NW Explorations Arctic Star User manual

Arctic Star
46-foot Grand Banks Classic Yacht
Operating Manual
(January 2022)

ARCTIC STAR OPERATING MANUAL NW Explorations | i
Arctic Star
Operating Manual
(January 2022)
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Objectives ........................................................................................................................................................1
1.1.1 Disclaimer ..............................................................................................................................................2
1.2 Important Boat Numbers and Information .....................................................................................................3
2.0 General Description......................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Exterior ............................................................................................................................................................4
2.2 Interior.............................................................................................................................................................5
2.3 Flybridge..........................................................................................................................................................8
2.4 Sundeck ...........................................................................................................................................................8
3.0 Safety Equipment .........................................................................................................................................8
4.0 Domestic Systems.........................................................................................................................................9
4.1 Freshwater.....................................................................................................................................................10
4.1.1 Hot Water ............................................................................................................................................10
4.1.2 Water fill ..............................................................................................................................................10
4.1.3 Watermaker.........................................................................................................................................10
4.2 Galley Appliances ..........................................................................................................................................11
4.2.1 Refrigerator and Freezer......................................................................................................................12
4.2.2 Stove ....................................................................................................................................................12
4.2.3 Barbecue..............................................................................................................................................13
4.2.4 Ice Maker .............................................................................................................................................13
4.2.5 Vacuum Cleaner...................................................................................................................................13
4.3 Marine Toilet .................................................................................................................................................13
4.3.1 Waste Pump Out..................................................................................................................................14
4.4 Showers .........................................................................................................................................................15
4.5 Furnace..........................................................................................................................................................15
4.6 Air Conditioner...............................................................................................................................................16
4.7 Entertainment Center....................................................................................................................................16
5.0 Electrical Systems (Power Management).................................................................................................... 17
5.1 120-volt AC System........................................................................................................................................17
5.1.1 Shore power (50-amp, 240-volt)..........................................................................................................17
5.1.2 AC Distribution Panel...........................................................................................................................19
5.1.3 Reverse Polarity ...................................................................................................................................19
5.2 Generator ......................................................................................................................................................20
5.2.1 Starting the Generator.........................................................................................................................20
5.2.2 Stopping the Generator .......................................................................................................................20
5.3 12-volt DC Electrical System ..........................................................................................................................21
5.3.1 12-volt DC Distribution Panel ..............................................................................................................21

ii | ARCTIC STAR OPERATING MANUAL NW Explorations
5.3.2 Monitoring the House Battery Bank....................................................................................................22
5.4 Inverter/Charger............................................................................................................................................23
5.4.1 Inverting...............................................................................................................................................24
6.0 Engines and Engine Room........................................................................................................................... 25
6.1 Engine room check ........................................................................................................................................25
6.1.1 Seawater strainers ...............................................................................................................................25
6.1.2 Coolant level ........................................................................................................................................26
6.1.3 Oil drips................................................................................................................................................27
6.1.4 Fuel filters ............................................................................................................................................27
6.1.5 Engine oil level.....................................................................................................................................28
6.2 Fuel Management, Fuel manifold and Fuel level...........................................................................................28
6.2.1 Fuel Manifold.......................................................................................................................................29
6.2.2 Fuel Level .............................................................................................................................................29
6.3 Engine Controls and Gauges..........................................................................................................................30
6.4 Engine Startup ...............................................................................................................................................30
6.4.1 Starting Procedure...............................................................................................................................31
6.4.2 Stopping Procedure .............................................................................................................................31
6.5 Bow Thruster .................................................................................................................................................31
7.0 Electronic Aids to Navigation......................................................................................................................32
7.1 VHF radio.......................................................................................................................................................32
7.2 Autopilot and Rudder Angle Indicator...........................................................................................................33
7.3 Chartplotter...................................................................................................................................................34
7.3.1 Radar....................................................................................................................................................36
7.4 Depth Sounder...............................................................................................................................................36
7.5 Automatic Identification System (AIS)...........................................................................................................37
8.0 Maneuvering Suggestions........................................................................................................................... 37
8.1 Departing from a Dock ..................................................................................................................................37
8.2 Docking..........................................................................................................................................................38
8.3 Close quarter Maneuvering ...........................................................................................................................39
8.4 Bow Thruster .................................................................................................................................................39
8.5 Stabilizer........................................................................................................................................................39
8.6 Synchronizer when Cruising...........................................................................................................................40
8.7 Trim Tabs.......................................................................................................................................................41
9.0 Anchoring ...................................................................................................................................................41
9.1 Setting an Anchor ..........................................................................................................................................41
9.2 Hauling the Anchor........................................................................................................................................43
9.3 Stern tie .........................................................................................................................................................43
9.4 Rafting...........................................................................................................................................................44
10.0 Inflatable Tender.................................................................................................................................... 45
10.1 Tender............................................................................................................................................................45
10.2 To Launch the Tender: ...................................................................................................................................46
10.3 Starting the Outboard Motor ........................................................................................................................46

