Silver Fox Avant/DC/BR 485 User manual

Omistajan käsikirja Användarhandbok Owner’s Manual Eignerhandbuch Manuel du propriétaire

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ENGLISH
Silver
Owner’s Manual

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Preface
Dear Silver boat owner! Thank you for buying a Silver boat. We hope
that you will enjoy it!
This Owner’s Manual is intended to help you use your boat safely. It
provides a detailed description of the boat and related systems and
accessories as well as information about the proper operation and
care of the boat. Please read this manual carefully before using the
boat for the first time.
Naturally, the Owner’s Manual is no course in seamanship or boat-
ing safety. If this is your first boat or you have traded your old boat
in for a new type that you are not familiar with, make sure, for
you own comfort and safety, that you gain enough experience in
handling and using the boat before accepting command. The deal-
er, boating clubs and national motor-boating and sailing associa-
tions will be happy to recommend local boating schools or compe-
tent instructors.
Make sure that the design category of your boat will meet the
predicted wind conditions and wave heights and that you and your
crew can handle the boat in such conditions. The wind and wave
conditions corresponding to design categories A, B, and C range
from a storm to strong winds involving a risk of exceptional waves
and gusting. Although your boat is designed for such conditions,
safe operation requires an able, trained crew and a well-maintained
boat.
This Owner’s Manual is not a detailed maintenance or troubleshoot-
ing guide. In case of problems, contact the manufacturer or your
dealer. Always have the boat serviced and repaired and any altera-
tions done by qualified personnel. Any modifications that may
affect the safety of the boat should be evaluated, carried out and
documented by a qualified person. The manufacturer accepts no
liability for unauthorised modifications.
In some countries, a special boating licence or authorization may
be required to operate the boat. These countries may also apply
other additional regulations.
Always keep the boat in good condition. Consider wear and tear
due to ageing, rough treatment or misuse. Any boat – irrespective
of its strength – may be seriously damaged if it not used properly.
Misuse is not part of safe boating. Always adjust your speed and
direction of travel to the prevailing swell.
If your boat is equipped with a life raft, read its operating instruc-
tions with care. The boat should always have the appropriate safe-
ty equipment (life vests, safety harness, etc. ) according to the type
of boat, weather conditions, etc. In some countries, such equip-
ment is compulsory. The crew should be familiar with the use of all
the safety equipment and emergency manoeuvres (for example, re-
boarding a person falling overboard, towing, etc.). Sailing schools
and clubs organise sea rescue exercises on a regular basis.

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All persons onboard the boat should wear suitable flotation device
(life vest / boating vest) when on deck. Note that in some countries it
is mandatory to wear a flotation device at all times when onboard.
KEEP THIS OWNER’S MANUAL IN A SAFE PLACE AND GIVE IT TO THE
NEXT OWNER IF YOU SELL THE BOAT.

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Before departure
Read this Owner’s Manual carefully.
Always check the following items before departure:
Prevailing weather and weather forecast
Consider wind, wave height, and visibility. Is the design category of
your boat, its size and accessories as well as the skills of the master
and crew sufficient for the waters in which you intend to travel? In
strong winds and high seas, all hatches must be closed to prevent
water from entering the boat.
Load-carrying capacity
Do not overload the boat, and distribute the load evenly. Do not
place heavy objects in elevated positions because they may jeop-
ardise the stability of the boat.
Passengers
Make sure that there are enough life vests for all onboard. Before
departure explain the duties of every passenger during the trip.
Fuel
Make sure that you have enough fuel, including reserves in case of
foul weather.
Engine and equipment
Check the operation and condition of the steering system, electri-
cal equipment and the battery and carry out the daily checks speci-
fied in the engine manual. Ensure the seaworthiness of the boat by
checking for fuel and water leaks, make sure that all the safety gear
is onboard, etc. Make sure that the water level in the bilge is at its
minimum.
Ventilation
If the engine compartment in your boat is equipped with a fan, let it
run for at least 4 minutes before starting the engine. Start the en-
gine following the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure adequate
ventilation around fuel tank(s) to reduce the risk of fire.
Stowage of goods
Make sure that all the goods are secured so that they cannot move
in heavy seas and strong winds.

