AYC Blue Cat III boat Operation manual
Below you will find brief information for boat Blue Cat III. This manual will help you become familiar with the boat. The boat is equipped with two diesel engines and a diesel heater. It also has a galley with a propane stove and oven, a refrigerator, and a hot water tank. The boat has a depth sounder, radar, and GPS. It is also equipped with a VHF radio and an AM/FM stereo radio. The boat has a holding tank and a macerator. It also has a dinghy with a 5hp mercury engine.
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OPERATION MANUAL
Blue Cat III
Welcome aboard!
We are happy you have chosen “Blue Cat III “for your vacation. We are sure you will enjoy cruising the lovely islands of the Pacific Northwest.
We hope 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Boat Operation Page
Start-Up
Shutdown
Cruising
Docking
Fueling
Boat Electrical
A.C. (Shore) Systems
Inverter
D.C. (House) Systems
Batteries
Sanitation Systems
Marine Toilet
Holding Tank
Water Systems
Fresh Water Tanks
Fresh Water Pump
Hot Water
Shower
Galley
Stove/Oven
Refrigeration
Heating Systems
Diesel Heater (DC)
Electronics
VHF Radio, Depth Sounder, Radar
GPS/Plotter
Entertainment
AM/FM Radio
CD Player
Anchoring/Mooring Cans
Barbecue
Dinghy/Outboard
Crabbing/Fishing
Other: Bilge Pumps/Safety
Thru-Hull Diagram
BOAT OPERATION
Engine Inspection
Remember your “WOBBS” every morning: Water (Coolant), Oil, Bilges (Inspect and Pump-out),
Belts and Sea Strainer.
Check the level of COOLANT in the expansion tanks. Check the level of OIL in each engine by checking your dipsticks located top of engine yellow ring. Look at the etch marks on each dipstick that indicate the proper oil level.
DO NOT OVERFILL OIL!
Only fill if oil levels are below the ½ way mark. Please use a paper towel or oil rag, not the dish towels! Check the general condition of the
BELTS, HOSES, and FUEL LINES.
Ensure the valve on each RAW WATER THRU-HULL yellow handled seacock in each aft engine compartment is in the ‘open’ position (lever in-line with valve).
Observe the glass of each RAW WATER STRAINER for debris. The seastrainer is located outboard of each engine.If necessary, close the seacock, open the strainer cover, clean the strainer, and reassemble. Remember to reopen the seacock. Check your generator fluids as well.
Start-Up
Before starting the engines, do your inspection. The engines should be started from the lower helm station.
1. Check both gearshifts/throttles to be sure they are in neutral.
2. Start stbd engine first by turning key to position 1 (operating position). All warning lamps will come on and stay on for max. 20 seconds. The high coolant light will then go out.
3. On the EDC panel press the ACTIVE STATION bottom (looks like a key on button) for at least 2 seconds to activate the control position. The red lights by the ACTIVE STATION button will come on along with the two green lights by the N and D buttons.
4. Turn the key to position III to start engine. Release key as soon as engine starts. Be sure water is coming out of exhaust. Repeat step 4 to start the port engine.
To switch control to the Fly bridge, place both gearshift/throttle in neutral. At the EDC panel on the fly bridge press the ACTIVE STATION button and control direction and speed from the flybridge.
Repeat process to switch back to main control station.
If engine fails to start, turn everything off and start process again from step 1.
Move the THROTTLE to raise the engine speed to 1000 rpm on the TACHOMETER. Warm the engine for about 5 minutes before engaging transmission. Observe the readings of the gauges. The oil pressure will register about 60 PSI. The engine temperature should rise slowly.
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.
Shut-Down
Before shutting down, allow the engines ‘idle’ for about 5 minutes to cool them gradually and uniformly. The time engaged in preparing to dock the boat is usually sufficient. Ensure each
GEARSHIFT / THROTTLE is in the ‘idle’ position. Turn off engines by turning key counter clockwise to the S position.
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.
Cruising
All close quarters maneuvering should always take place at the upper helm.
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 about 3200 RPMS. If you run at ---- RPMS you will cruise at ---- knots and use only --- gallons of diesel per hour. Your speed will vary depending upon the weight and load and weather conditions. TRIM TABS can be put in the “bow down” position.
Note -- Avoid higher engine speeds as it causes higher engine temperature, possible damage, and
higher fuel consumption.