ARCTIC STAR OPERATING MANUAL NW Explorations | iii
10.4 Lifting the Tender ..........................................................................................................................................47
11.0 Checklists and Procedures......................................................................................................................47
12.0 Troubleshooting.....................................................................................................................................51
12.1 Engine overheating........................................................................................................................................51
12.2 Fuel filter .......................................................................................................................................................51
12.3 Outboard motor ............................................................................................................................................52
12.4 Low battery ...................................................................................................................................................52
12.5 Anchor ...........................................................................................................................................................52
12.5.1 Anchor chain is stuck in anchor locker............................................................................................52
12.5.2 Anchor is stuck on the bottom........................................................................................................52
12.5.3 Anchor windlass will not turn .........................................................................................................53
12.6 Toilet will not flush ........................................................................................................................................53
12.7 Freshwater does not flow at faucet...............................................................................................................53
12.8 Hitting a log...................................................................................................................................................53
12.9 Hitting a rock or submerged object ...............................................................................................................53
12.10Running into a fishing net .............................................................................................................................54
13.0 Emergency Procedures........................................................................................................................... 54
14.0 Index...................................................................................................................................................... 56

ARCTIC STAR OPERATING MANUAL NW Explorations | 1
Arctic Star
46-foot Grand Banks Classic Yacht
Operating Manual
(January 2022)
1.0 Introduction
Welcome aboard Arctic Star, a 46-foot Grand Banks Classic Yacht which can accommodate four
guests comfortably in two staterooms. Arctic Star is powered by twin 420 horsepower diesel
engines and has a helm station in the main cabin and on the flybridge. The flybridge and walk
around deck provide safe and secure passage around the boat while underway or at the dock.
Twin engines and a bow thruster make maneuvering Arctic Star surprisingly easy and fun.
1.1 Objectives
This operating manual is an introduction to the motor yacht Arctic Star, and her features such
as the safety, electrical, domestic, propulsion and control systems. This manual will help you
operate this vessel with confidence however, this manual is not intended to replace a basic
understanding of seamanship. It is the responsibility of the charter guest to have knowledge of

2 | ARCTIC STAR OPERATING MANUAL NW Explorations
the ‘Rules of the Road,’ and basic skills of navigation, boat handling, and interpretation of
weather conditions. This knowledge can be gained through powerboat training classes offered
by NW Explorations.
Motor yachts are propelled and control with complicated equipment. This manual is intended
to provide a ‘working’ explanations of how these systems operate. For an in-depth explanation
of how a particular system operates, you are encouraged to study the manuals that can be
found onboard, or on the internet. For example, to fully understand the use of electronic
navigation systems, we recommend reviewing instructional videos that can be viewed at the
manufacturer’s website or, on YouTube.
1.1.1 Disclaimer
NW Explorations assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions of this operating manual
and represents only that the writings and illustrations herein represent our “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 owners,
crew members, and guests on this vessel, and is not complete in every detail. Given the
complexity of this boat and its systems, it is not possible that all conditions, contingencies, and
operating details can be included, both because of space limitations and because of ordinary
oversight as contingencies are speculated upon by NW Explorations. Likewise, it is possible
either through oversight and/or changes in the vessel because 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 charter guest on this vessel, you are here at your own risk,
and it is your responsibility to be trained and prepared to operate the vessel. If you do not feel
competent to undertake any or all operations detailed in this operating manual, contact NW
Explorations for addition training.