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Nautical charts
If you are not navigating a route that you know by heart, make sure
that you have enough charts to make the trip safely.
Departure and landing manoeuvres
Agree with the crew members who will manage what rope. Make
sure that mooring lines, etc., cannot get entangled in the propeller
when departing or landing.
Consult the engine manual for information concerning the engine.

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Contents
1 General 145
2 Definitions 145
3 Warranty 145
4 Commissioning 146
4.1 Registration 146
4.2 Insurance 146
4.3 Training 146
5 Characteristics and operation of the boat 146
5.1 General 146
5.2 Basic boat data 146
5.3 Maximum number of persons the boat is
designed to carry 147
5.4 Loading 147
5.5 Engine and propeller 148
5.6 Stability and flooding 148
5.6.1 Openings in hull and deck 148
5.6.2 Bilge pumps and drainage 149
5.7 Prevention of fire and explosion 153
5.7.1 Engines 153
5.7.2 Other fuel-burning systems 153
5.7.3 Fire protection 153
5.8 Electrical system 153
5.9 Handling characteristics 154
5.9.1 Driving at high speeds 154
5.9.2 Visibility from the steering position 154
5.10 Proper seamanship – recommendations
and instructions 155
5.10.1 Protection from falling overboard and
means of re-boarding 155
5.10.2 Stowage of life raft 155
5.10.3 Ventilation 155
5.10.4 Securing loose items 161
5.10.5 Respect for the environment 161
5.10.6 Anchoring, mooring and towing 161
5.10.7 Trailering 162
6 Maintenance and winterizing 163
6.1 Measures before winter docking 163
6.2 Washing and cleaning 163
6.3 Winter storage and servicing 163
6.4 Measures before launching 164
7 Repairs 164
Appendices 171

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ENGLISH
3 Warranty
The manufacturer gives the boat and the accessories installed at
the boatyard a two-year warranty in accordance with the terms
indicated on the warranty card. Warranties for the following
components are given by the respective manufacturers:
– engine and drive
– trim tabs
– stove, refrigerator, and heater
– compass
– instruments
– navigation equipment.
The warranty certificates for these devices and the contact details
of the suppliers are attached. In case of inquiries concerning other
equipment, please contact
TerhiTec Oy, Sorvitie 4, FI-63700 Ähtäri, Finland
Tel.[phone], fax [phone]
silverveneet@terhitec.fi
1 General
This Owner’s Manual helps you get to know your boat and learn
about its characteristics, maintenance and servicing. The manu-
als for the accessories installed in the boat are included, and ref-
erence is frequently made to them. Naturally, you can supplement
this manual with the manuals for any additional accessories you
may have retrofitted. Space is provided for your own notes at the
end of the manual.
2 Definitions
The following texts are used in this manual to indicate risk or danger:
DANGER! Means that there is a serious risk of injury or death
unless proper precautionary action is taken.
WARNING! Means that there is a risk of injury or death unless
proper precautionary action is taken.
CAUTION! Reminds of a safe procedure or highlights an unsafe
procedure that may lead to an injury or damage to the
boat or its components.
This manual makes use of the SI units of measurements. Other
units may be used in brackets in places.