Docking
During docking, use the FLYBRIDGE HELM for greater visibility to the stern. Have your crew make ready the lines and fenders 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.
Fueling Up
OPEN FILLER CAP(S) located Aft Starboard Deck with a DECK FITTING KEY which is kept starboard aft magazine rack in the main salon.
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 you will need by the engine hour indicator. Also periodically have someone turn on the key to watch the fuel gauge.
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. Pay attention to the TANK OVERFLOW VENT on the outside of the hull near the tank opening. The sound may indicate that the tank is nearly full. Top off carefully, and be prepared to catch spilled fuel. Spillage may result in a nasty fine from law enforcement.
Replace each tank cap. Caution -- Clean up splatter and spillage immediately for environmental and
health reasons. Wash hands with soap and water thoroughly.
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 ELECTRICAL PANEL located in main salon on aft bulkhead, the DC AUXILIARY PANEL located port side of helm, and the BATTERY SWITCHES
FOUND main salon on aft starboard bulkhead When not connected to shore power, batteries are providing all power. Therefore, monitor the use of onboard electricity carefully with xantrex link
1000 Inverter Control Panel on Aft Bulkhead. Turn off electrical devices which are not needed.
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 30 amp POWER CORD into the boat 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. Turn the dock power on. Cords coming off the bow can be wrapped loosely around the bow line.
At the ELECTRICAL PANEL, flip the SHORE CIRCUIT BREAKER on. Check for reverse polarity. Then turn on appropriate breakers for battery charger, refrigeration, water heater, and cabin lights. Watch you volt meter for load. If the load exceeds voltage, you will pop your breaker. If this occurs, wait to turn on one of your systems (i.e. water heater) until your use of volts drop.
If your outlets fail to work, check your GFIs to make sure that they have not been tripped.
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. The inverter does not provide power to the water heater or the battery charger. Your inverter panel is located in the main salon aft starboard bulkhead with an
on/off switch. Only turn inverter on when needed. The actual inverter is located at forward starboard engine compartment center.
The inverter’s power source is the DC house or inverter batteries located under the center aft dock hatch. 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 breaker is located on top of the inverter box.
House (12-volt) System
The house, parallel and engine BATTERY SWITCHES are located main salon aft starboard bulkhead
Normally, leave the ENGINE and HOUSE SWITCHES in the ‘ON’ position.
Note -- Do not change the position of the switches while the engines are running or the alternator diodes will be damaged.
Change positions with the engines off.
When at Anchor, turn the ENGINE BATTERY switch off to preserve starting power in the event the
HOUSE BATTERY is low.
Your 12 volt panel shows all the systems supported by your batteries. Primarily you will be turning on the breakers for your lights, water pressure, electronics, and salt water pump to activate the head etc. Bilge pumps should always be left on.
House Battery Bank & Switch
The HOUSE BATTERY BANK provides power for all DC systems. When disconnected from shore power, all 12-volt devices drain the house battery. Use devices as needed.
Battery status can be monitored using the Xantrex Link 1000 mounted on the aft bulkhead. The four
LED’s, Top left, show battery status. All four green, or with right hand LED Flashing, indicates a full battery. On red is a very low battery and a flashing red is totally dead. Charge your batteries when light bar shows the green and for sure when it shows two yellow.
Status of charge is shown by THE CHARGER STATUS LIGHTS top right of panel. Left hand
GREEN is ON when AC is present. RED LIGHT is ON when in BULK charge mode ORANGE
LIGHT is on when in ACCEPTANCE mode. RIGHT hand GREEN is ON when in FLOAT mode.
All batteries are charged by the engine ALTERNATORS while underway. The engine/house batteries are charged by the BATTERY CHARGER when connected to shore power. Ensure the Battery
Charger and Inverter circuit breakers at the electrical panel are ON.
Battery Parallel Switch
Each ENGINE BATTERY is connected to its corresponding engine. However, should one engine battery be insufficiently charged to start its engine, the other engine battery may be momentarily
connected to provide a boost. Turn the BATTERY PARALLEL SWITCH located on the main salon off starboard bulkhead. Turn off after the engines start up..
SANITATION SYSTEM
Marine Toilet
1. Turn on two switches at control panel labeled ~ Head and Salt Water Pump.
2. To flush the head. Push the red button marked flush.
3. To fill the bowl or flush dry use the toggle switch under the flush switch.
4. Do not put anything in the head unless you have eaten it first.
5. Recommend placing toilet paper in waste basket or large Ziploc bag.
6. If the head clogs it is your RESPONSIBILITY.
Always pump the head for children, so you can make sure nothing foreign is being flushed.
