Seamanship_Secrets_185_Tips_-_Techniques_for_Better_Navigation-_Cruise_Planning-_and_Boat_Handling_Under_Power_or_Sail_(Re)_e..

diesel engine maintenance and powerboat seamanship 177

“Your Call, Skipper”

You’re the skipper or most knowledgeable crewmember in each

of the following situations. What actions would you take?

1. “Hey Skipper, the engine drip pan is full of water. It’s clear but feels
   oily. What do we need to check?”


2. On an engine or a generator, how could you stop the engine if the
   pull stop failed?


3. You start the engine, proceed to the stern, and notice that only a
   trickle of cooling water flows from the exhaust. What four steps would
   you take next?


4. You’re operating at full throttle on a 40-foot trawler, overtaking
   another vessel a half mile ahead. How can you use your boat length to
   effectively control your wake?


5. You’ve made the decision to enter Stono Inlet in South Carolina. You’ve
   studied the inlet and see no breaking waves across the bar. Now you’ll
   get the crew ready for the run. What is the fi rst thing you tell them?
   Answers


6. Check the stuffing box first. The shallow stuffing box sump could
   have filled and overflowed into the drip pan. Clear but oily liquid
   indicates fuel or transmission leaks. Use your flashlight. Check hose
   connections for leaks.


7. Look for a cylinder-shaped solenoid. Pull or push the lever going
   into the solenoid and hold until the engine stops. Smaller engines have
   a stop lever on a cable that mounts to the fuel injection pump. Push
   or pull the lever and hold it in that position until the engine stops.


8. (1) Shut down the engine. (2) Check the seacock handle (the open
   position is in-line with hose). (3) If the seacock is open, shut it, open
   up the raw-water strainer, and check for a clogged filter. (4) Check for
   an obstruction of the raw-water intake strainer outside the hull. Shut
   the seacock, pull off the raw-water hose, and open the seacock for a
   moment. Weak (or no) flow indicates an exterior blockage, perhaps
   from weed or a plastic bag.


9. Start slowing when you are 400 feet astern (10 x LOA) of the other
   vessel. When you get within about 80 feet (2 x LOA) slow to idle, and then
   adjust throttle(s) to match the other vessel’s speed. Call on the radio (in
   Inland Waters) or sound whistle signals to reach a passing agreement.


10. Everyone aboard will need to wear life jackets. Crew wearing inflat-
    able vests should manually inflate the bladders to full volume.