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4 Commissioning
4.1 Registration
Under the Finnish Boating Decree, motorboats with an engine with
an output at least 15kW or hull length at least 5,5 meters, must be
entered in the National Craft Register. For more details, contact the
local register office (maistraatti). A person operating a registered
boat must be at least 15 years of age.
4.2 Insurance
Boat insurance may cover damage sustained at sea or when the
boat is transported over land or docked. Check the insurance liabil-
ity before the boat is lifted out of water. Indirectly, insurance may
also improve safety at sea: in case of an accident, you can concen-
trate on saving human life. Contact an insurance company for infor-
mation about boat insurance.
4.3 Training
No one is born a master. Many books on boating and navigation are
available. Check about the possibilities of attending navigation and
boating courses. While they will get you started, true confidence
in handling, navigation, mooring and anchoring is only achieved
through long practice. It is also advisable to find out about the local
boating clubs and their activities.
5 Characteristics and operation
of the boat
5.1 General
This Owner’s Manual is not intended to be a complete servicing and
maintenance guide. However, it will help you get to know your boat
and its characteristics and operate it safely.
5.2 Basic boat data
The technical data on the various Silver boat models is listed in the
following table:
Design category:
Category C: Designed for voyages where conditions up to and in-
cluding wind force 6 (Beaufort scale), or 14 m/s, and significant
wave heights of up to 2 m may be experienced (see Note below).
Such conditions may be encountered on open lakes, estuaries, and
coastal waters in reasonable weather conditions.
Category D: Designed for voyages where conditions up to and in-
cluding wind force 4 (Beaufort scale), or 8 m/s, and significant wave
heights of up to 0.3 m may be experienced (with occasional wave
heights of 0.5 m). Such conditions may be encountered in sheltered
waters and coastal waters in good weather.

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Note:
Significant wave height means the average height of the highest
1/3rd of the waves over a given period, which is equivalent to the
wave height estimated by an experienced observer. Waves of dou-
ble that height may occasionally be experienced.
Main dimensions and capacities:
The boat’s length, beam, draught, total weight, etc., and tank ca-
pacities are indicated in the Technical Specifications in Appendix 1.
Builder’s plate:
A builder’s plate that shows some of the above information is af-
fixed within the field of vision of the pilot. Supplementary data is
provided in the appropriate sections of this manual.
5.3 Maximum number of persons the boat
is designed to carry
The maximum numbers of persons the different Silver boat models
are designed to carry are indicated in the following table. The seats
intended for the passengers are indicated in Fig. 1.
WARNING! Never exceed the maximum number of passengers. Ir-
respective of the number of people onboard, the combined weight
of the passengers and equipment may never exceed the maximum
permissible load (see Loading). Always use the seats provided.
5.4 Loading
The maximum permissible load that Silver boats are designed to
carry include the following:
a) total weight of the persons onboard (an adult is
assumed to weigh 75 kg and a child 37.5 kg )
b) basic equipment
c) weight of the liquids carried in portable containers
(water, fuel, etc.)
d) total weight of the consumable liquids in integrated
tanks (water, fuel, etc. ) (with full tanks)
The recommended weight only includes the weight components
listed above.
WARNING: When loading things aboard, never exceed the maxi-
mum permissible load. Position the load carefully to
ensure the optimum balance of the boat (even keel).
Do not place heavy objects in elevated positions.
Maximum number of passengers:
Silver Fox Avant/DC/BR 485 5
Silver Wolf DC/Avant/BR 510 6
Silver Hawk BR/CC 540 7
Silver Shark BR/CC 540 7
Silver Eagle BR 650/CC 630 7
Silver Eagle WA 650 7
Silver Cabin 650 7
Silver Star Cabin 650 7
Silver Condor 730 8