ARCTIC STAR OPERATING MANUAL NW Explorations | 3
1.2 Important Boat Numbers and Information
Vessel Name
Arctic Star
Vessel Official Number
1125464
Hull ID Number
GNDF0244H102
Dimensions
Length on deck
47 feet 1 inch
Length over all (LOA)
53 feet
Beam
14 feet 9 inches
Draft
4 feet 5 inches
Displacement (dry)
39,000 pounds
Capacity
Sleeps 4
two guests in each stateroom
Fuel
600 gallons in two 300-gallon tanks
Fresh water
276 gallons in two tanks
Holding tank
31 gallons in one tank
Fluids
Fuel
#2 Diesel
Motor oil; mains
Delo 400 - 15/40
Transmission oil
30 weight motor oil
Engine coolant
CAT DEAC
Generator motor oil
Delo 400 - 15/40
Operating Parameters (Estimated)
RPM
Speed
Fuel Consumption
(gals/hour)
Nautical Miles per
gallon
1400
8.6
6.4
1.3
1600
9.2
9.0
1.02
1800
9.7
12.4
0.78
2000
10.6
16.2
0.65
2200
11.4
21.0
0.54
2400
12.8
27.0
0.47
NW Explorations Service Shop:
If you have any problems or any questions you may call the service department for help.
NW Exploration Service Shop: 360-393-5309

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2.0 General Description
•Exterior
•Interior
•Flybridge
•Deck equipment
•Shore power connections
Arctic Star is a 46-foot Grand Banks Classic. This model is a traditional trawler style with walk
around deck, flybridge deck, and raised coach roofs over the forward and master stateroom.
2.1 Exterior
At the bow, a bowsprit with anchor roller supports a
windlass with a 66-pound Bruce anchor. Foot switches to
raise and lower the anchor and chain are at the base of
the windlass platform. The chain falls from the windlass
gypsy through a hawsepipe directly below into a chain
locker that is forward of the V-berth stateroom. A
seawater washdown faucet and hose are to the port side
of the windlass, a freshwater washdown faucet is on the
starboard side. Washing mud off the anchor and chain
keeps the anchor locker clean and reduces odor. An
anchor bridle is stored in the forward deck locker with
spare lines.
Shore power connections for 240-volt 50-amp service is
at the bow and at the stern. The 50-foot shore power
cord can be connected at either station whichever is more convenient for connecting to the
dock-side power supply. The cord can be stored in the lazarette under the aft deck.
The aft cockpit is two steps down from the side decks
at the same level as the swim platform. This makes
easy access to the swim platform and inflatable
tender. Under the cockpit floor is the lazarette
storage compartment with extra lines, a 200-foot
shore-tie line, water hose, cleaning supplies, and
other spare equipment. Access to the rudder posts
and an emergency rudder tiller are also in the
lazarette.

ARCTIC STAR OPERATING MANUAL NW Explorations | 5
Arctic Star has stainless steel rails and teak gunwale
caps along the side decks. A gate in the rail opens
for mid-ship access from the dock; for safety, these
gates should be kept closed when not in use. The
starboard fuel tank fill cap is on the starboard side
deck. The port fuel tank fill, waste tank pump out
and both water tank fills are along the port side
deck.
A teak swim step is attached to the transom which is a secure platform to board onto the boat
and onto the inflatable tender. A swim ladder is attached on the swim step to help swimmers to
climb up onto the swim step.
2.2 Interior
Arctic Star has a 2-cabin configuration with two staterooms and the galley four steps down
from the salon level. The forward V-berth stateroom is large with a hanging closet, shelves, and
drawers for storage. A large overhead hatch and opening side windows provide sunlight and
fresh air. The anchor chain locker is forward of the berths with access through a cabinet door.

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The forward head includes vanity sink, shower
stall, a ‘MasterFlush’ electric marine toilet, and
a washer and dryer. The MasterFlush toilet uses
freshwater to flush and pump waste into a
holding tank; using freshwater helps to reduce
odor. The washer and dryer operate just as your
home laundry and require 120-volt AC power
and can be used when connected to shore
power or when the generator is operating.
A fire extinguisher is mounted on the overhead
above the dryer
The shower operates just as your home shower with a hot and cold-water mixer. Grey water
from the shower drains into a sump below the teak grate and is pumped overboard. The drain
pump must be turned on with a chrome pull-switch inside of the shower stall. The ‘Drain Pump’
breaker switch on the 12-volt DC panel must also be turned on.
The U-shaped galley is opposite of the
head and has a double sink, an electric
range, microwave, double refrigerator,
freezer under the counter. Groceries and
supplies can be stored in the over-counter
cabinets, under the floor, and in coolers on
the flybridge.
The helm is on the starboard side of the
main cabin. This station has engine
controls, gauges, electrical panels, helm,
electronic navigation instruments and a
helm seat. The starboard cabin door
opens at the helm station. Aft of the
helm station is the salon with a dry bar,
ice maker, L-shaped cushioned
furniture, and dining table that can be
lowered to a coffee table. An
entertainment center with a video

