Symbol REDTAIL User manual

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OPERATIONS MANUAL
for
REDTAIL
54’ Symbol Pilothouse Motoryacht

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Welcome aboard!
We are happy you have chosen “REDTAIL” for your vacation. We are sure you will enjoy cruising the
enchanted islands of the Pacific Northwest.The stunning geography, birdlife, and incomparable marine life
make this one of the premier vacation destinations in the world.
We trust this manual will help you become
familiar with the boat. If you have questions
about the boat or about places to visit,
please do not hesitate to ask the AYC staff.
Enjoy!
For those who may be curious, about the
name, here is why the name REDTAIL.
We live in Northern California next to 400
acres of open space in the Santa Cruz
Mountains. From our home we enjoy a view
that looks down from a hilltop perch and out
over a majority of the open space. For more
than 20 years we have watched from our deck as families of REDTAIL hawks soar overhead and down below
as they roam out over the pastures and woodlands. They are graceful, adventurous and family oriented
birds. For us, we hope with the boat to soar over the water to reach out to places beyond our deck and do
this gracefully with family and friends with as much of the adventurous spirit displayed by the REDTAIL
hawks we admire at home.
We invite you to share our dream and realize the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the
Salish Sea…

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
BOAT OPERATION............................................................................................................ 5
Engine Inspection ...................................................................................................................................5
Engine Start-Up ......................................................................................................................................5
Running the Engines ...............................................................................................................................6
Shut-Down .............................................................................................................................................6
Getting Underway ..................................................................................................................................7
Cruising..................................................................................................................................................7
Docking..................................................................................................................................................7
Fueling Up..............................................................................................................................................8
BOAT ELECTRICAL...................................................................................................................................8
110-Volt AC System ................................................................................................................................9
Inverter Power .....................................................................................................................................10
Generator ............................................................................................................................................ 10
CO/Smoke Detectors ............................................................................................................................ 11
House (12-volt) System......................................................................................................................... 11
House Battery Bank & Switch ...............................................................................................................11
SANITATION SYSTEM..................................................................................................... 12
Marine Toilet ....................................................................................................................................... 12
Holding Tank ........................................................................................................................................12
Y-Valve ................................................................................................................................................ 13
WATER SYSTEM ............................................................................................................. 13
Fresh Water Tank(s) ............................................................................................................................. 13
Fresh Water Pressure Pump.................................................................................................................. 14
Hot Water Tank....................................................................................................................................14
Shower ................................................................................................................................................ 14
Sinks & Shower Drains..........................................................................................................................14
GALLEY............................................................................................................................ 14
Stove/oven .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Refrigerator .........................................................................................................................................14
HEATING SYSTEM .......................................................................................................... 15
Diesel Heaters (DC)...............................................................................................................................15
ELECTRONICS................................................................................................................. 15
Multifunction Displays.......................................................................................................................... 16
GPS/Chartplotter .................................................................................................................................16
VHF Radio with AIS Receiver ................................................................................................................. 17
Depth Sounder ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Radar ...................................................................................................................................................17
ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS.......................................................................................... 18
The REDTAIL WIFI Network................................................................................................................... 18

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TV/DVD/ROKU Players .........................................................................................................................18
ANCHORING .................................................................................................................... 19
Mooring Cans....................................................................................................................................... 19
BARBECUE...................................................................................................................... 20
TENDER & OUTBOARD MOTOR.............................................................................................................20
PROPULSION INFORMATION ........................................................................................ 23
THRU-HULL LOCATIONS................................................................................................ 24
ACCOMMODATIONS....................................................................................................... 24
WHAT TO DO IF… ........................................................................................................... 25
ANCHOR CHAIN WON’T COME OUT OF CHAIN LOCKER.......................................................................... 25
ANCHOR FOULED, CAN’T RAISE IT ......................................................................................................... 25
ANCHOR WINDLASS WON’T TURN ........................................................................................................ 25
BATTERIES (HOUSE) KEEP RUNNING DOWN .......................................................................................... 25
ENGINE OVERHEATS ............................................................................................................................. 25
ENGINE WON’T START.......................................................................................................................... 25
ENGINE STARTS THEN SLOWLY DIES...................................................................................................... 26
FOG DELAYS RETURN............................................................................................................................ 26
HEAD WON’T FLUSH.............................................................................................................................26
HIT A FISH NET ..................................................................................................................................... 26
HIT A LOG OR ROCK..............................................................................................................................26
PROPELLER FOULED OR DAMAGED ....................................................................................................... 26
WATER (FRESH) WON’T FLOW ..............................................................................................................26
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES......................................................................................... 26
Protect your lives first! ......................................................................................................................... 26
Hitting a Log, Rock, or Debris ----- Please Don’t! .................................................................................... 27

