I. General Maintenance

ENGINE/BATTERIES & FLUIDS-

1. Engine Oil- Dipstick on starboard side of each engine. Remove cowling to check before you check the boat out. If it is low, then alert Larry or Dave. They will add Oil if needed.
2. Battery water level- check science batteries in forward console for the correct amount of water. A flashlight and bottle of distilled water will be left in the forward console for this purpose.
3. Engine starting batteries are sealed so no need to check the water. You should check their voltage by turning the Key on and reading the gauges on the console. You can also unclip the safety kill switch (so the engine doesn’t start) and make sure the battery will turn it over.
4. Fuel gauge is located in seat console. You can also look in the fill port between the seat console and the computer console. Log all fuel added and hours in the LOG BOOK which is located in the Seat Console. Never let fuel level get to less than one quarter full.
5. When charging science batteries, all battery switches should be OFF. This is a smart charger and will shut down when fully charged. You should leave it charging over night before, during and after each use.

RINSE DOWNS- This should be done after each use. A hose will be left on the boat so that if you are leaving the boat overnight at the dock PLEASE hose off the engines and cables. On final rinse make sure to also rinse the topside and underside of the T-top as well.

CONSOLE COVER- Remove for trailering. After rinsing gauges and electronics (allow to dry if possible) replace cover for overnights during cruise and when the boat is not in use. Stow console cover in the forward console in its bag.

FLUSHING ENGINES- Engines should be flushed with freshwater after each use. Flushing the engine is done WITHOUT running the engine. A hose attachment will be left in the boat inside the Seat Console. This screws into the back of the engine. There is a removeable port on the back of each engine. These are marked "RINSE". Remove the port and screw the hose attachment into the engine. Turn on the hose and Flush 3-5 minutes. DO NOT RUN THE ENGINE! Remove hose attachment and replace rinse port. A plug is NOT needed.

HYDRAULIC STEERING- The alignment of the engines often needs to be straightened out. This is a simple operation. In the stern battery compartment, mounted on the forward bulkhead is an alignment box. To align the engines, losen the screw 1 turn using the short handle screw driver located in the compartment (do not remove this screw driver!). Once the screw is lose, turn the steering wheel until both engines bottom out to one side. Then tighten the screw.

COAST GUARD EQUIPMENT- The required Coast Guard gear is located in the forward console and life jackets are under the bow hatches. It is the responsibility of the operator to make sure that everything is in working order and that there are the required number of life jackets. (remember 4 person max on boat).

PROPS- Spare props are located in the forward bow hatch. DO NOT RUN WITH DAMAGED PROPS. Replace props if you bend or brake the propeller. Also don not run different props. Use either stainless or aluminum on BOTH engines. Spare nuts, thrust washers, and keeper washers are kept in the seat Box.

TRAILER- Please Rinse after each dunk. A hose will be left on the boat at all times. Also make sure the bearing buddies are packed with grease.

CHART PLOTTER and CONSOLE- A sponge is left on the boat. Soak and rinse the sponge with freshwater and sponge off consoled electronics, gauges, and controls. Dry with cloth before covering (see above).

TRAILERING- A tie down strap is required by law when trailering. Tilt engines and lock using locking mechanism and hydraulic tilt. Use a tie down strap or lashing across the stern.

SPARE KEYS- Please make sure you know where the spare set of keys are located!

REPORT- Any problems or damages to engines, electronics etc. Please fill out a form describing the problems and what fix is you think necessary. This form should be given to Dave Forcucci.

II. Engine Warning Lights/Buzzers

LOW OIL- The top light is the oil pressure indicator light. The green light turns OFF and the buzzer sounds when oil level is low. The engine speed will automatically slow down gradually.

OVERHEATING- The lower light is the overheating indicator light. The red light turns ON and the buzzer sounds when there is a cooling sytem problem. The engine speed will automatically slow down gradually.

III. Scientific Equipment and Electronics

SEAWATER PICKUPS- These should be left down when possible. In the up position, if the engines are tilted, they will hit (and damage) the engine cowling if you are turning the engines hard to port or starboard. They can be removed entirely if not in use. Stow the pipe in the forward most hatch on the bow where the anchor is stowed.

TSG and WASHDOWN PUMPS- These pumps are wired directly to the engine starting batteries, and should run only when the engines are running. They should be disconnected from the batteries at the end of each day of use and when the boat is being stored. Spare TSG pump and washdown pump are located in the forward console.

TSG INTAKE CLOGGING- The intake can get obstructed by seagrass particularly while you are not underway. Please keep an eye on this. If flow is restricted (the pump will sound different), shut TSG pump off and back the boat down for a second or two and then restart the pump. The flow through the fluorometer may not be present when you turn the pump back on. To restore the flow you need to partially close the Y-valve (yellow) of the TSG outflow to force flow through the fluorometer. Once flow is restored, open the TSG Y-valve outflow all the way. If you don’t think the fluoromter is getting enough flow you can close the TSG Y-valve outflow slightly.

TSG RINSE- After each use, flushing the TSG is critical. Loosen the hose clamp coming off the sea water pickup pipe and pull off the hose. Hold the freshwater hose to the intake hose and turn on the TSG pump. Run fresh water through the entire system for at least one minute. Between cruises the conductivity cell will need to be rinsed and stored in a special solution.