Northstar 120RF User Manual

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INDEX

1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................. 1

1.1. DEGREES OF DANGER............................................................................. 2

2. DESCRIPTION OF BOAT, ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

................................................................................................................................2

2.1. FOR RIGID BOATS .................................................................................... 2

2.1.A. CONSTRUCTION................................................................................. 2

2.1.B. DECK FITTINGS AND GENERAL INFORMATION........................... 2

2.2. FOR INFLATABLE BOATS....................................................................... 3

2.2.A. Inflation/Deflation ................................................................................ 3

2.2.B. DECK FITTINGS AND GENERAL INFORMATION........................... 3

3. PROPULSION SYSTEM................................................................................. 4

3.1. ENGINE COOLING:......................................................................................... 5

4. SYSTEMS AND CIRCUITS............................................................................5

4.1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.............................................................................5

4.2. FUEL SYSTEM ........................................................................................... 6

4.2.A. SAFETY ADVICE ON FILLING FUEL TANKS...................................6

4.3. LPG-GAS SYSTEM .................................................................................... 7

4.4. VENTILATION SYSTEM........................................................................... 8

4.5. BILGE PUMPING SYSTEM.......................................................................8

4.6. STEERING SYSTEM.................................................................................. 9

4.6.A. with optional consoles only................................................................... 9

4.7. FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM............................................................. 9

4.8. OTHER SPECIFIC INSTALLATIONS....................................................... 9

5. ANCHORING ARRANGEMENT................................................................ 11

6. SPECIFIC MANUALS................................................................................... 13

7. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS.................................................13

8. OPERATING YOUR BOAT..........................................................................14

8.1. FIRST CHECKS ............................................................................................. 14

8.2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ................................................................................ 15

8.2.A. alternating current electrical system.................................................. 15

8.3. AT THE PORT............................................................................................... 16

8.4. SUITABILITY ............................................................................................... 16

8.5. VIBRATIONS................................................................................................16

8.6. SHIFTING.....................................................................................................16

8.7. TRIM ...........................................................................................................16

8.8. FIRST OPERATING HOURS ............................................................................ 18

9. SAFETY...........................................................................................................18

9.1. OPERATOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES...................................................................18

9.2. OVERLOADING ............................................................................................ 19

9.3. OPENING IN THE HULL.................................................................................19

9.4. STABILITY AND BUOYANCY...............................................................20

9.5. WEATHER....................................................................................................20

9.5.A. What To Do in Severe Weather...........................................................20

9.6. STANDING ................................................................................................... 21

9.7. STAYING AFLOAT........................................................................................ 21

9.8. FIRE........................................................................................................... 21

9.9. WHAT TO HAVE ON BOARD?........................................................................21

9.9.A. Life jackets..........................................................................................22

9.9.B. Fire Extinguishers...............................................................................22

9.10. VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS...............................................................23

9.11. PYROTECHNIC DEVICES ............................................................................ 23

9.11.A. Non-Pyrotechnic Devices..................................................................23

10. BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE..................................................... 25

10.1. ALCOHOL IS QUICKER ON THE WATER......................................................25

10.2. EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION ...................................................... 25

10.3. CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARD................................................................... 25

11. MAINTENANCE..........................................................................................26

11.1. MARINE ENVIRONMENT.................................................................... 26

11.2. CLEANING ............................................................................................. 26

11.3. BELOW WATERLINE............................................................................ 26

11.4. BILGE......................................................................................................26

11.5. COVER.................................................................................................... 27

11.6. WINDSHIELD......................................................................................... 27

11.7. STAINLESS STEEL................................................................................27

11.8. REPAIRS ................................................................................................. 27

11.9. REPAIRS – FABRIC..................................................................................27

11.10. CORRECT MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS................................. 27

11.11. WINTER STORAGE............................................................................. 27

12. INSPECTION................................................................................................ 28

13. TRAILERING ............................................................................................... 29

14. WARRANTY TERMS.................................................................................. 32

14.1. NORTHSTAR AS WARRANTY CONDITIONS................................... 32

14.1.A. STRUCTURAL HULL WARRANTY :............................................... 32

14.1.B. TUBE WARRANTY – only for inflatable boats and rigid hull

inflatable boats: ............................................................................................ 32

