Acadia AYC CHARTERER Operation Manual - page 4
4
If the engine is cold, activate the glow plug by turning ignition key clockwise almost to the Start position
(engine fan will audibly lower pitch, panel light dims) for 8 seconds. Turn the key all the way clockwise
to the Start position. Hold ignition key in Start position for no more than 8 seconds. Repeat glow plug
starting process for 8 seconds if engine does not IMMEDIATELY start. Gradually decrease RPMs to
1000. Check your Port transom aft for water exiting with the exhaust.
Allow the engine to warm up by idling for 10 minutes at about 1000 RPM before putting under load.
Do not hold the ignition key in Start position for more than 8 seconds at a time. If the engine does not
start the first time, WAIT for about 15 seconds before trying again. NEVER TURN THE KEY OFF
WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING! You will do serious alternator damage. It should always remain
on. Use the primary Engine Stop lever to kill the engine (P7).
To get underway, release the red button (clutch) at the base of the throttle (out) to engage the engine (still
in Neutral idle position), move throttle forward for Forward motion, or back for Reverse. When the
transmission is shifted out of Neutral there will be a noticeable point of engine engagement. Make sure
the clutch is fully engaged by moving the throttle beyond the initial engagement point. When the engine is
warm, avoid operating at very low RPMs (just beyond Neutral throttle setting) with engine engaged as
excessive vibration will occur. Also, make sure the transmission is completely shifted into Neutral (you
will feel a click as the throttle is moved to upright position) when disengaging the engine. Always pause
in neutral position to let RPMs reduce before shifting between forward and reverse or vice versa. Acadia
skippers easily learn throttle and transmission control using this straightforward single level system and
very quickly find it becomes an automatic set of procedures.
Going In Reverse
Acadia has a definite prop walk to Port in reverse. When backing, it is best to get some reverse way on
(stern will move to Port unless moderately countered by rudder towards Starboard) before attempting a
sharp turn to Starboard. Short bursts of Reverse engine thrust (ensuring throttle is returned to Neutral)
seem to work best for directional control. Until reverse movement is underway, a hard over rudder to
Starboard tends to stall directional movement. When in Reverse, be careful to keep a firm grip on the
wheel. Use only low RPMs and remember to return throttle to Neutral.
Normal cruising speed is 2800 RPM. Always increase RPMs to cruising speed at a gradual rate of
acceleration unless facing an emergency situation.
Shutdown
Place the transmission in Neutral and allow the engine to cool down for several minutes. Usually this is
about the amount of time it takes to secure your lines and plug into shore power. Pull the primary Engine
Stop switch located on the Starboard side of steering pedestal (P7). This cuts off the fuel supply to the
engine. The engine fan will continue to run until the key is switched off. Switch off the key after engine
has completely stopped. Switch your starter battery OFF at battery switch console in aft cabin after
engine is shutdown (P8).