passengers on this vessel, and is not complete in every detail.
Given the complexity of this boat and its systems, there is no way that all conditions,
contingencies, and operating details can be covered, both because of space limitations and
because of ordinary oversight as contingencies are speculated upon by the author. Likewise,
it is possible either through oversight and/or changes in the vessel as a result of additions,
modifications, or deletions to or of equipment since publication of this manual, that items
discussed will operate differently than described, be absent from the vessel, or be added to the
vessel without discussion in this volume.
As a vessel owner, crew member or passenger on this vessel, you are here at your own
risk, and the author of this manual has no responsibility for your actions whatsoever. If you do
not feel competent to undertake any or all operations detailed herein, do not undertake it/them;
get help from a competent person.
I thank you, (and my lawyer thanks you.)
Joseph D. Coons

Section 1: Introduction & General Boat
Description
1A: About This Manual
1A1: Manual Objective and Limitations
This manual is intended to introduce you to “Dream Catcher”, its systems, and features,
allowing you to operate it with the confidence and self-assurance necessary to enjoy your
cruising vacation to its fullest. It is not intended to replace a basic understanding of
seamanship, including navigation skills, weather interpretation or boat handling. You are
expected to have an understanding of these subjects obtained through other sources,
including training, seminars, reading and perhaps most important, experience.
There is no way that a small manual like this one can answer every question or give you a
solution to every circumstance, foreseen or unforeseen. If you have a question which limits
your understanding or handling of this vessel, ask the owner, a specialist, or contact the Jet-
Tern Marine/Grand Banks company offices for details (you might make a list of questions as
you read the manual, saving them all up to ask at one time).
1A2: How the Manual is Organized
The manual is divided into six sections numbered “1" to “6" plus an index (Section 7).
Within each section are subsections lettered “A” to “Z” as required.
In section 4, which deals with the specific information about the vessel’s equipment and
systems, the manual is organized by major categories, such as “Anchor”, “Dinghy, Davit &
Outboard”, “Fresh Water System”, etc.
Note that within “Electrical Systems” are the “AC Electrical System” and “DC
Electrical System” as sub-categories, and within them are such items that are
a part of each, such as “Inverter”, “Generator”, etc.; Likewise, all electronic
equipment is in the “Electronics” section.
A complete index is at the back of the manual in Section 7.
Section 1A: About This Manual 1.1

1B: General Description of this Vessel
1B1: Exterior
Flybridge, Cockpit, Side & Forward Decks
The Grand Banks 49' Classic is a
traditional yacht design, with fiberglass hull, cabin,
and flybridge structures, a teak swim step, teak
decks, gunwale caps, and teak and stainless steel
welded fittings and handrails. The windows, for the
most part, are sliding glass panes. Of particular
note are the easy walk-around decks, enabling
safe, secure passage about the boat by the crew.
There is a roomy cockpit section with ample
storage in the lazarette beneath, and on the side
decks are the two fuel fills, the water tank fill, and
the two waste pumpout locations.
Forward on the bow deck is the anchor
windlass with foot switches allowing chain
movement both ”up” and ”down” electrically. The
anchor is retracted into the bow pulpit, which
hangs out over the bow to give good chain
clearance from the hull; this pulpit is strong and
braced, easily supporting not only the anchor
during hauling, but also an attending crew member
if necessary. After passing over the winch, the
chain goes below decks into the chain locker.
There are shore power connections at the stern
and bow with adjacent fuse holders. A shore
power switch in the electric panel selects these. (When this cable is to be disconnected, the
switch should first be turned OFF to avoid arcing, which could damage the plug contacts.) The
boat’s 50-amp shore power cable is 50 feet long; an extra 30-amp cable is also supplied.
A bow locker stores the anchor bridle, windlass emergency handle, and spare lines.
A portion of the cockpit.
The anchor windless on the bow.
Shore power cable is connected.
Walk-around decks.
Looking in the Lazarette. Stern shore power inlets.
Section 1B1: General Description - Exterior 1.2

