Lake Powell 54 ESCAPE User manual
54’ ESCAPE
HOUSEBOAT MANUAL
WELCOME TO
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Marine Radio .....................................................................................................1
Engines/Helm .................................................................................................. 3
Houseboat Batteries.......................................................................................6
Generator ..........................................................................................................8
Water Pressure .............................................................................................. 10
Hot Water ....................................................................................................... 12
Holding Tanks..................................................................................................13
Gas/Propane .................................................................................................. 15
Refrigerator ..................................................................................................... 17
Range................................................................................................................ 19
Grill................................................................................................................... 20
Heater............................................................................................................... 21
Cooling.............................................................................................................22
Accessories.....................................................................................................23
Your Escape has come equipped with a
VHF Marine Band Radio. It is located at
the helm, to the left of the steering wheel.
ON/OFF
Turn the volume Knob in a clockwise
direction to turn on the radio.
Make sure the H/L switch is in the
Hi position.
CHANNEL 16
Use Channel 16 for hailing and
emergencies only. Never use Channel 16
for routine conversations.
In case of an emergency, hail the National
Park Service on channel 16. They monitor
this channel 24 hours a day.
To hail Boat Rentals, turn radio ON and
to Channel 16, depress button on side of
handheld microphone to talk, and release
the button when you are finished talking.
The Boat Rentals Oce monitors this
channel during regular business hours.
Say “_________ (the name of the marina
you are calling) BOAT RENTALS this is
houseboat # _____” (number of your
houseboat). For example: “Bullfrog Boat
Rentals, this is houseboat # S11.”
When communication is established,
we will direct you to another channel.
Commonly used channels are 10, 12,
68 and 72. Be sure to acknowledge
that channel, before you change to the
channel. Then turn to that channel, and
we will continue the conversation.
Information you will need when you
call us:
1. Your boat number.
2. Your exact location, if known.
3. Description of the problem.
4. Any details on the trouble-shooting
you have already tried.
If you need assistance we will attempt
to help you troubleshoot a problem over
the radio. If we are not successful, we will
dispatch a technician out to help you.
For safety, our technicians can only be
dispatched if they can fix the problem
and return to our docks before dark. If
we receive your call late in the day, we
will gladly respond first thing the next
morning.
MARINE RADIO
1
WEATHER
W/X button or Channel 1 on your marine
radio is the weather channel.
This channel is updated periodically by
the National Weather Service.
Be sure to check this channel regularly
during your trip to keep apprised of the
changing weather conditions here at Lake
Powell.
REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE
CARD
If for some reason you cannot reach us
by Marine Radio, fill out your Request for
Assistance Card located in your manual.
Flag down a boat passing by and ask
them to take it to the nearest marina for
assistance.
We will dispatch a technician out to your
boat as soon as we can safely do so.
OTHER INFO
Do NOT use VHF antenna as a flag pole
or hang anything on the antenna.
Channel 26 is the Marine Operator.
Marine Radios transmit line-of-sight. So if
you are back in a canyon, you may have to
ask assistance from another boater with a
radio to help contact us if you cannot get
through directly.
Profanity over the public airways is a
federal crime.
Reminder: Your Marine Radio is not a
toy and should be operated only by a
responsible adult.
A VHF marine radio is not the same
as a Citizen’s Band Radio. CB lingo and
10-codes are not used.
COMMON TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSES REMEDIES
Not transmitting
or receiving
Low house battery
Radio not set on USA
Radio blocked by
canyon walls
Set on 1 watt mode
Antenna has fallen
down
Charge house battery
Push USA/Int button
Move the houseboat to
open water
Push 1/25or Hi/Lo button
to change to 25 watt
Raise antenna
2
YOUR ESCAPE HAS TWO
ENGINES…
• For greater maneuverability
and power.
• To provide you with a spare in case
of engine failure.
Your engines are well maintained, but
occasional breakdowns can occur. The
spare is to ensure your safety and save
you inconvenience. Don’t let the loss of
one engine delay your vacation. Proceed
on your planned itinerary with the good
engine and we will catch up to you as
soon as possible and make necessary
repairs.