Caution – Never put paper towels, tampons, Kleenex, sanitary napkins, household toilet paper, or food into the marine toilet. Use only the special dissolving marine toilet tissue provided by AYC.
The TOILET THRU-HULL is located in the port lazarette if you need to shut off the water to the toilet. Clean the toilet as necessary.
Head discharge plumbing
Note: In U.S. waters the seacock for the macerator overboard discharge should remain closed.
The head discharges directly into the holding tank.
1. Pump out at pumping station. The waste deck fitting is located on the port aft deck.
Holding Tank
The sanitation HOLDING TANK holds approximately 30 gallons. Be aware of the rate of waste production. (about 1 gallon per flush) With an overfilled tank, it is possible to break a hose, clog a vent, or burst the tank. The result will be indescribable catastrophe and an EXPENSIVE FIX to you.
Empty the tank EVERY OTHER DAY to avoid this problem.
The HOLDING TANK is located forward compartment of port lazarette. Some may be subject to a visual check with a flashlight or the “watermelon” test by thumping it. There is a tank watch warning light located head but do not rely upon this as they often get clogged.
The holding tank is emptied in one of two ways:
#1 At the Marine Pump-Out Station, remove the WASTE CAP located on Port Side/ Be careful there is NO safety chain on cap. Don’t Lose. Insert the pump-out nozzle into the waste opening.
Double-check your deck fitting! Turn on pump and open valve located on handle. When pumping is finished, close lever on handle and turn off pump. Remove from deck fitting.
If there is a fresh water hose on the dock, rinse the tank by adding 2 minutes of water into tank. Then repump to leave the tank rinsed for the next charter. This also eliminates head odors.
Replace WASTE CAP. Do not over tighten.
#2 The tank’s contents can be discharged with the MACERATOR only in Canadian waters.
To operate the macerator first open the seacock with blue handle located in the port engine room. The
MACERATOR pump SWITCH is on the DC electrical panel. Listen to the macerator’s sound.
When the pitch becomes higher, the tank is empty. Discharge may be observed on the port side. It should only take a few minutes to empty the tank
WATER SYSTEM
Fresh Water Tank(s)
The FRESH WATER TANK holds 100 gallons. Observe the water level by viewing the tank located under galley and access starboard forward door by steps. Waste water from the sinks and showers drains overboard through various thru-hulls usually located under the sinks.
To refill the tank, remove the WATER CAP located on starboard side forward step. Avoid flushing debris from the deck into the tank opening. DO NOT fill water and diesel at the same time!
Fresh Water Pressure Pump
The WATER PRESSURE PUMP is located under galley sink. Activate pump at the DC panel by turning on the breaker. If the water pump continues to run, you are either out of water or might have an air lock and need to bleed the system by opening up a faucet. If you run out of water SHUT OFF
YOUR HOT WATER HEATER on the AC panel. Serious damage can occur!
Hot Water Tank
The HOT WATER HEATER has an ---- gallon capacity tank and is available when connected to shore power or via a heat exchanger underway. To use on shore power, flip on the water heater circuit breaker on the AC electrical panel. Do not use the water heater if the water tank level is very low.
Shower
Before taking a SHOWER, make sure water pressure and shower sump breakers are on. Take only very short “boat” showers (turning off water between soaping up and rinsing). To keep shower tidy wipe down the shower stall and floor. Check for accumulation of hair in the shower and sink drains.
An additional FRESH WATER SHOWER is located port aft deck. Ensure the faucets and nozzle are completely off after use.
A pressured SALT WATER WASHDOWN is available from a hose spigot port aft deck and on the
Bow. To activate, install hose with screw in fitting located in port locker, then turn on saltwater pump on the D.C Panel. After use, turn the switch off to prevent pump burn out, and ensure no object leans on the switch to turn it on accidentally.
GALLEY
Stove/oven
The stove and oven is propane.
Your propane stove is activated by the following steps:
#1 Turn on the propane tank located starboard aft deck forward locker.
#2 Turn on the solenoid switch on the Xintex 5-ZA Panel located left side of the galley.
#3 Turn on the gas at the stove (Press in knob) and light burner. You might need to hold knob in
for a few seconds while the thermo coupler warms up. The same applies to lighting the oven.
