Difference between revisions of "Nevermore SOPs"

Revision as of 22:47, 26 August 2008

This is a list of preferred operational practices for Nevermore. For detailed descriptions of systems, please see Systems Descriptions.

Engine

• from a cold start, glow for 10 seconds before starting the engine. ^{[discuss glowing]}
• from a cold start, let the engine idle for 5 minutes before revving it up.
• from a warm start, or a "panic" start, don't take time to glow
• the engine runs best (least wear, most efficiency) at around 2000 rpm.
• when starting the engine,
  • assure that engine-kill pull-knob is pushed down
  • be sure the engine is not in gear
  • set throttle at 1/4 way forward (1/4 per manual)
  • when engine starts, pull throttle aft quickly to not race engine
  • check for cooling water coming out with exhaust (exhaust pipe exits at transom)
  • don't crank engine more than 30 (?) seconds if it doesn't start, without closing raw cooling water thru-hull; open it when motor starts
• before stopping engine if has just been run fast, let it idle a few minutes to equalize heat
  • after engine is fully stopped, push the stop pull down all the way

Head

• There are two thru-hull valves for the head. one is to let seawater in (yellow handle), the other is to let sewage out (white handle).
• There is a valve with blue handle that determines whether sewage goes overboard or into the holding tank. The handle should be left in the position where the words "To Tank" can be read on the blue handle.
• To check the level of the holding tank, visually inspect it. The holding tank is located on the port side of the v berth. Do not attempt to open/remove the clear plastic inspection portal. ^{[discuss holding tank]}

Electrical

• Batteries:
  • NEVER have ALL batteries OFF when engine is running. Doing so will likely damage the alternator.
  • Generally, have only one battery ON at a time, especially when engine is not running.
  • It is ok to set upper battery switch to BOTH with engine running if both batteries are equally discharged.
• Guppy:
  • Use the guppy (big piece of zinc shaped like a fish at the end of a wire) when the boat is at anchor, moored, or tied up at a marina slip for more than a couple hours to help prevent electrolysis.
  • Clip the guppy to the backstay; the stancions and lifelines are not grounded.
  • When deploying the guppy, run the wires through the ship's wheel as a visual reminder to the next skipper to un-deploy the guppy before getting underway.

Freshwater

• If you must remove a large volume of water from the freshwater tanks, do it through an inspection portal using a hand pump.