ARCTIC STAR OPERATING MANUAL NW Explorations | 7
monitor and stereo is on the port side of the salon with two armchairs. The port side main
cabin door opens forward of the entertainment center.
The master stateroom is aft of the salon,
down four steps from the main cabin. A
walk-around queen size bed is
surrounded with counters, cabinets, and
a hanging locker for storage. Drawers for
charts and storage are built in under the
bed. To the port side of the bed is a
companionway that leads to the aft deck.
This can be used for access or emergency
egress, and for fresh air ventilation when
anchored or tied to a dock. A stainless-
steel knob is on the front of the portside
nightstand, this is the locking mechanism
for the lazarette locker that can be used
to secure the lazarette hatch, if needed.
A fire extinguisher is mounted under the countertop of the portside cabinets.
The master stateroom has a separate
shower on the starboard side and
head on the port side. Gray water
from the shower drains to a sump
under the teak grate and is pumped
overboard. The pull-switch for the
pump is on the starboard wall of the
shower, in the aft corner; it is hidden
behind the shower curtain and under a
ledge. The ‘Drain Pump’ breaker
switch on the 12-volt DC panel must
also be turned on.
The master head has a vanity basin, cabinets, and a MasterFlush electric marine toilet. A
monitor for the holding tank is next to the toilet-flush controls. This monitor indicates when the
tank is empty, low, mid, and full. When the
monitor indicates ‘Full,’ it is time to find a
pump-out station. With four guests this will
need to be done every two or three days.
There are several pump-out stations in the
San Juan Islands including Roche Harbor,
Friday Harbor, Doe Bay, Rosario Resort, and
Reid Harbor on Stuart Island. Plan to pump

8 | ARCTIC STAR OPERATING MANUAL NW Explorations
out when you are at these destinations. Please do not wait until the tank is full.
2.3 Flybridge
The flybridge is above the main cabin and
has a helm station directly above the lower
helm station. This upper helm station has
engine controls and gauges and with a
remote autopilot control, chart plotter,
depth sounder, and VHF radio. Storage
areas for equipment, and extra PFDs,
under the helm dashboard and flybridge
furniture. A fully enclosed bimini provides
a warm and dry space and shade making
the flybridge a comfortable area for travel
and entertainment.
2.4 Sundeck
The inflatable tender is secured to its bunk
on the sundeck above the master
stateroom. The tender is lifted with an
electric winch on a davit that lifts and
pivots over the starboard side where the
tender is lowered into the water.
Launching the tender is a little awkward
so, please review the checklist and
procedures for launching the tender prior
to your first attempt (Section 10). Rule
number 1, you must always be sure the
two transom drain plugs are installed. The lower plug is inserted at the outside bottom of the
transom. The upper plug is hidden by the outboard motor and is inserted under and behind the
helm seat.
A stainless-steel barbecue is attached on the
transom handrail with the propane tank secured
directly under the barbecue.
3.0 Safety Equipment
Anchor

ARCTIC STAR OPERATING MANUAL NW Explorations | 9
The main anchor is a 66 pound Bruce anchor permanently rigged at the bow.
Personal floatation devices (PFDs)
Type III Inflatable and vest PFDs are stored in the hanging lockers.
Additional PFDs are in the flybridge storage lockers
A life ring is hanging from the aft rail of the flybridge.
A Life Sling man overboard system is mounted in the cockpit on the aft bulkhead of the
master cabin on the starboard side.
Fire extinguishers are mounted throughout the boat:
Forward cabins: on the overhead above the dryer.
Main cabin: port side forward of cabin door, under serving counter
Master stateroom: port side under cabinet countertop
Engine room has an automatic thermal activated with manual control at the lower helm.
Flares and emergency signals are in the cabinet under the lower helm seat by the starboard
doorway.
Horn: a compressed-air horn is activated by a push button at both the lower and upper helm
station. A handheld horn is stored in the bottom drawer under the helm seat.
Navigation and anchor lights are switched on at the 12-volt DC panel.
Marine Pollution (MARPOL) required placard is attached inside of the engine room door.
First-aid kit is stored in the forward head.
VHF radios are at both the lower and upper helm stations and a handheld VHF radio is available
for use in the tender.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are attached to a bulkhead in each stateroom.
Bilge pumps:
3 automatic bilge pumps with float switches area fixed in the bilges
Manual pump is below the floor hatch at the top of the master stateroom steps.
Boarding steps: The board steps at the dock may be carried with you for safe mid-ship access
Swim step: the swim step is a safe place to step between the boat and dock or the tender
Swim ladder is attached on top of the swim step
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) GFCI switches are located to the starboard of the helm
station.
4.0 Domestic Systems
•Freshwater
•Galley appliances
•Marine toilet
•Shower