When finished cooking turn off the switches and the bottle.
Refrigerator
The REFRIGERATOR is 12-volt DC power. Monitor the use of the refrigerator when the engines are not charging the 12-volt battery system.
HEATING SYSTEM
Diesel Heater ( DC)
The DIESEL FORCED-AIR FURNACE is a Webasto located in the fwd stbd cockpit locker provides heat in the same way as a household furnace. Turn on the with the switch/thermostat located in the main salon aft starboard bulkhead. Set the THERMOSTAT to the desired temperature.
Check The furnace EXHAUST PORT located starboard aft for any obstruction such as fenders or lines. Do not block this opening when operating the furnace. Heat will damage fiberglass or rubber.
Once it is on, allow it to run for at least 15 minutes before turning it off. Turn ‘off’ the furnace heater by turning switch back off.
ELECTRONICS
All electronic manuals are located in the fwd drawer port side main cabin under table.
VHF Radio
There are two VHF RADIOS. The first is located on the fly bridge. There is a second VHF RADIO located in the lower helm. Turn on by pushing the forward switch. Always monitor channel 16 while underway.
Depth Sounder
The DEPTH SOUNDER is a Furuno at the main control station. To activate the DEPTH SOUNDER, switch on the DC PANEL, press the power switch on the instrument. The sounder should provide reliable readings in shallow waters. If in doubt, switch it off, then turn it back on to reset sounder. If your reading is blinking, it is a FALSE reading. False readings can occur in depths of more then 200 feet or in areas of strong currents or tides.
A DEPTH SOUNDER repeater is located on the flybridge.
Remember to ALWAYS consult your charts for depth!
Radar
To operate the FURUNO RADAR turn on the Radar switch on D.C. Panel, press and hold the
POWER button to turn the radar on. To turn off, press and hold POWER button about 3 seconds.
Refer to the quick reference card on the Dash Board. Remember you are not allowed to travel in FOG or in serious wind conditions..
Global Positioning System (GPS)
A fixed mount GPS Si-Tex Columax is on the Dash Board in Main Cabin. Turn on the chartplotter switch on DC Panel then press the red color ‘on/off/light’ button to activate. Press the ‘page’ button to scroll through functions. Refer to the manual normally found ---------------.
Operator manual’s for Depth Sounder, Radar & GPS are on Dash Board.
Note
-- GPS is considered a navigation aid. Do not rely on it. Compasses, charts, and dividers are the tools to plot position, course, and speed.
ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS
AM/FM Stereo Radio & CD PLAYER
The Poly-Planar Marine unit is mounted in the bookcase to left of main cabin door. It operates like a normal car radio. There are ---- speakers (stereo) in the salon and two (stereo) on the bridge.
The FADER controls the distribution of the salon and bridge speakers. The BALANCE controls the sound distribution in the left and right speakers.
ANCHORING
The primary WORKING ANCHOR is a Kingston Quick Set, 22lb and is attached to -----ft chain and
------ft nylon rode passed through the deck from the ANCHOR LOCKER The locker can be accessed through the Port fwd locker in the fwd berth. If there is an anchor keeper, release it.
The WINDLASS POWER SWITCH is located on the starboard side of the helm. At the bow, tap gently on the ‘down’ foot control to lower the anchor. If necessary, guide the anchor over the anchor roller to prevent binding on the pulpit.
Let out sufficient ANCHOR RODE (chain and nylon line) before setting the anchor. Colored markers are placed every ---feet on the chain and nylon rode, indicated amount of rode. If the anchorage is crowded put down at least a 3 to 1 scope (60 feet for 20 feet of water), back the anchor in with a short burst from the engine. Then let out additional scope dependent upon conditions.
Before raising the anchor, ALWAYS start the engines as it uses large amounts of power. Turn ‘on’ the WINDLASS SWITCH and as the boat moves toward the anchor, press the ‘up’ control to take up slack line. Give the windlass short rests as you are pulling it up. Place yourself in position to guide the anchor onto the roller. As the anchor rises, be careful not to allow it to swing against the hull.
Wash it down if you have a wash down pump before it goes into anchor locker.
Reconnect the keeper. Close the plastic covers on the FOOT PEDAL CONTROLS. Turn ‘off’ the
WINDLASS POWER SWITCH. The windlass can also be operated with the up/down switch at the helm.
