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

1B4: Engine Room & Utility Room
Preferred access to
the engine room is through
either the floor hatch by the
helm seat in the salon
leading directly to the Engine
Room, or by going forward
and lifting the stairs at the aft
end of the companionway,
which will lead you through
the utility room first. AC and
DC breakers in the ship’s
power panels turn on the
lighting for both; with the AC
breaker on, the AC lights are controlled by a switch under the
forward, starboard corner of the hatch. The rooms have full
stand-up height to access all engines and systems.
Note: If you are going to be in the engine room a
long time, use the under-stair access and
leave the hatch down to prevent falling in!
Assuming you enter from the
companionway, you will pass through the Utility
Room. To starboard is a small sink, then the
Washer and Dryer. On the opposite wall there is
a cabinet for supply storage. On the aft wall a
door leads to the engine room.
In the engine room, as you proceed aft,
you will see the forward bulkhead ladder from the
salon hatch with an AC outlet immediately to starboard of it; a
handheld fire extinguisher, and the wiring interconnection panel, under
which is the horn air compressor and a connection for an air hose
(stored in the 20kw generator compartment). On the wall is the
starboard engine’s coolant expansion tank, and below it are that engine’s seawater strainer.
Moving aft from the wiring panel are “black boxes” for the electronics, the dinghy davit main
switch (normally “ON”) and then the boat’s NewMar battery charger. Mounted on the floor
outboard of the engine is the 8KW, first of two, Westerbeke generator; just above and aft of is
an air conditioning air handler.
On the aft bulkhead of the engine room, to starboard, is the sight tube showing the fuel
level in the starboard tank, and by it, and engine room exhaust fan. Just inboard of these is
the “room” that houses the 20KW, second, Westerbeke Generator and the two small batteries,
one each used to start each Westerbeke.
Below the generator room is a worktable, and below it are the fuel manifold and a
number of thru-hulls/sea strainers for the air conditioning cooling water, the generators’
cooling; and salt water wash-down water. A large electric pump provides air conditioning
Looking down the E/R companionway steps
The salon floor engine room hatch. Note strap to hold it
open. You may prefer entering by the forward stairs.
The electric washer in the Utility
Room.
The hand-washing sink.
Section 1B4: Gen'l Desc: Engine & Util. Rms 1.9

water. Mounted on the bulkhead itself are several battery main on-off switches for the starting
and propulsion batteries, all clearly marked. Also on the wall under the table is the fuel
manifold.
At the aft end of each engine is its transmission, with the shafts exiting the hull through
PSS dripless shaft seals. Morse control cables control the reverse gears. Alongside and
inboard of each engine are the primary fuel
filters. (Each engine has a secondary fuel
filter, and lubricating oil filters, mounted
directly upon it.)
Aft of the port engine, a switch
labeled “PARALLEL” is used only in the
event a start battery is dead (it combines
starting and house batteries, and should
very seldom, if ever, be needed. Be sure to
start a generator and have the chargers
and inverter running first before turning it
on! As soon as the engine starts, return the
switch to “OFF”.
On the port hull side shelf are the
refrigeration and air conditioning
compressors, the Invertor with a battery disconnect immediately below it, and the McCarron
charger. Beneath the shelf the large red tank is the heating system expansion tank. Forward
of these are another outlet, the heating system circulating water manifold and valves, and the
furnace itself alongside the Utility Room wall.
Forward of the port engine is its coolant expansion tank, its sea strainer/thru hull, and
the built-in engine fire extinguishing system. A hose with fresh water faucet attached is also
here.
Section 1B4: Gen'l Desc: Engine & Util. Rms 1.10