14.1.C. GENERAL WARRANTY:.................................................................. 32

14.1.D. EXTERIOR FINISH WARRANTY:................................................... 32

14.1.E. CUSTOMER OBLIGATIONS........................................................... 32

14.1.F. WARRANTY EXCEPTIONS.............................................................. 33

14.1.G. GENERAL PROVISIONS.................................................................33

15. LAST REMARKS......................................................................................... 34

INDEX

1. INTRODUCTION

NORTHSTAR MANUAL

In some countries, a driving licence or authorization is required, or specific regulations are in force.

This manual has been compiled to help you to operate your watercraft with safety and pleasure. It contains details of the watercraft; the equipment supplied or fitted, its systems and information on their operation. Please read it carefully, and familiarize yourself with the watercraft before using it.

This owner’s manual is not a course on boating safety or seamanship. If this is your first watercraft, or if you are changing to a type of watercraft you are not familiar with, for your own comfort and safety, please ensure that you obtain handling and operating experience before “assuming command” of the watercraft. Your dealer or national sailing federation or yacht club will be pleased to advise you of local sea schools, or competent instructors.

Ensure that the anticipated wind and sea conditions will correspond to the design category of your watercraft, and that you and your crew are able to handle the watercraft in these conditions.

Even when your boat is categorized for them, the sea and wind conditions corresponding to the design categories A, B and C range from severe storm conditions for category A, to strong conditions for the top of the category C, open to the hazards of a freak wave or gust. These are therefore dangerous conditions, where only a competent, fit and trained crew using a well maintained watercraft can satisfactorily operate.

This owner’s manual is not a detailed maintenance or trouble-shooting guide. In the case of difficulty, refer to the boat builder or his representative. If a maintenance manual is provided, use it for the watercraft’s maintenance.

Always maintain your watercraft properly and make allowance for the deterioration that will occur in time and as a result of heavy use or misuse of the watercraft.

Any watercraft, no matter how strong it may be, can be severely damaged if not used properly. This is not compatible with safe boating. Always adjust the speed and direction of the watercraft to sea conditions.

If your watercraft is fitted with a liferaft, carefully read its operating manual. The watercraft should have onboard the appropriate safety equipment (lifejackets, harness, etc.) according to the type of the watercraft, weather conditions etc. This equipment is mandatory in some countries. The crew should be familiar with the use of all safety equipment and emergency manoeuvring (man overboard recovery, towing, etc.), sailing schools and clubs regularly organize drill sessions.

All persons should wear a suitable buoyancy aid (life jacket/personal floatation device) when on deck. Note that, in some countries, it is a legal requirement to wear a buoyancy aid that complies with their national regulations at all times.

PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL IN A SAFE PLACE AND HAND IT

OVER TO THE NEXT OWNER IF YOU SELL YOUR BOAT.

Always use trained and competent people for maintenance, fixing or modifications. Modifications that may affect the safety characteristics of the watercraft shall be assessed, executed and documented by competent people. The boat builder cannot be held responsible for modifications that he has not approved.

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1.1. DEGREES OF DANGER

Throughout this manual, specific precautions and symbols identify safety related information.

Following Safety Warnings are found:

Denotes an extreme

intrinsic hazard exists

which would result in

high probability of

death or irreparable

injury if proper

precautions are not

taken.

Denotes a hazard

exists which can result in injury or

death if proper

precautions are not

taken.

Denotes the

reminder of safety

practices or directs

attention to unsafe

practices which

could result in

personal injury or

damage to the craft

or components.

When you see any of the above signs within this manual, pay special attention to the points mentioned.