The aft cabin supports the dinghy on the
starboard side. Tie-down straps hold the dinghy in
place. The dinghy is lifted with an electric hoist
from a strong davit with a windlass controlled by a
plug-in remote control.
Up five steps from the deck is the flybridge, with
seating for crew and passengers in two tandem
seats, each seating four passengers (for a total of
eight); both have storage beneath. Within the port
storage compartment is the galley propane tank
and spare tank. To starboard, you will find extra
life jackets.
Forward is a console holding atop it the
flybridge electronics and within it, substantial
storage for canvas, and/or seat cushions to port,
and the upper helm station to starboard. In
addition to instruments and controls, the console
has a sliding door revealing more electronics,
including a large fold-out radar console. On the aft
end of the flybridge to port is a large Igloo cooler
for extra iced storage.
The flybridge console has a full complement of
instruments including navigation, communications,
and engine controls.
The aft cabin top with the dinghy, its motor. Notice the lifering.
Looking to starboard on the flybridge. Above the wheel are the
engine controls, compass, and to the wheel’s right are engine
switches, etc.
To port, tandem seating for passengers and access to the storage
area under the console.
The control console has helm and engine instrument to starboard,
depth sounder, fish finder, and Navnet displays above, and the
VHF radio, large radar (white panel tips out), autopilot control,
hailer and heating controls behind a sliding door.
Section 1B1: General Description - Exterior 1.3

1B2: Salon & Helm
Main Deck
The boat is entered by side doors, port or
starboard. These doors are fitted with
deadbolt locks, and in addition have
stainless catches affixed to the cabin sides
to hold them open. The ”hold-open catches”
should be engaged manually, not just by
”slamming the doors open” to avoid damage
to the catches by bending, or the doors by
banging. The doors should be closed when
underway except at very low speeds in calm
waters to avoid getting salt water inside.
Salon:
Forward of the starboard door is the helm
station with electric switch panels adjacent on
the starboard side, electronics panel above
with warning lights, windshield wiper switches,
speed log and depth sounder, etc. On the
helm is the ship’s radar; computer with
Coastal Navigator plotting and wireless
mouse; NavNet display, etc. [Note: Storage
for charts is in the plastic tubs in master
stateroom port side hanging locker; chart
books, tide tables and sailing directions are in
the chart drawer under the port side on the
Master Stateroom berth.]
Looking forward to starboard in the salon.
Salon, aft to starboard. Note large table with fold-up leaves seating six.
Section 1B2: General Description - Interior 1.4

Aft of the helm is a
cabinet with a dry bar,
drawer, locker, and an
icemaker. The locker to
right of the icemaker
holds the flares, first aid
kit, spotlight (with
charging adapter) and
davit control cable.
Please feel free to
use what you need
from this first aid kit. It
is on the honor system.
If you need it, use it. If you deplete an item’s supply,
please make sure you replace it or notify us at the end of
the cruise so we can replace it for the next time it is
required.
Further aft to starboard in the salon is a large L-settee
[picture on preceding page] with a table in front that has
leaves allowing it to easily seat six for meals. At the aft
end of the settee to midships, a cabinet holds the stereo
AM-FM radio and entertainment supplies.
To port aft in the salon are the doorway to the Master
Stateroom; a storage cabinet; the port-side entry door; a
cabinet with numerous drawers and shelves for galley
items, the TV and DVD/CD player; and the back side of
the galley “L”’s cabinets.
Forward face of cabinet just aft of the salon helm.
Note icemaker, cabinets and drawers. Wine cabinet is
in the top.
The aft salon cabinet. The davit cable is stored in one
of the drawers.
Port aft of salon.(TV & DVD are now located here.)
A helm cabinet stores various manuals, navigation
tools, and other items needed by skippers and
navigators.
A look at the lower helm station.
Section 1B2: General Description - Interior 1.5