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Maximum permissible load includes:
Basic
equipment,
kg
Fuel in
portable
containers, kg
Fuel in
integrated
tanks, kg
Silver Fox Avant/DC/BR 485 10 40
Silver Wolf DC/Avant/BR 510 10 40
Silver Hawk BR/CC 540 10 80
Silver Shark BR/CC 580 11 100
Silver Eagle BR 650 15 100
Silver Eagle CC 630 15 100
Silver Eagle WA 650 20 100
Silver Cabin 650 20 100
Silver Star Cabin 650 20 100
Silver Condor 730 25 250
Maximum permissible load:
Silver Fox Avant/DC/BR 485 465 kg
Silver Wolf DC/Avant/BR 510 500 kg
Silver Hawk BR/CC 540 615 kg
Silver Shark BR/CC 580 525 kg
Silver Eagle BR 650 675 kg
Silver Eagle CC 630 705 kg
Silver Eagle WA 650 675 kg
Silver Cabin 650 675 kg
Silver Star Cabin 650 600 kg
Silver Condor 730 1005 kg
5.5 Engine and propeller
The maximum engine outputs that may be used on Silver boats are
indicated in the following table. Follow the motor manufacturer’s
instructions in the selection of the propeller.
5.6 Stability and flooding
5.6.1 Openings in hull and deck
The location of thru-hulls and related shutoff valves are indicated
in Fig. 5.
To ensure that the self-draining works properly, make sure that any
extra baggage and equipment is removed from the floor and from
the container boxes before you leave the boat to the dock. Make
sure that the boat floats sideways as balanced as possible by bal-
ancing other load items.
Silver boats are lined with a self-draining fibreglass interior.
The self-draining outlets in the aft corners of the interior must be
kept open and free from debris to ensure drainage.
CAUTION! Despite self-drainage, water may find its way into the
bilge through motor well openings and inspection
doors. Check the bilge level before setting out to the
sea and drain it with the bilge pump provided.
On Silver Eagle, Silver Shark, and Silver Hawk, the deck
self-draining outlets can be closed with ball valves. On
the other models they can be closed with plugs. If the
boat is to carry a heavier-than-normal load, close the
self-draining outlets to prevent the ingress of water.

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Maximum permissible engine outputs:
Silver Fox Avant/DC 485 37 kW (50 hv)
Silver Fox BR 485 45 kW (60 hv)
Silver Wolf DC/Avant/BR 510 45 kW (60 hv)
Silver Hawk BR/CC 540 75 kW (100 hv)
Silver Shark BR/CC 580 86 kW (115 hv)
Silver Eagle BR 650 130 kW (175 hv)
Silver Eagle CC 630 112 kW (150 hv)
Silver Eagle WA 650 130 kW (175 hv)
Silver Cabin 650 112 kW (150 hv)
Silver Star Cabin 650 112 kW (150 hv)
Silver Condor 730 220 kW (300 hv)
With Silver Cab models, keep the cabin doors and
hatches closed in strong winds and heavy seas.
WARNING! If you want to keep the cabin roof hatch open when un-
der way, secure it in the open position with the locking
mechanism. Failing that, a sudden movement of the
boat may cause the roof hatch to close without warn-
ing and cause injuries. Secure all the other hatches and
doors in the same way.
5.6.2 Bilge pumps and drainage
Silver boats are equipped with an automatic electric bilge pump in
the location shown in Fig. 5. When the sensor detects the presence
of water in the bilge, the pump drains it automatically. The pump is
always in standby mode irrespective of the position of the main cir-
cuit breaker provided that the battery has been installed and con-
nected. The electric bilge pump can also be operated from the
switch panel. The capacity of the bilge pump is about 45 litres/min.
Boats without a manual electric pump installed do not feature an
automatic emptying function: in this case, the pump is engaged by
a switch in the switch panel.
The electric bilge pump is operated from the switch panel described
in Section 5.8.
Carry out regular checks to ensure that the ends of the bilge pump
suction hoses are not blocked by debris.
WARNING! The bilge pump system is not designed for controlling
leaks resulting from running aground or other such
damage.
CAUTION! Check the bilge pump regularly for correct operation.
Remove any debris from the pump suction inlets.