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•Furnace
•Air Conditioning
•Entertainment Center
This section describes the operations of systems used to make life aboard more comfortable.
4.1 Freshwater
A total of 276 gallons of freshwater is stored in two tanks: a forward tank and a mid-ship tank.
These tanks are connected to each other and to a freshwater pump. The water is pumped into
an accumulation tank that has an air bladder inside, the air in the bladder is compressed
thereby creating the pressure that pushes water to the galley and bathroom sinks and marine
toilet. The freshwater pump has a breaker switch on the 12-volt DC panel that must be turned
on for the pump to work.
4.1.1 Hot Water
Freshwater is heated in a 20-gallon tank with 120-volt AC electrical power from the generator
or shore power or, by heat from the port engine while the boat is underway. Be careful, the
water can get very hot. The water heater is on the port side of the engine room and the water
has a long way to travel to the showers on the starboard side of the boat. Be patient, the hot
water will get to the shower, and it will be hot.
4.1.2 Water fill
The water tanks are filled through two deck fill pipes on the port
side-deck. The deck fill caps are stamped ‘WATER.’ Fill the
forward tank first and then the midship tank.
Warning: The aft water fill pipe is close to the port-side ‘DIESEL’
fill pipe. Be careful to fill the water tank and not the diesel tank.
4.1.3 Watermaker
Arctic Star is equipped with a FCI Max-Q
watermaker that can produce one gallon of potable
water per minute. The watermaker is mounted in
the forward bilge area with a control panel installed
on the overhead dashboard. The watermaker
requires 120-volt AC electrical power from the
generator. Operate the watermaker only while you
are underway in clean and clear seawater.
Suspended sediment in the seawater such as glacial
till will clog up the seawater intake filters very
quickly.

ARCTIC STAR OPERATING MANUAL NW Explorations | 11
To start the watermaker, have the generator
running and the ‘Watermaker’ breaker switch
turned on. The MAXQ+logo will appear on the
touch-screen control panel; touch the screen and
the startup display will appear. Press ‘Start;’ the
watermaker will automatically go through its start-
up sequence and will begin filling the freshwater
tanks. When the tanks are full, water will dribble
out of the water tank vents outboard of the port
side deck. When the tanks are full, press the ‘Stop’
button and the watermaker will go through the flush and shut-down sequence and then turn
off. Allow the watermaker 10 minutes to flush and shut down before stopping the generator.
The watermaker requires a high electrical load so when it is running do not use other high-load
appliances such as the microwave.
4.2 Galley Appliances
Arctic Stars’ galley is equipped with similar appliances as your home kitchen, microwave, coffee
pot, refrigerator, freezer, and electric range. The microwave and coffee pot require 120-volt AC
power and are plugged into a circuit that is powered through the inverter system; you can
make coffee and use the microwave when at anchor and
without the generator running however, this will use
power from the house battery bank and the battery level
must be monitored.
Note: Use of microwave and coffee pot without the
generator running will deplete the house battery bank.
Monitor the battery levels when operating these
appliances when at anchor and the generator is not
running.

12 | ARCTIC STAR OPERATING MANUAL NW Explorations
4.2.1 Refrigerator and Freezer
The refrigerator (top) and freezer (bottom) run on 120-volt
AC power when the generator is running or when the boat
is connected to shore power. The refrigerator compressor
is in the engine room and is cooled with seawater; when
the unit is running, seawater drains out a thru hull near the
waterline on the port side. This system uses a cold plate at
the back of an insulated cabinet. The cold plate is chilled
and retains the cold very efficiently keeping the space
inside of the cabinet cool. When at temperature, this
system needs to be run only for an hour or two in the
morning and in the
evening when the
generator is running.
The freezer is cooled
with a cold plate set at a
lower temperature. A deep-freeze cabinet is under the
counter-top to the left of the stove.
Fresh produce will freeze if it is placed too close to the cold plate. We recommend that you
store produce in the front of the refrigerator cabinet or, keep fresh fruits and vegetables in the
cooler on the flybridge.
4.2.2 Stove
An electric princess marine stove has a three-burner cooktop
and an oven that operates with 120-volt AC power; the
generator must be running, or the boat must be connected to
shore power. Be sure the stove breaker switch is turned on.
Because of limitations in the power on a boat, you can use all
three burners, or two burners and the oven, but not all three
burners and the oven. There is a switch on the front of the
stove labeled “Oven/Top.” When set to “Oven,” only two
burners will work. The other switch controls the oven light.
Note: When underway vibration may cause the hook holding
the stove-lid up to become disengaged; while underway, se-
cure the hook with a rubber band or twist tie.