Another view of Dreamcatcher’s dinghy.
1B5: Dinghy
The boat is equipped
with a 10 foot-6 inch
Achilles tender which is a
rigid-Hull,
inflatable-pontoon boat
and is fitted with a
Yamaha 15hp four-cycle
electric start outboard
motor and portable fuel
tank.
1B6: Deck Equipment
The boat has mooring lines (extra are in the box locker); a
stern/shore line at least 300' long in the lazarette; main anchor with
all-chain rode on the bow pulpit; emergency anchor with chain & line
rode in the lazarette; fenders/bumpers; a hose for fresh water tank filling
and boat washing in the lazarette; and a boat hook stored on the side
rail.
1B7: Boarding Ladder, Swim Step
The boat has a teak swim step at its aft end. This step is
fitted with a sturdy, rugged swim ladder. To lower the ladder
(which slides up and down), slide it up, swing the retaining lever
out of the way, then lower it carefully. To raise the ladder, lift it
until it is high enough for the latching posts to clear its catches,
and swing it back under the posts.
The bow locker. The stainless
loops on each side hold fenders
when underway.
Swim ladder. Arrow points to latching
mechanism.
Section 1B5-7: Gen'l Desc: Dinghy & Deck Eq. 1.11

1B8: Safety Equipment
Anchors
There is a permanently-rigged anchor on the bow pulpit and a spare anchor with an
anchor rode in the lazarette
Fire Extinguishers
Handheld units are in the forward and aft
stateroom, by the starboard salon door, and in the
engine room. There is an automatic fixed system in
the engine room, also fitted with a remote control on
the aft face of the cabinet adjacent to the port salon
door to the side deck.
First Aid Kit
It is in the salon in the cabinet to right of the ice maker. Another is
with common first aid items is in a tool-box type container in the midships
cabin.
Flares
In the salon in the cabinet to right of the ice maker.
Life Preservers/PFD’s
There are life vests in the cabin hanging lockers and under the
flybridge starboard seat.
Life Raft
Dream Catcher is fitted with an emergency life raft. It is housed
in a canister on the sun deck adjacent to the steps from the side deck.
Pumps, Bilge
Two electric automatic (controls in the upper DC breaker panel)
plus one manual in the salon.
VHF Radios
There are VHF’s at each helm station, plus two handheld VHF’s.
1B9: Detailed Manuals
Operating manuals for the electronics are in the starboard cabinet above the lower
helm station; technical and detailed operating manuals for the rest of the ship’s equipment are
in plastic tubs in the lower cabinets to starboard in the Master Stateroom.
Salon fire extinguisher.
Engine room extinguisher
remote activation control.
Emergency Life Raft
Section 1B8: Gen'l Description - Safety Eq. 1.12

Section 2: Important Vessel Numbers
Vessel Name: Dream Catcher
Vessel Official Number: 699247 (This number is on the side of the hull in the port lazarette.)
Hull ID Number GNDE0058H5H5
Capacities:
Sleeps six: Two in each stateroom
Fuel: 1000 Gallons in two 500 gallon tanks
Fresh water: 500 Gallons in two tanks
Holding Tank: 70 Gallons in two tanks
Dimensions:
Length Waterline: 48 feet 9 inches
Length Overall: 50 feet 6 inches
Beam: 15 Feet 5 Inches
Draft: 5 Feet 1 inches
Displacement: Est. 71,000 pounds full load
Fluids:
Motor Fuel: #2 Diesel
Motor Oil, mains: 15W-40 Chevron Delo Multigrade
Transmission Oil: 30-weight Chevron Delo
Engine Coolant: 50-50 mix, ethylene glycol & water; corrosion inhibitor added
Operating Parameters (Estimated):
RPM Speed Fuel Consumption Naut. Miles/Gallon
1200 6.0 Knots 3.5 GPH 1.72
1500 7.5 5.0 GPH 1.50
1800 10.0 8.5 GPH 1.17
2000 10.5 12.0 GPH .88
2400 11.5 16.5 GPH .70
Section 2: Important Vessel Numbers 2.1