14 Fig. 1. Seats for maximum permissible number of passengers.
Silver Wolf DC 510
Silver Wolf Avant 510
Silver Wolf BR 510
Silver Fox DC 485
Silver Fox BR 485
Silver Fox Avant 485

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ENGLISH
Fig. 1. Seats for maximum permissible number of passengers.
Silver Eagle BR 650
Silver Eagle WA 650
Silver Shark BR 580
Silver Shark CC 580 ja Silver Eagle CC 630
Silver Hawk BR 540
Silver Hawk CC 540

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5.7 Prevention of fire and explosion
5.7.1 Engines
If the engine compartment in your boat is equipped with a fan, let it
run for at least 4 minutes before starting the engine as indicated in
the warning sign in front of the pilot. Also make sure that the ven-
tilation openings are open and free from debris, etc. After starting
the engine, check the cooling water circulation.
Before refuelling switch off the engine, stove, heater and put out
any cigarettes. Do not operate any switches or devices that may
produce sparks.
The fuel inlet ( ) is located on the stern deck.
When refuelling at a service station, do not use a plastic funnel be-
cause it will prevent the discharge of static voltage between the fill-
er pistol and fuel inlet bushing. After refuelling (check tank capacity
in Section 5), make sure that no fuel has leaked into the bilge or en-
gine well. Wipe off any fuel splashes right away.
Space has been provided for one slip tank under the aft seat. Do
not keep any reserve canisters in a non-ventilated space or leave
them loose.
Do not leave any loose objects in the engine well that may get in
touch with hot engine parts or damage the fuel lines. Check the fuel
lines once a year for wear.
5.7.2 Other fuel-burning systems
If the boat is equipped with a paraffin heater, separate instructions
Silver Condor 730
Silver Cabin 650
Silver Star Cabin 650
Fig. 1. Seats for maximum permissible number of passengers.

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ENGLISH
are provided with the boat. Use only high-grade paraffin for fuel.
Before refuelling switch off the engine, stove, heater and put out
any cigarettes. Do not operate any switches or devices that may
produce sparks. Wipe off any fuel splashes right away.
5.7.3 Fire protection
All Silver boats come with a 2 kg hand-held fire extinguisher
(13A70BC). Moreover, boats with petrol inboard motors have a fixed
extinguishing system in the engine compartment.
Fire extinguishers need to be serviced annually. Extinguishers old-
er than 10 years may not be used unless a new pressure test is car-
ried out. If the extinguisher is replaced, the new device must have the
same extinguishing capacity.
Keep the bilge clean and check the systems for any fuel or fuel va-
pour leaks regularly.
Do not suspend any freely hanging curtains or other fabrics above or
in the vicinity of the stove. Nor keep any flammable liquids in the en-
gine compartment. If any non-flammable materials are stored in the
engine compartment, secure them in place to ensure that they can-
not fall off or hit the machinery or block access to or from the space.
Never
− leave the boat unattended when the stove or heater is in operation.
− make any modifications to any boat systems (particularly the
electrical, fuel or gas system) or allow any unauthorised person
to do so.
− fill any fuel tanks or change gas bottles when the engine is running
or the stove or heater is in operation.
− smoke when handling fuel or gas.
− obstruct or make any modifications to the boat ventilation system
5.8 Electrical system
The wiring diagrams of the boat are shown in a special appendix.
Location and operation of the main circuit breaker:
− On the right-hand side of the steering position
− ”OFF”: Both batteries are off.
− ”1”: Battery 1 being used as service battery, charger recharging
both batteries.
− ”2”: Battery 2 being used as service battery, charger recharging
both batteries.
The locations of the instruments and switches for the electrical
equipment are shown in Fig. 6. The circuit fuses are located next
to the appropriate switch and the fuse sizes are indicated in Fig. 6.
The Finnboat ce model features resetting fuses that can be recon-
nected after being blown by flipping up the tipping switch.
If you leave the boat for a longer time, switch off the current from
the main circuit breaker.
When removing or re-installing batteries, take care not to touch the
poles of the battery with any metal object simultaneously or the
pole and the metal hull of the boat.
Use only the charger installed in the boat or a device of equal
capacity to recharge the batteries. Excessive recharging current
causes a risk of explosion.
When connecting the system to shore power, first connect the boat
outlet and then the jetty outlet.
WARNING! Never touch any part of a live AC system.