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BOAT OPERATION
Engine Inspection
REDTAIL has twin Caterpillar 3208TA 375HP Turbocharged/Aftercooled E-Rated Engines with counter-
rotating screws.
Remember your “WOBBS” every morning: Water (Coolant), Oil, Bilges (Inspect and Pump-out), Belts and
Sea Strainer.
WATER Check the COOLANT level in the expansion tanks; you should see the green coolant in the
expansion tank just below the top of the coolant fill cap.
OIL Check the oil level on both engines. REDTAIL’s engines do not burn much oil so these levels should
remain fairly constant. The level should be in the middle but not over the top of the tic marks on
each dipstick. Please use a paper towel or oil rag, not the dish towels to wipe-off the dipstick! DO
NOT OVERFILL OIL! Don’t add oil unless the oil level is at or below the bottom tic-mark on the
dipstick. Conversely, only add oil (DELO 400LE 30wt) to bring the oil to the top tic mark on the
dipstick.
BILGES REDTAIL’s bilges should always be clean and dry.
BELTS Check the general condition of all BELTS (missing teeth or cracks) and HOSES (checked, cracked,
bulging, or kinked).
SEA STRAINER These are located at the forward end of each engine. Check the SEA STRAINER for debris
(use a flashlight to shine through the bowl). To clean them, close the THRU-HULL, spin the tops of
the sea strainer off, pull and clean the basket, clean out the glass, put the basket back in, screw the
top back on, and OPEN THE THRU-HULL (lever in line with the valve body). After start-up, confirm
that water is exiting exhausts.
And notice any leaks; leaks (water, diesel, oil, hydraulic fluid) are not good!
Engine Start-Up
1. Before starting the engines, do your WOBBS inspection.
2. The engines should be started from the lower helm station.
3. Ensure GEARSHIFTS are in ‘neutral’, or the engines cannot be started because of the “neutral
lockout”.
4. THROTTLES should be run up and down and then brought almost back to the idle position.
5. Insert both keys into the IGNITION SWITCHES.
6. START one engine, let idle for 30 seconds and then start the other.
7. Turn the key clockwise partially until the ENGINE ALARM sounds and pre-heat the engine for at
least 2 seconds.
8. Then turn the key fully clockwise to engage the engine. If the starter does not engage when the
key is turned, move the gearshift lever slightly until you find neutral and try again while turning key.
Note: REDTAIL’s big CAT engines should start easily on the first try. If the engine cranks slowly or fails to
turn over, check the condition of the battery on the ELECTRICAL PANEL.

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Note: There is no BATTERY PARALLEL SWITCH.
THROTTLE up to 800 rpm on both tachometers. Warm the engines up for about 5-10 minutes before
engaging the transmissions.
GAUGES should read as follows:
Oil pressure about 60-70 PSI or 5 bar. The engine temperature should rise slowly and settle at no more
than 180oF or about 80oC. See pictures below for details of instruments at starting.
Note -- If oil pressure is low, shut down engine, and inspect engine compartment
and look for possible cause (for example, loss of oil.) Caution -- If an engine is
overheating or there is lack of raw water expelled in the engine exhaust, stop the
engine immediately. Recheck the raw water-cooling system to ensure the seacock
is ‘open’ (handle in-line with valve). Next, check the raw water strainer for debris.
Remove the strainer, clean, re-assemble, and reopen the raw water intake valve
(seacock). Restart the engine and re-check water flow from the exhaust. If water is
not flowing properly, the RAW WATER PUMP may need to be serviced. Seek help.
Running the Engines
After the engines have been run up to temperature for a few hours you should “run them hard” for 15-20
minutes at 2300 rpm. Believe-it-or-not, doing this helps the engines, makes them run cleaner, and makes
them run more efficiently.
Shut-Down
Before shutting down, allow the engines ‘idle’ for about 5 minutes to cool them gradually and uniformly.
Usually, this can be accomplished as you enter the marina and head for your slip. The time engaged in
preparing to dock the boat is usually sufficient. Ensure each GEARSHIFT is in the “neutral” position and
each THROTTLE is in the “idle” position. Turn off engines by depressing the start/kill switches next to the
keys then turn the keys to the off position.