(Intentionally left blank)
Section 2: Important Vessel Numbers 2.2

Section 3: Checklists & Maneuvering Suggestions
3A: Operating Checklists - Dream Catcher
First Thing Each Day
9Check engine oil, coolant.
9Check under-engine oil pads. Okay?
QCheck fuel tank levels
9Check holding tank indicators. Need pumping?
9Turn off anchor light if illuminated.
Starting Engines
9All lines clear of propeller and on deck.
9Items running on AC evaluated vis-a-vis the Inverter and Generator (page 4.13).
9Battery selector switch remains “On”
9Throttles at idle, shift levers in “neutral”
9Appropriate DC breakers (including Engine “Stop”) "On".
9Engine breakers "On" in turn
9Push start buttons in turn
9If an engine does not turn over, see “What to Do If”.
Leaving Dock (Only 3-4 minute engine warmup required!]
9Shore power switch “Off”.
9Shore power cord removed, stowed on board.
9Step stool aboard, if used.
9Fenders hauled aboard and stowed.
9Lines and other deck gear secure/stowed.
9Doors and hatches, acrylic panels closed and secured as appropriate.
Underway
9Helmsperson on watch at all times. 9Synchronizer “On”.
9RPMs under 1400 until engines warm to 140°; RPM never to exceed 2400 RPM.
9Wake effects always in mind.
Approaching Dock
9Fenders out on appropriate side. 9Synchronizer “Off”.
9Bow line OUTSIDE stanchions and bloused around toward midships.
9Engines dead slow.
9Mate ready to secure stern first (in most circumstances).
Section 3A: Operating Checklists 3.1

Arriving at Dock in Marina
QLines secure, including spring lines.
QStep stool out, if needed.
QWater heater breaker off until Inverter current settles (see “Inverters” below).
QShore power cord connected, AC Power Selector to “Shore”, Shore Power Selector to
power cord location.
QShore power confirmed on meter, Inverter “On”.
QElectric use monitored for current capacity of shore facilities.
Arriving at Mooring Buoy
QSkipper puts starboard end of swim step, with mate on it, next to buoy.
QMate loops 20' or so line, such as bow line, through buoy ring.
QMate holds two ends together, walks up side of boat to bow of boat.
QWith buoy held close to bow, line secured to each bow cleat through hawsepipe.
Mooring at Anchor
QAnchor is lowered from pulpit while boat is backed up slowly away from anchor.
QWhen desired chain length out (4:1 or 5:1 scope), windlass is stopped.
QEngine reversed for “count of five” until chain pulls up virtually straight. Note: The boat
is not held in reverse against a taught anchor chain!
Generator Starting/Stopping (either generator)
QHold “Preheat” switch for 15 seconds, then while holding...
QHold “Start” switch until it starts (if it does not start, repeat “preheat” step)
QCheck outside exhaust for water flow.
QAfter one minute for warmup, turn Generator Selector from “Off” to “8KW” or “20KW"
and the AC Power Selector to “Gen”
QStopping: Turn power selector from “Gen” to “Off”, wait 1 minute for cool-down.
QHold “Stop” switch until stopped.
Overnight Checklist in Marina
QShore power “On”. QInverter “On”.
QIf air cond. or dryer is to be used, you may need generator. Review pg. 4.13.
Overnight at Anchor or Buoy
QAnchor light “On”.
QDC electrical items all “Off” including radios, extra lights, etc.
Upon Arising
QIf at anchor or buoy, Inverter only “On” if necessary.
QStart a generator if necessary for battery charging or air conditioning or dryer
QInverter “On” if shore power available or generator running.
QTurn on heat if necessary.
QGo to top of this Dream Catcher checklist.
Section 3A: Operating Checklists 3.2