Galley:
Forward of the port-side salon
cabinet and settee is the galley. The
galley has an propane stove/oven, a
large stainless sink; a deepfreeze, a
refrigerator; and a large microwave.
There is extensive storage under
and over the galley counters, and
additional storage is under hatches in
the #2 guest stateroom hold under
the cabin floor. The compartment
under the counter beneath the
windshield on the port side forward of
the stove is for dish storage. The
under-seat cabinets on the flybridge
also can be used for food if desired.
Galley: Fridge to left of drawers; deepfreeze access is in left ell of counter or back side.
This entire surface to right of the stove lifts for copious galley storage!
Upper galley cabinets.
Section 1B2: General Description - Interior 1.6

An emergency ladder is in the
“drawer” under the hatch.
Master stateroom, looking aft to starboard.
Master S/R, looking aft to port. Note emergency hatch above bed
table. Note drawers on both sides of the berth and corner desk!
Peeking into the head compartment.
Across from the sink is a
roomy shower compartment.
This view shows, to right, the
hanging locker doors.
1B3: Passenger Accommodations
Both the forward and aft cabins are down
several steps below the salon. The VIP Guest and
#2 Guest cabins and head compartment are
forward, while the Master Stateroom and its head
compartment is aft.
Master Stateroom
The aft (master) stateroom is down a few steps
in the aft end of the salon.
This master stateroom features a queen-sized
island berth, beneath which are drawers including
a spacious and efficient chart drawer. To each side
of the berth are tables with cabinets beneath, as
well as storage lining the vessel’s exterior walls on
each side. A vanity/desk is aft to port beneath the
emergency exit hatch. There is a fire extinguisher
and flashlight mounted above the port cabinets by
the hanging locker.
Forward to port in the aft cabin is a huge
hanging locker for clothing.
Master Stateroom Head
Compartment
Forward to starboard in this stateroom is a
head compartment with toilet and level indicator for
the starboard holding tank, a sink/vanity,
numerous cabinets and drawers, and the stall
shower. There are switches to turn the fan on for
the heating system for the outlets in the head and
shower, as well as switches for the shower drain*
and electric head. You will also find
ample storage space for your toiletries
and extra towels, etc. in the head.
* The shower drain switch also
supplies DC power to a special
accessory keel bilge pump (rarely
needs to be used) that has a
switch under the engine room
hatch shown in section 1B4. This
switch should be “off” at all times;
operate only with specific
instructions from NWE!
Section 1B3: General Desc'n: S/R's & Heads 1.7

VIP Guest S/R
All the way forward, the bow
guest stateroom includes two
large V-berths. Storage includes
plenty of drawers, cabinets and
hanging locker space for crew
clothing. A large overhead hatch
and side opening windows provide
plenty of light and ventilation in
this spacious cabin. When first
getting acquainted with the boat,
take the time to put the ladder
that’s behind the door in place so
you can see how to use the overhead hatch as an exit.
Also note the fire extinguisher and flashlight beside the
hanging locker.
Guest Stateroom #2
The starboard guest cabin, down the steps and just
forward of the lower helm station (just aft of the VIP guest
stateroom) has two single berths, with a hanging locker
between. There are drawers beneath each berth.
Windows as well as a large overhead hatch provide lots of
light in this cabin.
In the floor between the berths there is a storage
compartment with a drain sump for the washing machine.
Guest Head
Moving aft from the forward stateroom to port is the
forward head compartment with its own stall shower, electric
head, tank level indicator for the forward holding tank, and a
basin with vanity; we like to leave the hatch open slightly all the
time when not underway for ventilation. You will also find the
switches for the electric head and drain pumps by the sink. If you
have a cool morning, be sure to turn the fan switch on as heat
will be provided if the furnace main switch is on and any
thermostat calls for heat.
The sumptuous forward V-Berth has a cushioned insert to
make it queen-sized plus.
A chest of drawers is to stbd of
the V-Berth; a hanging locker is
to port.
This view of one of the #2 Stateroom guest berths also
shows the edge of the roomy hanging locker.
A look inside the guest head. There is a
shower compartment here as well.
Section 1B3: General Desc'n: S/R's & Heads 1.8