GAUGES
Tachometer
• Monitors the engine revolutions.
• Wide-Open Throttle (WOT)
should be 4800-5200 RPM’s.
• The most ecient cruising RPM
will be 3800-4200 RPM
Fuel Gauge
• Key must be on for fuel level
to register.
• Right gauge is for the Toy Tank
• Left gauge is for both engines and
the Generator
Horn
• Push in the HORN button
at the helm.
NAUTICAL NOTE: When leaving a dock,
signal with 1 long blast (4 seconds) and
3 short blasts (1 second each).
THROTTLE
Setting Neutral Throttle for Starting
• Confirm that the throttle is in
neutral position.
• Turn the key to first click – Beeper
will sound.
• Push and hold “black” command
button the red light will go solid and
the beeping will stop.
• Turn key to engage starter. If the
engine fails to start in 10 seconds,
return key to ON position, wait 30
seconds and try again.
• If the engine fails to start push and
hold the command button while
pushing the throttles forward one
detent. This will alloy you to
increase the RPM’s for starting only.
• Return throttle lever to center
position after warm-up.
• Red light will be solid to indicate that
the shift control is activated, and
lever movement will engage prop.
If engine is still dicult to start, squeeze
primer bulb, located on the fuel line near
the engine, until firm.
Cold Start
• Same as regular start, but warm up
time needs to be extended.
GETTING UNDER WAY
From Neutral Throttle
• Return throttle to neutral position.
• Red light on controls will be solid.
• Push throttle lever forward to go
forward or pull back for reverse.
• Advance throttle to increase speed.
• Always pause in neutral before
changing gears.
ENGINES/HELM
3
Shut Down
• Return throttles to neutral position.
• Turn key to o.
HYDRO-LOCK
Hydro-locking of an engine occurs when
water enters the engine cylinders. The
starter will click, but the engine won’t
turn over.
Caused by
• Overloading the back deck.
• Large waves behind boat.
• Dropping lake level which increases
the angle of a beached boat.
If you suspect your engine has become
hydro-locked, get word to the nearest
marina and a technician will be sent out
help you.
RAISING ENGINE
Electric tilt toggle is located on the left
side of the engine, below the cowling
(cover).
Changing the Prop
• Remove keys from ignition
(to avoid someone else accidentally
starting the engine).
• Raise engine.
• Unscrew lock nut.
• Remove spacer washer.
• Remove Prop.
• Reverse procedure to install the
new propeller.
FLYING BRIDGE CONTROLS
Operation from Upper Deck
• Engines should be running.
• At the lower helm – put engine
control levers in neutral position.
• At the upper helm with the control
handles in neutral – push the “black
“transfer button.
• Red light will come on.
• Push throttle lever forward to go
forward or pull back for reverse.
4
• To transfer control back to the lower
helm, set upper helm controls to
neutral, then return to the lower
helm and press the “black” transfer
button to regain control.
Don’t Drive From The Upper Deck:
• In any wakeless area, including the
marina.
• When approaching a dock.
• When approaching a beach.
• In narrow channels.
• In any situation that requires
maneuvering your vessel, always
pilot from the main helm
NOTE: Do not try to start the engines
from the upper helm.
ENGINES/HELM
COMMON TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSES REMEDIES
Engine doesn’t turn
over
Engine turns over
but won’t start
Engine won’t turn o
No light on control
Is the throttle in neutral
Low battery
Hydrolock
No fuel
Engine harness has
become Unplugged at
the engine
Turn o key
Put throttle in neutral
Charge battery from the
Generator
Call the marina for help
Squeeze primer bulb,
located on the fuel line
near the engine, until firm.
Unplug the fuel line from
the engine or reconnect
the harness
Reset the MMC breaker
located in the Generator
compartment on the rear
deck
5
The 12-volt house system includes cabin
lights and navigational lights, water
pumps, the horn and the VHF Radio.
Charging
• Start the Generator following
Generator Starting Procedures.