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WARNING! When the boat is connected to shore power, never
swim near the boat. A defective cable may cause an
electric shock.
CAUTION! Never switch off the current from the main circuit
breaker while the engine is running.
CAUTION! Do not use the metal hull of the boat as an electrical
conductor.
5.9 Handling characteristics
5.9.1 Driving at high speeds
Do not use the boat if the engine output exceeds the maximum
power indicated on the builder’s plate.
A few basic rules for adjusting the power trim:
− Use the ”bow down” position when making the boat plane.
− When the boat is planning and if the swell is low, lift the bow
until the boat starts to porpoise or the propeller loses its grip.
Then lower the bow slightly until the boat stabilises. Optimise the
power trim by means of the log.
− In head sea, lower the bow for a smoother ride. In following sea,
lift the bow to prevent it from nose-diving.
See the engine manual as well.
Normally, an outboard engine is installed in the lowest position on
the transom.
WARNING! At high speeds, adjust the power trim with great care
– it alters the behaviour of the boat radically. Do not
drive the boat with the bow too low to prevent the boat
from turning abruptly.
Do not drive at high speeds with a negative power trim
(bow low). If you do so, the boat may veer to one side
and become unstable when turning.
WARNING! Waves make it harder to control the boat and tend to
make it heel. Reduce the speed when waves get high.
Learn and follow the rules of the waterways and comply with the
COLREG (Convention on the International Regulations for Prevent-
ing Collisions at Sea) regulations. Navigate with care and use new
or updated nautical charts.
Always adjust your speed to prevailing conditions. Consider the
following:
− Swell (listen to your passengers)
− Wake (greatest when starting to plane and smallest at displace-
ment speeds below 6 knots). Observe the No Waves signs. Reduce
your speed to diminish the wake out of respect for others and for
your own safety.
− Visibility (islands, fog, rain, sun in your eyes)
− Familiarity with the route (time required for navigation)
− Width of the channel (other boaters, noise and wake hitting the
shore)
− Room required for stopping and evasive manoeuvring.
5.9.2 Visibility from the steering position
When the weather is fine and the sea calm, boating is simple pro-
vided that you keep a sharp lookout in accordance with the COLREG
regulations. Make sure that you have the best possible visibility
from the steering position:

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ENGLISH
− Position the passengers, curtains, etc., in such a way that they do
not limit your field of vision.
− Do not drive continuously at the planing threshold because the
high bow will decrease visibility.
− Control the attitude of the boat by adjusting the power trim to
prevent the rising bow from reducing visibility.
− Use windshield wipers when necessary.
− In poor visibility conditions, open the cabin roof hatch to see better.
− Keep a lookout astern particularly in shipping lanes.
When it is dark or visibility is limited (e.g. fog), switch on the naviga-
tion lights. Turn off the cabin lights if the reflections decrease visibility.
5.10 Proper seamanship – recommendations
and instructions
5.10.1 Protection from falling overboard and
means of re-boarding
In calm seas, the easiest way of re-boarding is to use the swim lad-
der mounted onto the transom. The ladder can also be pulled down
by a person who is in water. Fig. 4.
5.10.2 Stowage of life raft
On Silver Cabin models, a stowage point for the life raft is provided
in the open space astern.
5.10.3 Ventilation
The stove draws the oxygen required for combustion from the cab-
in and generates combustion gases. Provide adequate ventilation
when using the stove. Fig. 2. Switch panel and fuses.
symbol explanation
navigation lights
anchor light
windshield wiper
trim tabs
bilge pump
heater
interior light
Switch symbols on
Silver boats

20 Fig. 2. Switch panel and fuses.
Fox Avant 485 / Wolf Avant 510Fox DC/BR 485