ARCTIC STAR OPERATING MANUAL NW Explorations | 13
4.2.3 Barbecue
The propane barbecue is mounted on the transom. To
operate, connect the propane hose from the tank to the grill.
The regulator must be turned at an angle (about 45°) so that
the connector barrel fits into the barbecue. Turn on the
propane tank valve and then push down on the regulator valve
and turn to the high position. Push down on the ignitor to
light. If the ignitor does not spark, use one of the barbecue
lighters from the galley.
Hint: These barbecues are hot; Use medium flame for cooking.
4.2.4 Ice Maker
The ice maker under the dry bar runs on 120-volt AC power and will continue to run through
the inverter when the boat is not connected to shore power and when the generator is not
running. This unit is a low power draw but, can deplete the house batteries over an extended
time.
To make ice:
1. Turn on the freshwater pump breaker switch on the 12-volt DC panel (‘F.W. Pump’)
2. Turn on the Ice Maker breaker switch on the 120-volt AC panel Be sure the ice maker
unit is turned on; the switch is below the ice maker door
3. Be sure the wire arm is in the down position.
4.2.5 Vacuum Cleaner
There are two vacuum cleaners onboard. They are in the master cabin hanging locker.
4.3 Marine Toilet
Both the forward and aft heads have Dometic brand MasterFlush electric toilets that uses
freshwater to flush waste into the holding tank. The ‘Electric Head’ breaker switch on the 12-
volt DC panel must be turned on.
Two rocker switches operate the toilet:
1. Pressing toggle-1 adds water into the toilet bowl.
2. Pressing toggle-2 adds water as waste is pumped from
the toilet bowl.
3. Pressing toggle-3 is the dry flush which pumps liquid from
the toilet bowl without adding water.
Freshwater is used in the MasterFlush toilets to reduce the odor
associated with older marine toilets.
Important: The only stuff that goes into the toilet is whatever
you have already eaten, and some toilet paper. Do not put baby wipes, paper towels, or
feminine products into the toilet, they will clog the toilet.

14 | ARCTIC STAR OPERATING MANUAL NW Explorations
MasterFlush toilets macerates the waste and pumps it into the 30-gallon holding tank. A
monitor of the level of the holding tank is placed next to the toilet flush control in the aft head.
This monitor indicates when the tank is empty, low, mid, and full. When the monitor indicates
full, it is time to find a pump-out
station. With four guests this will
need to be done every two or three
days. There are several pump-out
stations in the San Juan Islands
including Roche Harbor, Friday
Harbor, Doe Bay, Rosario Resort, and
Reid Harbor on Stuart Island. Plan to
pump out when you are at these
destinations. Please do not wait until
the tank is over full.
4.3.1 Waste Pump Out
Discharge of untreated sewage is not allowed in the Salish Sea. The
holding tank must be pumped out at a proper pump-out stations.
The procedure is relatively simple:
Dock port side to the pump-out station if possible.
1. Put on a pair of disposable latex gloves if available
2. Remove the ‘WASTE’ deck plate on the port side deck
3. Firmly set the waste suction hose fitting into the waste pipe
4. Turn on the waste suction pump and open the valve at the
boat-end of the hose.
5. When the pump starts to suck air out of the holding tank, turn off the pump and close
the valve.
6. Rinse off the deck and tidy up the pump out facility.
While cruising in British Columbia, pumping blackwater overboard in the open passages is
allowed however, do not pump out into anchorages, bays, or marinas. To pump out the holding
tank overboard where allowed, you must be sure that the thru-hull valve is open. This valve is
in the cabinet outboard of the aft toilet. Ask your check-out skipper where the holding tank
pump is located and to check the thru-hull valve.
1. Turn on the ‘Macerator Pump’ breaker switch on the 12-volt DC panel.
2. Have a crew member monitor the holding tank level and when it is empty turn off the
macerator pump. This will take several minutes.
Note: Most of our boats have a timer switch that shut off the macerator pump after several
minutes. Arctic Star is not one of these; you must remember to turn the breaker switch off to
prevent burning out the pump. Setting a timer on your phone for 10 minutes would work well.