• Turn on the breaker for the inverter
on the AC panel.
• Charging is most ecient with
unnecessary DC breakers o.
• The engine start batteries will
charge from running the engines.
DC Breaker Panel
• DC Main
• Lights
• Spreader lights
• Water pump
• Fresh water
• Water heater
• Furnace
• Accessories
• Docking lights
• Fuel transfer
• 12 Volt DC outlets
• CD Player
• Refrigerator
Please Note:
• Turn o the Water pump breaker
while underway beaching, or
unbeaching. Once you are beached,
leave this breaker o for an
additional 15 minutes to let sand
and sediment in the water settle.
• It is not necessary to switch on
the bilge pump unless water is
noted. The bilge pump is wired to
automatically switch on when water
is present.
DC Breaker
• If you should lose DC power and your
batteries are fully charged, reset the
DC breaker located on the electrical
panel. See picture to the left.
BATTERY TEST
1. House Battery
• Located in the upper center of the
main panel is the DC volt gauge.
• Push toggle switch to position 1
• Should be between 11-13 volts when
generator is not running.
• When generator is running and the
Inverter is on, should be 12.5 volts or
greater.
• The Generator must be run 6 to 8
hrs per day to keep the batteries
charged.
• The Generator must be run 6 to 8
hrs per day to keep the batteries
charged.
• A low battery alarm will sound and
the LED on the control panel will
flash when the battery’s drop to 10.5
volts.
• DC power will shut down at 10 volts.
HOUSEBOAT BATTERIES
6
2. Engine or Start Battery
• Push toggle switch to position 2
• Should be 12 or greater when
generator is not running.
• When generator is running, should
be 12.5 or greater.
3. Generator Crank Battery
• Push toggle switch down and the
volts will register.
• Should be 12 or greater when
generator is not running.
• When generator is running, should
be 12.5 or greater.
Remember: Each light or appliance will
need to be turned on individually once the
breaker is on.
Tips for Getting the Most from your
Houseboat Batteries
• When generator is running ALWAYS
have the AC MAIN and Inverter
breakers on.
• Charge daily.
NOTE: Deep Cycle batteries are used
to extend the time between charging.
However, they also require more time to
recharge when they are discharged for
too long. When the lights dim and the
pumps slow, a recharge is overdue.
HOUSEBOAT BATTERIES
7
The Generator is located in the hatch on
the rear deck of your houseboat.
Starting/ Warm Up
• Turn on the blower switch
• The remote start is located on the
electrical panel in the lower right side.
• Confirm that the MAIN Switch and
all circuit breakers are OFF.
• Hold the ON switch and momentarily
press the start switch till the
generator starts or for 20 seconds
no longer.
• If the engine fails to start, wait 20
seconds and repeat.
NOTE: The engine won’t start with a load
on the circuit. By continually holding the
starter switch, you can run down the
battery or damage the starter.
• Allow the engine to warm up for
5 minutes.
• Switch the AC MAIN breaker ON.
• You may now turn on individual
breakers to provide power to your
houseboat.
NOTE: Your generator also has an ON/
OFF rocker switch on the generator
AC Breaker Panel
• Cabin Outlets
• Galley Outlets
• Air Conditioner
• Inverter (leave on at all times)
• Stove/Microwave
• TV / Stereo
Inverter
The inverter panel is the R6 Remote
Control at the main AC Panel.
The stove, microwave, TV and Stereo all
run o the inverter i.e. these appliances
will all work without the Generator running
• Push power ON on the R6 Remote
• Turn on individual breakers
GENERATOR
8
GFI Outlets
Some electrical outlets have a GFI
breaker. Push in the reset button to reset.
To Shut Down Generator
• Turn o all AC circuit breakers
Special Notes
• If your houseboat breaks anchor
and/or drifts sideways onto a beach,
the generator must be shut down
immediately to prevent the cooling
system from being fouled with sand
and silt. This can cause overheating
and disable your generator.