3B: Maneuvering Suggestions
3B1: Docking & Undocking
Because of its substantial weight, this boat is predictable! Take advantage of its
momentum/inertia: you will find that if you maneuver slowly and thoughtfully you can maintain
control at all times.
Before undertaking docking in a "tight" space, practice with the boat in open but
protected water to get the "feel" of the boat. Don't let the skipper's ego get in the way of safe
operation, and remember, if the slip is too tight you can always dock somewhere else! And
don't forget the boat's overall length is over 50 feet! Operating from the flybridge is usually best
until you are very familiar with the boat because of its much better visibility.
You should usually dock "bow in"; remember, the stern is what is turned by the rudder
or engines, so you should "point the bow where you want it" when entering a slip, then swing
the stern as necessary.
Remember, too, that the rudder is normally effective only when the prop is going
forward. Use the engines only to steer in a harbor, not the rudders except when extreme wind
conditions require it.
3B3: Anchoring
Anchoring can be accomplished safely with a minimum of fuss if you are prepared. Or,
if you are not ready, it can be stressful and dangerous for you or the boat.
Before attempting to anchor, select an anchorage with a soft bottom such as sand,
mud, or gravel, if possible. Look at the charts and cruising guides for tips on good locations.
Then, choose the spot in the anchorage where you have room to “swing” on the anchor
without disturbing other boats. Remember, responsibility for leaving room goes to each
successive boat to arrive, for the first boat has priority in the anchorage!
Here in the Northwest, because of the deep waters, all-chain rodes and small bays, we
anchor a little differently than in the Gulf of Mexico or Carribean, for example. First, except in
severe weather we use anchor chain scopes of only 4-to-1 or 5-to-1. For example, in water
that is 40 feet at low tide in the typical anchorage, we might use 160 feet of chain unless the
weather was to be gale force or greater winds.
Second, because of the small bays and steep bottoms, we often rig a shore line from
the stern of the boat to shore. The best example of this would be at Todd Inlet at Butchart
Gardens: Here is a bay that can accommodate 8 - 10 boats, yet it is only about 150' wide and
200' long! Boats attach their bows to the mooring buoys or, in a few cases, anchor; and then
their sterns are secured to rings provided in the steep cliffs overlooking the bay. Boats are
thus perhaps only 15-20' apart, side to side.
Third, boats often will “raft” side by side in busy marinas, although this is not very
common.
Fourth, courteous boaters will call vessels coming into busy bays and offer to let them
raft to the same buoy, if signs on the buoys do not limit usage to only one boat depending
upon length.
Anchoring safely requires two persons, one at the helm maneuvering the boat and one
Section 3B: Maneuvering Suggestions 3.3

on the bow operating the anchor. Putting the bow of the boat over the spot where the anchor
is to be placed after checking the depth on the depth sounder, the windlass foot-switches are
used to lower the anchor slowly toward (but not onto) the bottom, by watching the chain
markings. The chain is 400' long, marked as follows:
10' Red-Yellow-Red Stripe
50' Yellow Stripe 100' Red Stripe
150' Yellow Stripe 200' Red Stripe
250' Yellow Stripe 300' Red Stripe
350' Yellow Strip 375' Red-Yellow-Red
When the anchor is about to reach bottom, the boat is backed away by putting the
engines into reverse for 5 seconds: eddies from the chain indicate motion. Resume lowering
the anchor while drifting backwards (watch the eddies and add another burst or reverse if
necessary!) until the desired amount of chain is out. Stop paying out chain. Engage reverse
for five seconds at a time until the chain starts to pull straight off the bow toward the anchor. A
straight chain indicates a “set” anchor!
NEVER pull on the chain for more than five seconds, and never at any
engine RPM other than idle! Putting the boat’s weight plus its horsepower
on the chain forcefully even at idle will bend the anchor and/or damage the
mooring gear!
If while checking the set, the chain rumbles and clunks, and seems to release in bursts,
it means you're anchoring on a rocky bottom and the anchor is not holding. Be patient: it may
not set on the first try, and you'll have to repeat the process sometimes to get a good “set”.
Section 3B: Maneuvering Suggestions 3.4