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Getting Underway
DISCONNECT the shore power cord (see 110-Volt next page). Close the PORTHOLES, WINDOWS, and
FORWARD HATCH. Turn on your VHF and electronics. ASSIGN crew members their various positions. Once
outside the marina, idle the engines while crew brings in fenders and lines. Do not exceed 1,200 RPM until
the engines have fully warmed-up; the temperature gauge should indicate 160-180 on both engines.
Cruising
All close quarters maneuvering may take place from either helm station depending upon your skill,
situation, crew, and communications. Communications is critically important. Nothing bespeaks great
seamanship like a crew quietly and competently maneuvering the boat and handling the lines while
docking. No yelling, shouting, or panic; just calm control.
Personally, I always perform close quarters maneuvering from the Pilothouse helm with the Pilothouse
door open to facilitate communications and allow me quick access to the starboard midship dock lines as
appropriate. I also have the “backup” camera display on the starboard MFD at the pilothouse helm station
– handy if you are backing into the slip.
Engage the GEARSHIFTS. Ensure the throttles are in the ‘idle’ position before engaging the gearshifts to
avoid transmission damage. Cruising speed is a maximum of 2,000 RPMS. If you run at 1,600 RPMS you
will easily cruise at 10 knots and use only 12 gallons of diesel per hour; this is considered efficient cruising
speed. If you travel a bit slower, your fuel efficiency will increase. Your speed will vary depending upon
the weight, load, sea, current, and weather conditions. At these speeds, the TRIM TABS do not have much
effect. If you want to run faster (up to 2000 rpm) the TRIM TABS can be put in the “bow down” position to
provide for a better and more efficient ride (though still consuming more fuel than travelling at lower
rpms).
Docking
During docking, use the Pilothouse helm for greater visibility to the stern. Have your crew make ready the
lines and fenders in advance and give clear instructions on how you will be docking. Often times your crew
will need to step off from the swim step with the stern line. Another crew member will need to be at the
bow or mid-ships to hand over the next lines.
Rock TRIM TAB switches to the ‘bow up’ position (8 to 10 seconds) to make slow-speed backing and turning
easier. While moving slowly to the dock or mooring location, center the WHEEL (e.g. rudders straight) and
use only the GEARSHIFTS and THROTTLES to maneuver the boat.
A word of experienced advice…Use one of the longer black dock lines amidships. Make it fast to the
boat’s midship cleat. When you come alongside a pier, slip, or dock you can lasso the dock cleat and then
make fast the bitter end to the midship cleat (so you essentially have a loop). Now the helmsperson can
take their time as you have the boat under control. Power forward slowly and the boat will move forward
and sideways towards the dock or you can accomplish the same maneuver in reverse.
There are bow thruster controls in the pilothouse and on the flybridge (new 2015). The new Vetus bow
thruster is meant to augment and help control the bow of the boat. Warning – this is a 57,000lbs boat, the
bow thruster will not have a large effect – do not count on it to move the boat sideways against current or
wind.

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To turn “ON” the Thruster, on the thruster control in the pilothouse or on the bridge, press the on button
twice. The boat’s bow will move in the direction of the arrow you press. When you are done, please turn
the thruster off.
Fueling Up
OPEN FILLER CAP(S) located on the port and starboard side decks. Note that these filler caps do not
require a DECK FITTING KEY.Be very careful as the chain securing the caps to the boat often break – do
not lose one of these caps overboard, they are expensive to replace and we don’t want any water in our
diesel.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT FUEL!
DIESEL! DIESEL! DIESEL!
MAKE SURE IT IS GOING INTO THE RIGHT DECK FILL!
DOUBLE-CHECK!
Before pumping, have an oil/fuel sorbs handy to soak up spilled fuel. You should have a rough idea of the
number of gallons of DIESEL you will need by the engine hour indicator or the sight glasses located on the
forward end of each fuel tank in the engine room. Also periodically have someone look at the sight glasses
to see your progress. Note that you will have to open the ball-valves at the top & bottom of the sight
glasses to allow the fuel level to be accurately read. When full, the fuel level in the sight gauges should be
slightly above the top of the metal indicator gauges. Watch both sight gauges in the engine room as both
tanks will fill while fueling one side.
Place the DIESEL nozzle into the tank opening, pump slowly and evenly, and note the sound of the fuel flow.
Pumping too fast may not allow enough time for air to escape, which may result in spouting from the tank
opening. As the tank fills, the sound will rise in pitch or gurgle; the sound may indicate that the tank is
nearly full. Pay attention to the TANK OVERFLOW VENT on the outside of the hull near the fuel fill opening.
Pay attention to the sight glasses; do not over fill. Top off carefully, and be prepared to catch spilled fuel.
Spillage may result in a nasty fine from law enforcement.
Replace each tank cap. Turn on blower before starting engines. Caution -- Clean up splatter and spillage
immediately for environmental and health reasons. Wash hands with soap and water thoroughly. Also,
note that diesel on fiberglass when mixed with salt water can be extremely slippery.
Fill the DIESEL fuel tanks FULL, but do not overfill.
BOAT ELECTRICAL
The electrical system is divided into two distribution systems: 110-volt AC and 12-volt DC.
The systems are controlled from the AC/DC ELECTRICAL PANEL located in the stairwell from the Pilothouse
to the staterooms and the SHIP-SHORE MAIN POWER SOURCE SWITCH found behind the door just below
the electrical panel. When not connected to shore power, batteries are providing all power. Therefore,

