Setting the anchor:
Let out sufficient anchor rode before setting the anchor. White cable tie markers are placed every 50 feet on the chain and nylon rode (one cable tie for 50 feet, two cable ties for 100 feet, etc.). If the anchorage is crowded, put down at least a 3 to 1 scope (60 feet of rode for 20 feet of water at highest tide). Place the anchor bridle on the chain and secure on the bow cleats. Never rely on the windless to hold Otter at
anchor, use the anchor bridles. Place the anchor bridle on the chain and secure to the bow cleats, then back down Otter on the anchor in with a slow steady pull in reverse from the engine. Then let out additional scope dependent upon conditions. If the anchorage is less crowded, more scope is always a better option.
The holding power of the anchor increases greatly as more scope is added.
There is a second anchor on the port side of windless. This can be set off the bow as needed. Secure to the bow cleat.
Raising the anchor:
Coordinate the maneuver with the helmsperson to remain steady above the anchor by slowly motoring forward or going to neutral as it is raised. As the anchor rises, be careful not to allow it to swing against the hull. Always use the bow wash down hose to clean the anchor chain as it comes out of the water and
remove bottom mud before it enters the anchor chain locker.
Plug in the blue coiled hose with the bayonet fitting at the windless area first. The wash down pump is then turned on at the breaker panel. Vary the speed of the chain to fully clean the chain.
Always run the motor when using the windless.
BOAT SYSTEMS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Otter has two electrical systems, 110 volts AC and 12 volts DC. It is important to understand these two systems are completely separate and isolated from one another. There is also an inverter. Both AC and DC systems are controlled at the electrical panel at the navigation station.
110-Volt AC System
Otter is equipped with the capacity to plug into dockside shore power (110 volt AC) using the heavy yellow shore power cord. This system powers everything on the AC circuit breaker panel:
- 110 volt AC wall outlets
- Battery charger
- Water heater
Connecting to shore power:
Check the power rating/plug size of the nearest dock receptacle (that is 30 amps, 20 amps, or 15 amps). If necessary, add a shore power cord adapter located in the locker under the aft berth. The procedure to hook up to shore power is as follows:
1. Make sure the “AC Main” circuit breaker is off.
2. Turn off the circuit breaker located at the shore side outlet on the dock.
3. Connect the plug to the shore side outlet. Give the plug a small twist clockwise to lock. Use the attached small line to attach the cord to the power box and relieve the strain on the cord.
4. Turn on the circuit breaker at the dock.
5. Turn on the “AC Main” circuit breaker and any of the circuit breakers for the 110 volt AC systems desired.
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The shore power cords coming off the bow can be wrapped loosely around the bowline.
On shore power, the electrical outlets will be functional under the 110 volt AC system. They will not work under the 12-volt DC system unless the inverter is tuned on.
12 Volt DC System
This system is powered by the marine batteries aboard Otter and powers everything onboard not powered by the 110 volt AC system.
The House batteries are Battery #1 and are located under the navigation desk seat. The engine start battery is
Battery #1 and is under the aft berth just to port of the engine transmission. Make sure “BOTH” batteries are
ON when under power, or when connected to shore power for recharging. Always keep the engine battery switches “On”. Note -- Do not change the position of the battery switches while the engine is running, or
the alternator diodes will be damaged. Change positions with the engine off.
The running, steaming, and anchor lights are all controlled from the electrical panel above the navigation table. Interior lights are also powered from a circuit breaker on this panel. Each interior light also has an individual switch at each fixture. There are three 12 volt auxiliary plugs (cigarette lighter plugs). One located on the electrical panel, one near the companionway cover and the other on the engine control panel in the cockpit.
When not connected to shore power, the house battery is providing all power. Avoid draining the batteries by using power sparingly at anchor:
- Use only one or two lights at a time.
- Turn off systems not in use such as instruments, VHF, autopilot, running lights, steaming lights, tank indicators, stereo, etc.
Monitor the use of onboard electricity carefully with your voltmeter located at the navigation station.
Voltage (Wet Cell Battery) Avoid drawing down the batteries below 12.25 volts as this will damage the batteries and shorten life.
Battery State
12.65 volts 100%
12.47 volts 75%
12.25 volts 50%
11.95 volts 25%
11.70 volts 0%.
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