• Turn AC MAIN Switch to o
• Push STOP button
TURN OFF BLOWER
• Below deck generators are equipped
with coolant (lake water) strainers.
Do not open this unit unless no
water is pumping from the side of
the houseboat during generator
operation, or you hear excessively
loud operation:
GENERATOR
COMMON TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSES REMEDIES
No generator power
Outlet doesn’t work
Generator Shut down
Generator cranks but
won’t start
CO Alarm beeps
4 beeps every 5
seconds
CO Alarm beeps 1
beeps every minute
AC MAIN breaker o
Is the generator on?
AC MAIN breaker o?
Is that area’s breaker on?
Is GFI tripped?
Out of Fuel
Out of Fuel
Engines/Generator
running
System Error
Check breaker on panel
Start generator
Check breaker on panel
Check breaker on panel
Reset GFI Outletdeck
Check gauges
Refuel
Turn o Engines/Generator
Evacuate crew out of cabin
Open doors and windows
Press the RESET/SILENCE
Press the REST/SILENCE
button for more than 15
seconds to shut o CO
Alarm
Contact Boat Rentals to
replace alarm.
9
YOUR HOUSEBOAT IS
SUPPLIED WITH 100
GALLONS OF FRESH WATER.
Fresh Water Holding Tank
• Fresh water refill is located on the
outside starboard front corner and is
marked Shore Water Fill
• Open only when refilling tank from a
POTABLE water hose located at any
marina.
• The fresh water has as on-demand
pump that operates only when a
faucet is turned ON
• Fresh water refill is located on the
outside starboard front corner and is
marked Shore Water Fill
• You must have the breaker for Fresh
Water ON on the DC panel.
Lake Water Pressure
• Turn on the Water Pump breaker
on the DC panel.
Faucets
• The kitchen Large Faucet is
lake water.
• Small Faucet is fresh water.
• All sinks and showers empty directly
into the grey-water tank.
Head/Toilet
• Water pump breaker must be on.
• To fill toilet bowl with water, lift up
on the foot pedal for a few seconds.
• To flush, step down on the foot
pedal.
• The head empties directly into the
Black water Tank.
NOTE: Be sure pedal returns to the up
position or flooding can occur.
WATER PRESSURE
10
COMMON TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSES REMEDIES
No Lake Water
No fresh water
WATER PRESSURE
breaker may not be on
Low batteries
Lost prime
Out of water
Fresh Water breaker
not on.
Turn on breaker
Charge batteries
Press down toilet flush
for about a minute to
restore prime
Refill at marina with
POTABLE water
Turn on Breaker
WATER PRESSURE
11
HOT WATER
YOUR BOAT IS EQUIPPED
WITH A 10-GALLON
CAPACITY WATER HEATER.
To Start
• Turn ON the DC MAIN.
• Turn ON the valve for your propane
tank.
• Turn ON the Water PUMP breaker
located on the DC panel.
• Turn ON the WATER HEATER
breaker located on the DC panel.
• Turn ON the WATER HEATER switch
located under the main electrical
panel.
• The red light will be on when water
heater is lighting.
• Allow approximately 30 minutes for
the water to heat.
NOTE: If water is already hot, water
heater light will not come on nor will the
water heater light.
COMMON TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSES REMEDIES
Water Hear does
not light
The red light on the
master switch does
not come on
Ran out of hot water
Propane may not be on
Propane might not
be full
DC MAIN might not
be on
WATER HEATER breaker
may not be on
Water may already be hot
You only have 10 -gallons
of hot water
Check your propane to be
sure it is on
Check your propane to be
sure it is full.
Turn on DC MAIN
TURN on WATER HEATER
breaker on DC panel
Allow 30 minutes to heat
more water
12
HOLDING TANKS
YOUR ESCAPE HAS BEEN
EQUIPPED WITH A BLACK
WATER TANK AND A GREY
WATER TANK THAT HAS
A COMBINED 700 GALLON
CAPACITY.
Full Service Pumpout
• Radio into any of the Rental Docks.
• Give us an estimated time for
arrival.
• We will direct you where to park and
will pump out your houseboat for you.