2. DESCRIPTION OF BOAT, ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

2.1. FOR RIGID BOATS

2.1.A. CONSTRUCTION

NorthStar rigid boats are built with polyester stratified fiberglass laid by hand. Hull is solid laminate using a combination of bi-directional cloth glass and chopped strand mat. Longitudinal and transverse members are in the form of a girder box. Hull is partitioned into 3 main sections.

Deck is solid laminate using a combination of bi-directional cloth glass, coremat, honeycomb and some chopped strand mat. Non-slip deck pads built into molding.

2.1.B. DECK FITTINGS AND GENERAL INFORMATION

Stainless steel welded railing is provided for added safety. Anchor well is provided with a lid and is self draining. Center console is molded in and is provided with a door for entry into the console cabin. V shaped seating at bow with storage under.

Under the aft seat, there are three hatches, two on each side as baitwell and livewell. Third one in the middle opens to aft storage area which includes battery, water tank and manual bilge pump.

Also, your boat has a number of safety related decals on many locations, warning operators and passengers of possible safety hazards.

Cockpit of the boat is self-bailing through openings at the bottom of the aft seat. Water collected in the cockpit (rain, washing water, etc.) will automatically drain out of the boat through hull fittings on each side of the aft seat bottom.

All the hatches, storage covers, anchor locker can be raised by opening the locks on them. All NorthStar hatches are provided with a spring to keep the cover open.

When you want to lower the hatch cover, bend the spring from its center while holding the hatch open with your other hand to prevent from suddenly dropping and slowly lower it.

NORTHSTAR MANUAL

All hatch covers are also fitted with a rubber gasket to improve sealing and suppress noise.

In case of the need for a large livewell, a kit is optional to convert this area to a livewell.

Boarding ladder is found at port side of the transom and can be lowered by pulling it out. It is telescopic.

2.2. FOR INFLATABLE BOATS

2.2.A. INFLATION/DEFLATION

The boat has inflation chambers around the hull. The recommended maximum pressure for the chambers is 240mbar. Under normal use, slight overpressure can be used, however, the boat should never be used while the tubes are underinflated.

Although NorthStar inflatables are tested with over pressurizing and will withstand overpressures up to 30% caused by temperature differences, it is very important that the pressure of the chambers are checked periodically and adjusted to a maximum of 240mbar to prevent premature wear and failure of tubes.

INFLATION Inflate the tubes to 60-70% of the recommended maximum pressure

in the following order - preinflation:

1. Port aft chamber

2. Starboard aft chamber

3. Port front chamber

4. Starboard front chamber

5. Bow chamber

Then, fill the chambers to the recommended pressure in the same order.

DEFLATION Deflate the tubes to 25 – 35% of the recommended pressure in the

reverse of the inflation order (starting from bow chamber) – predeflation:

Then you can deflate all of the remaining air.

Do not inflate a single section fully before pre-inflating other chambers first. Do not deflate a single section fully before pre-deflating other chambers first.

2.2.B. DECK FITTINGS AND GENERAL INFORMATION

Water collected in the deck (rain, washing water, etc.) will automatically drain out of the boat through hull fittings on each side of the transom. Some residual water may remain on the sides of the tubes.

The boat is provided with handles on the tubes for safety. There is a strong ring at the bow section of the fiberglass deck to tie anchor line.

As supplied, RM series RIBs come with a flat plywood/frp deck which is covered with non skid gelcoat. The boat can be fitted with a manual outboard but also, more popularly, can be fitted with a variety of console/seat arrangements.

The nature of this RM deck enables infinite mounting locations for consoles, seats and equipment. Intended more for the professional user, care must be observed during the installation of these items to not to

NORTHSTAR MANUAL

impair the boat’s safety and any installation holes must be sealed with good quality marine sealant.

As supplied, RT/WRT series RIBs come with a molded deck, which consist of seats and consoles. A bow plate is also provided to facilitate boarding and mooring. RF/WRF series come with a molded flat deck and can be equipped with a variety of consoles and seats.

