Location

The two auxiliary engines fitted to the VY 440 are accessed through the hatches located on the stern of each hull. It is necessary to enter the engine compartment to check the oil level with the dipstick.

Never enter the engine compartment when the engine is running. The engines remain hot for some time after they have been running so allow time for them to cool down. Never open the fresh water filler cap on a hot engine. Before entering the engine compartment remove the starter keys from the control panels in the cockpit.
 

On the VY 380 the engine access is via the aft cabins. On the stb side there is a removable panel under the mattress, on the port side there is an access door located at the aft side of the head/shower compartment. Engine room lights are positioned close to the access hatch.
 

Pre-start Checks

Check oil using engine dipstick, the level should be between the two indicated marks. Only top up with the oil provided and never overfill beyond the highest mark.

Check fresh water level reservoir is correct

Check fuel tank has sufficient DIESEL fuel. If you need to take on fuel during your charter make sure it is diesel and not gasoline. Serious damage will occur if the incorrect fuel is used. Also make sure to identify the fuel filler inlet on deck. Do not mistake the water and fuel filler inlets.

Ensure engine throttle control is in the neutral position.
 

Engine Startup

Start engine using the ignition key at the control panel. As soon as the tachometer registers rpm release the starter key. Holding the key on after the engine has fired can damage the starter motor.



Check the flow of cooling water at the tell tales situated on the inboard, aft side of both hulls. Also check for flow of water from the exhausts. If at any time when the engines are running water ceases to flow, shut the engines off.
Check the oil pressure red light and alternator red light are both off. These warning lights are also accompanied by a warning buzzer.
Allow engine to warm up for several minutes before engaging gear and always check no lines or ropes are in the vicinity of the propellers.
 

To Stop Engines

Ensure throttle control is in the neutral position.

Pull the stop cable all the way up.

Wait for the oil warning buzzer to sound before turning of the ignition key.

Never turn off the ignition key whist the engine is running, this can cause damage to the alternators.
 

Running Engines

The Yanmar engines used in VOYAGE yachts have an optimum running speed. For normal motoring, depending on weather conditions and sea state, run the motors at between 2800 rpm and 3300 rpm. This will give good speeds and load the engines correctly. When moving the throttle controls from neutral to ahead or reverse, do so carefully, allowing time for the gears to engage.

Unless the boat is using shore power the main engines will have to be run to recharge the batteries for the electrical systems. This is best done when using the engines for normal motoring but it will also be necessary to run the engines whilst at anchor or on a mooring. To charge the batteries at anchor, start the engines as previously described then pull the Morse control lever outwards, this disengages the gear selector. Whilst the lever is in this position move the lever forward to increase to 2000 rpm, this is the correct setting for engine charging.

Take care not to increase the rpm unless the gear selector has been disengaged otherwise the vessel could move unexpectedly.
 

Alternators.

Both engines have high output alternators fitted to charge the on board batteries. To prevent damage and to ensure efficient charging it is important that correct belt tension is maintained. When carrying out oil and cooling water checks look for signs of belt dust around pulleys which indicates belt slippage.

As previously mentioned, never enter the engine room whilst motor is running or while it is still hot.
 

Battery Charging

The house battery bank provides the electrical power for all the on board systems including the refrigeration. The state of charge of the batteries needs to be monitored to ensure these systems remain operational.

At the electrical breaker panel above the chart table there is a Link 2000 battery monitor. There are 3 selector buttons on this unit that allow you to read voltage, amperage and amp. hours.
 

The Link 2000 unit also houses the selector switches to turn on the 110 volt electrical inverter and the battery charger. If plugged into shore power select the charge button on the Link unit to keep the house batteries charged. The voltage and amperage meters on the 110 volt panel will register supply and an indicator light will show shore power is on.
 

The battery voltage should not fall below 11.9 volts and the amp. hours should not show less than - 200. When the batteries are fully charged the voltage will read 12.7 volts and the amp. hours will read 000.

Unless using shore power it will be necessary to run the engines for at least 2 1/2 hours per day to recharge the batteries. The charging periods are best divided into hourly intervals through out the day, in the morning and later afternoon or evening. Obviously, higher electrical usage will require more charging. By  turning off lights, cabin fans etc when not needed, the amount of engine running can be reduced.

Never leave the boat unattended whilst the engines are running, a simple fan belt failure if left unnoticed can cause serious damage to the engines.
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