Self Service Pumpout
• Located in any marina.
• The pumpout fittings are located on
the port side of the boat. There are
two fittings, one grey water and one
black.
• Remove the cap.
• Screw the correct sized fitting
into the pumpout port on your
houseboat. (Fittings are available at
the dock on the pumps)
• Attach the pumpout hose to the
fitting
• Open valve and follow the direction
on the pump.
• When finished, close the valve
before removing the hose.
• Remove the fitting from your
houseboat and replace on dock.
• Place the end of the lake water hose
inside the pump out portal.
• Fill the tank with approximately
2 to 3 gallons of water.
• Empty one packet of provided
chemical into the head/toilet inside
and flush.
• Put all the hoses back and replace
the cap on the WASTE opening.
DONE!
Hot Tub Pump-out
• Hot Tub Pump-out
• Attach the pump-out hose to the
fitting.
• Open the gate valve on the boat and
start pumping.
13
Remote Station Pumpout
• See HELP PRESERVE in your
Nautical Notes for locations of
Remote Pumpout.
• Unscrew WASTE cap.
• Place end of hose into opening.
• Work the hand lever to pump.
COMMON TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSES REMEDIES
Odor Holding tanks are full Pumpout at the nearest
marina or remote station
After pumping out, add
a packet of chemical and
two gallons of water in the
head
Leave some water in the
bowl to trap any odor
Allow 30 minutes to heat
more water
14
GAS/PROPANE
Fuel Tanks
• Your houseboat has a port,
starboard and a toy fuel tank.
• The Port tank is for the Port engine
and the generator.
• The starboard tanks are for the
starboard engine and the toys.
• Fuel fittings are located on the rear
wall in front of engine covers.
• Each fuel tank holds 115 gallons.
• The total fuel capacity is 345 gallons.
Checking Fuel Level
• Fuel gauge is located on the helm.
• The ignition switch needs to be on
for the fuel gauges to operate.
Refueling
• Turn o grill.
• Turn o all propane tanks 10
minutes prior to refueling.
• Turn o all electrical breakers.
• Turn o the generator.
• Close all doors and windows.
• Open valve and follow the direction
on the pump.
Caution: NEVER siphon gas from your
houseboat fuel tanks.
NOTE: Please have Captain and Crew
remain on board your houseboat. Wait for
Fuel Dock personnel to assist you.
Propane Tank
• Propane tanks are located on the
Starboard side of the front deck
• A valve is located on the top of each
tank. Turn counterclockwise to open.
Turn clockwise to close.
15
COMMON TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSES REMEDIES
Propane Smell The grill is not turned
o all the way
Range not o
Turn o grill and tank
unless
Make sure burner valves
are all the way o
16
REFRIGERATOR
How to Start
• Confirm that the inverter is ON or
that the generator is running.
(See below.)
• TAC refrigerator breaker must be on
at main panel
• If using the generator, you must
have the generator switch in the
GEN position. It is located in the
lower right of the panel.
Getting the most out of your
Refrigerator
• Put cold or frozen food into the
refrigerator.
• Open door only when necessary.
• Use ice chest for beverages.
• Don’t pack the refrigerator full, leave
space for air to circulate freely.
• Cover foods with strong odor.
• Cover foods that easily absorb odor.
• The coldest areas in the refrigerator
are under the cooling fins and at the
bottom.
• Warmest areas are on the upper
door shelves.
• The refrigerator will operate more
eciently if houseboat is level.
• Beach your houseboat so
refrigerator side will be in the shade
in the afternoon.
• The refrigerator will not cool as
eciently as your household
refrigerator.
Getting the most out of your freezer
• The freezer on your houseboat is not
designed for deep or quick freezing.
• Coldest part of your freezer is at the
bottom of the aluminum liner.
• Ice cubes can be made in the freezer
if placed in direct contact with
bottom of freezer.
• Cool items in fridge before placing
in freezer.
• Condensation from warm items
being placed in the freezer will
adversely aect the operation of
the freezer.
17
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