3. PROPULSION SYSTEM

Detailed information about your inboard or outboard engine is found in its Owner’s Manual. Please refer to this manual and learn the necessary information about your inboard or outboard. Propeller selection varies with engine manufacturer. Your dealer will be happy to assist you with your propeller selection.

Please check your boat's user Specific Information Booklet in order to see the information about max. allowed power of your boat's engine.

Never forget the danger that boat propellers can inflict to persons in the water. Remember to shut off your engines when approaching swimmers, or you or somebody else is trying to remove debris from your propeller. When your boat’s engine is running, alert swimmers to stay clear off the stern.

Do not operate the craft with an engine of rated power greater than the maximum recommended power.

Therefore, the best and safest course of action to take when people are in water near your boat

Shut off your engine!

NORTHSTAR MANUAL

3.1. ENGINE COOLING:

Your marine engine’s performance and trouble-free operation is depending on proper seawater cooling.

In order to assure sufficient cooling flow, your inboard and outboards engine suction openings, pipes and filters should be totally free of debris, floating garbage and crustaceans.

Please refer to your engine’s operation manual for cooling water checking procedures.

Engine Room Ventilation (for inboard engines only): For engines safety and performance, ensure that ventilation ducts are free

and allow easy flow.

4. SYSTEMS AND CIRCUITS

Please see your boat’s Specific Information Booklet.

4.1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Please see your boat’s Specific Information Booklet.

If a fuse consistently blows, please have your electrical circuitry checked by a professional.

If your NorthStar boat is equipped with a removable 360° Pole light that satisfies the 1 meter rule of the COLREGS which requires a minimum of 1 meter height difference between the navigation lights and the pole light, you are not required to keep this light installed during daytime when there is good visibility. At night or when the visibility condition dictates the use of the pole light, simply remove it from its location under the aft center locker and install it in the plug provided on the aft starboard side of the boat. To retain it, tighten the locking collar. When not in use, simply remove it by loosening its collar and stow it under its storage location.

If there is a port/starboard navigation light, a switch will operate it and must be used in the dark or when the visibility condition dictates while underway. Fuse 5A

Battery acid is corrosive, so you have to protect eyes and skin if you have to work on it. You must rinse splashes of acid with fresh water and consult a doctor immediately. You can neutralize splashes of acid on the skin or on clothes with acid transformer or soapsuds.

If one has drunk acid, please contact your doctor immediately.

NORTHSTAR MANUAL

Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can cause severe burns. Wear protective clothing to avoid acid contact with skin, eyes, etc. Failure to observe this warning could result in severe injury.

Check the battery fluid frequently for signs of corrosion. If corrosion is evident, clean terminal posts with a baking soda and water solution and a wire brush. Before cleaning, remove the vent caps and seal the vent wells with corks to prevent the solution from getting inside the battery.

NOTICE: Some batteries are sealed, and cannot be filled. Check the fluid levels in the cells. Usually, a level approximately 6 to 13

mm above the plates is sufficient. If needed, fill with distilled water; do not overfill!

Batteries produce explosive hydrogen gas. Never attempt starting your engine with jumper cables under any circumstances. Keep all sparks, flames and smoking materials away from batteries. Risk of spark at the battery post igniting gasoline or hydrogen fumes is too great. Always wear eye protection when near batteries and have adequate ventilation when charging. An explosion can cause blindness or other serious injuries.

NOTICE: Please refer to your engine’s operation manual for choosing the correct battery type and capacity.

4.2. FUEL SYSTEM

Please find the capacity of the fuel tank on your boat in your Specific Information Booklet.

All of the fixed fresh water tank’s capacity may not be usable according to trim and loading.

In case of repair or maintenance necessity, this tank can be removed by unscrewing the hatch as in all NorthStar boats but this operation must be left to the professionals. Working on a fuel tank, especially on a partially full one is extremely dangerous requiring immense care and must not be tackled without proper training.

If your boat is provided with a fuel tank, the fuel filter and water separator must be changed every season and a spare element must always be kept on board, for the case of clogging.

For starting and other information, please consult your outboard motor’s owner’s manual.