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monitor the use of onboard electricity carefully with your amp meter located on the top of the electrical
panel, and turn off electrical devices that are not needed.
See pictures for more details.
Most breakers are labeled by colored dots. Green signifies “usually on”. Red is “usually off”.Blue dots are
water pressure or water-related like pumps. Yellow signifies electronics or items to use cautiously. No dots
are breakers signify irregular use or use with discretion.
110-Volt AC System
SHORE POWER supports all AC equipment and receptacles on board, as well as the battery chargers.
To connect to shore power, plug the 50 amp or 30 amp Marinco EEL POWER
CORD into the boat (note receptacles are in the cockpit first and then into the
dock receptacle. Check the power rating/plug size of the nearest dock receptacle
(that is 50 amp, 30 amp, 20 amp, or 15 amp). If necessary, add a CORD ADAPTER
located in the forward end of the engine room by the workbench. NOTE, never
plug the shore 50 amp supply into the boat’s 30 amp input.Once all connections
are fast then turn the dock power circuit breaker on. Cords coming off the boat
can be wrapped loosely around the line to keep them out of the water. Salt
water and power cords don’t mix well!
At the ELECTRICAL PANEL, flip the SHORE CIRCUIT AC MAIN BREAKER on. Check
for reverse polarity. Then turn on appropriate breakers for battery charger,
Inverter, refrigeration, and water heater. Watch your amp meter for load. If the
load exceeds amperage, you will pop your breaker. If this occurs, wait to turn on
one of your systems (i.e. water heater) until your use of amperage drops.
If your outlets fail to work, check your GFIs to make sure that they have not been tripped.

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Inverter Power
The INVERTER provides AC power to the 110-volt receptacle plugs (i.e. the microwave oven) when the boat
is disconnected from shore power. REDTAIL has a charger/inverter (Magnum) and a charger (Blue Sea).
The inverter does not provide power to the water heater or the battery charger. Your inverter panels are
located just to starboard of the aft companionway sliding door each with an on/off switch. Make certain
that they are on.
The actual chargers and inverter are located on the aft bulkhead
in the engine room.
The inverter’s power source is the DC house or inverter batteries
(3 8D wet cell batteries) located between the drive shafts under
the engine room floor. The quantity of DC power is limited to
the capacity of these batteries... Therefore, running hair dryers,
toaster, coffeepots, space heater, etc. and will quickly discharge
the house/inverter batteries. Use these items VERY SPARINGLY!
Monitor your battery usage very carefully!
When connected to shore power, the inverter automatically
becomes a battery charger for the 12-volt HOUSE BATTERIES.
Should you detect the inverter failing to charge the house
batteries, check the circuit breaker in the AC panel. And the
inverter control panel. Also, there is usually a circuit breakers
located on top of the inverter box.
The Blue Sea battery charger is dedicated to charging the
GENERATOR and ENGINE START batteries.
Generator
To start your GENERATOR, first check that your generator’s fluids are topped off and the raw water intake is
open. The generator controls are located below and to the left of the Pilothouse helm station (see picture).
First pre-heat the generator for about 30 seconds. Then while still pre-
heating turn the switch to start. Hold the switch in that position while
the generator catches. (About 5-10 seconds).
Make sure water and exhaust is
exiting the generator exhaust at
the port aft portion of the hull.
(See picture).
After generator is running, turn
your SHIP-SHORE MAIN POWER
SOURCE SWITCH to “GEN SET”.
Then turn on AC systems as you
would on shore power one
system at a time.