Mooring Cans
The State Park Sticker on your vessel allows you to pick up the MOORING CANS in the parks for free. You only need to register at the kiosk usually located at the heads of the docks. Mooring cans have a metal triangle at the top upon which is a metal ring. The metal ring is attached to the chain which secures your boat. IT IS VERY HEAVY. The strongest member of your crew should be picked for this job.
Come up to the CAN into the wind as you would for anchoring. Have crew members on the bow, one with a boat hook and one with a mooring line secured like a bow line. As you are coming slowly up to the can have the crew holding the boat hook point at the can with the hook so the skipper always knows where it is. Hook the can and bring the ring up to the boat to allow the second crew to thread the ring with the line. Release the hold with the boat hook. If your mooring line is led out the starboard chock bring the end of the line back through the port side. You will essentially create a bridle with about 10 feet of slack from the chalk to the can.
BARBECUE
The BARBECUE and MOUNTING BRACKET are stored in the fwd port cockpit locker.
Place MOUNTING BRACKET on the stern rail. Attach a PROPANE BOTTLE to the
REGULATOR found. Carefully light the unit, preferably with a long-stem butane lighter. The barbecue generates a lot of heat and cooks hot and fast. Store the barbecue unit back in the locker.
Please wipe with a paper towel before storing to prevent grease and dirt soiling the boat..
Note: Propane bottles are not stocked by AYC. You will need to purchase one if extras are not found on board. Caution -- For safety reasons, do not store an opened propane bottle within the salon or engine compartment. Chances are these will leak slightly once opened and propane gas could settle into low spaces. Store these bottles in the cockpit cabinet. Ensure gasoline and flammable materials are not near the barbecue.
DINGHY & OUTBOARD MOTOR
Your west marine DINGHY with a 5hp mercury engine is stored on the aft deck. It has a capacity of about 1100 pounds (motor, equipment, and people).
To deploy the dinghy, clip the snap clip of the DINGHY ROPE to the top of the rail near the oarlock, and route the line through the pulley block on the bridge ladder, then the pulley block on the line.
Holding the dinghy and the line, detach the STANDOFF BARS, and lower the dinghy with the line into the water, noting that the dinghy gets heavier as it nears the water.
When towing your dinghy, always keep it tight to the boat any time that you slow down or stop,
Assign one of your crew members as the “dinghy” person to be responsible for taking up slack. You don’t want to wrap a propeller.
Coast Guard regulations state that any child 14 and under must wear a life jacket in a dinghy. It is a good idea for EVERYONE to follow this rule.
CRABBING & FISHING
Always check the fishing and crabbing requirements before you leave on your cruise. You will need a license. Many areas are CLOSED to crabbing and fishing on certain months.
CRAB AWAY FROM THE BOAT! Lines can get wrapped around props. Fish-flavored cat food with the pop-up ringed lids work the best for a nice neat way to bait the ring. After 15-20 minutes, retrieve the crab line and ring quickly. Measure the crabs using a CRAB MEASURING GAUGE.
Keep the male crabs of proper size (usually 6 ¼ inches across the carapace). Boil crabs about 12 minutes to cook.
After using, wash equipment thoroughly with fresh water (available from the cockpit shower faucet).
Note -- Please do not store wet rings and gear inside the boat.
OTHER: Safety & Bilge Pumps
SAFETY should be paramount in your daily cruising. A MAN OVERBOARD DRILL should be discussed and perhaps even practiced with a life jacket. Remember you lifejackets are stowed in the stbd aft cockpit locker. A few should always be out and ready.
Blue Cat III is equipped with AUTOMATIC BILGE PUMPS, one in each Engine Room. You may occasionally hear the pump operate due to condensation and water from the shaft log accumulating in the bilge.
Bilge pumps can be run manually with the two left hand switches on the Main Control Station.
Manual pumping should be checked each day to be sure pumps are working.
The ENGINE SPARES BOX (plastic blue color) is stowed --------------------------. This includes oil filter, raw water impeller, pump parts, injectors, and other small parts.
Two SPARE PROPELLERS are found ----------------------------------- A SPARE TOILET is found ----
--------------------------.
THRU-HULL LOCATIONS

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Key features
- Two diesel engines
- Diesel heater
- Galley with propane stove and oven
- Refrigerator
- Hot water tank
- Depth sounder, radar, and GPS
- VHF radio and an AM/FM stereo radio
- Holding tank and a macerator
- Dinghy with a 5hp mercury engine