4.2.A. SAFETY ADVICE ON FILLING FUEL TANKS

First you should care that your boat is moored safely at the jetty. In every case the engine must be switched off while filling the fuel tanks. While filling and at the filling station smoking is absolutely forbidden: after having filled up the tanks the fuel tank area must be aired for at least 5

minutes.

Fueling Precautions

• Portable tanks should be refueled ashore.

All of the tank capacity may not be usable according to trim and loading and a minimum of 20% reserve should be kept.

• Close all hatches and other openings before fueling.

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• Extinguish all smoking materials.

• Turn off engines, all electrical equipment, radios, stoves and other

appliances.

• Remove all passengers.

• Keep the fill nozzle in contact with the tank and wipe up any spilled

fuel.

• Check the bilges for fuel vapors before starting the engine.

• Do the "sniff test". Sniff around to make sure there is no odor of

gasoline anywhere in the boat.

• Do not start the engine until all traces of fuel vapors are eliminated.

Fuel Management

Practice the "One-Third Rule" by using:

• One-third of the fuel going out

• One-third to get back and

• Be sure that appliance valves are closed before opening the

cylinder valve.

• Test the LPG system for leakage regularly. Check all connections for leakage by

-manual leak testing, or

-testing with soapy water or detergent solution (with appliance-burner valves closed and cylinder and system valves open).

If leakage is present, close the cylinder valve and have the system repaired before further use. System repairs should be made by a competent person.

Do not use solutions containing ammonia.

Never use flame to check for leaks.

• One-third in reserve

4.3. LPG-GAS SYSTEM

Please see your boat’s Specific Information Booklet. If your boat’s galley is equipped with a gas burner, following instructions

have to be respected.

• Close GAS (LPG) supply-line valves and cylinder valves, when appliances are not in use. Close valves before changing cylinder and immediately in an emergency.

• Fuel-burning open flame appliances consume cabin oxygen and release products of combustion into the craft. Ventilation is required when appliances are in use. Open designated vent openings while appliances are in use. Do not use the stove or oven for space heating. Never obstruct ventilation openings (Please see your boat’s Specific Information Booklet.).

• Do not obstruct access to LPG system components in any way.

• Keep valves on empty cylinders closed and disconnected. Keep

protective covers, caps or plugs in place. Store reserve cylinders in

NORTHSTAR MANUAL

ventilated housings on open decks or in gastight lockers which are vented overboard and intended for that purpose.

• Do not use LPG cylinder housings or cylinder lockers for storage of any other equipment.

Never leave craft unattended when LPG consuming appliances are in use.

Do not smoke or use open flame when replacing LPG cylinders.

• Hoses in the LPG system must be inspected regularly, at least annually, and replaced if any deterioration is found.

• Inspect Gas (LPG) pipes at least annually. Replace if deterioration or openings are found.

• Avoid contact of Gas (LPG) pipes or lines with naked flames and other hot areas.

• Do not use the stove when high angles of rolling or sustained angles of heel are likely (if the craft is not equipped with a gimbaled stove).

We highly recommend not to use LPG/GAS burner while on cruise.

• Shut off the main gas valve in the event of an LPG leak or fire from an LPG tank.

Ensure proper ventilation in order to prevent asphyxiation.

4.4. VENTILATION SYSTEM

Ventilation of the fuel tank area is provided by means of a round plastic vent found on port side of the cockpit. Filling vent is found on starboard side of hull.

Do not go near the vents with open source of fire, such as cigarettes or other spark producing items.

Fuel-burning open-flame appliances consume cabin oxygen and release products of combustion into the craft. Ventilation is required when appliances are in use. Open designated vent openings while appliances are in use. Never obstruct ventilation openings and ensure that fluid appliances are operating correctly.

4.5. BILGE PUMPING SYSTEM

Please check Specific Information Booklet for location and type of bilge pumps in your boat.

Since the electric pumps are automatic, they should be left on Auto position when the boat is in water. The bilge pumps must be checked for operation periodically.

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