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The Fairline Squadron 48 IPS 700 is a luxury yacht designed for safe and pleasurable operation, offering a blend of sophisticated design, advanced marine engineering, and meticulous craftsmanship. This manual provides comprehensive details on the craft, its equipment, systems, and their operation.
The Squadron 48 is classified under Recreational Craft Directive - Design Category B, meaning it is designed to operate in winds up to Beaufort force 8 and significant wave heights up to 4 meters. These conditions can be encountered on offshore voyages or coastal waters exposed to wind and waves. The craft's principal dimensions include an overall length of 15.46m, a hull length of 13.78m, an overall beam of 4.32m, and a hull beam of 4.27m. Its air draft (height above waterline, unladen, including mast) is 5.60m, and the maximum draught is 1.2m. The light craft mass is approximately 13800kg, with a maximum load capacity of 1,800kg, accommodating up to 16 persons. The fully loaded mass is 18100kg. The water tanks have a capacity of 527L (including calorifier), fuel tanks 1308L, and black/grey waste holding tanks 310L. The total weight of liquids (with all tanks full) is 1935kg. The maximum combined engine power is 640kW, and the downflooding angle (at fully loaded condition) is 39°. A 20% fuel reserve should always be maintained.
The yacht is equipped with various fire safety features. Escape routes include the cockpit aft and, from forward lower accommodation spaces, up the stairs to the cockpit or through an escape hatch over the forward cabin onto the foredeck. The cockpit door can be opened by unlocking and rotating the handle, then sliding it open. The forward cabin escape hatch is opened by sliding buttons to unlock handles, rotating them ninety degrees, and pushing the hatch upwards. All fire escapes should be kept closed and latched shut when the boat is in use, but not locked, and should not be obstructed.
Manual fire extinguishers are located in accommodation and living areas, suitable for solid, liquid, or electrical fires. They are operated by releasing from the bracket, pulling the safety pin, aiming the nozzle at the base of flames, and squeezing the handles. Automatic fire extinguishing systems are in the engine room and electric thruster compartment. The engine room system consists of a fire extinguisher, a manual remote control panel in the cockpit, and a display/override panel at the helm. In case of automatic activation, an audible alarm sounds, a red warning light appears at the helm, and engines, generator, and engine room fans shut down. Manual operation for the engine room system involves shutting down fuel supplies to engines and generator, removing the safety pin from the red T-shaped handle, and pulling it to operate the extinguisher. Thruster fire extinguishers are automatic, without audible or visual alarms at the helm. Deck wash hoses in the cockpit and foredeck can also be used as fire hoses.
A stowage space for life rafts is provided. To launch, slide the raft out, secure the painter to a strongpoint, place the raft in water, pull the painter until slack is removed, and then firmly pull to inflate. These instructions are for guidance and should be supplemented by the manufacturer's manual.
Designated "Working Deck" areas, with textured or teak surfaces, are safe for use when underway. Smooth surfaces like coach roofs and deck hatches can be slippery and are not classed as working deck. Transom gates must be closed when underway.
Means of re-boarding include a bathing ladder (also used as an engine room ladder, stowed in the engine room, fitted to the port side of the bathing platform) and an emergency re-boarding ladder on the bathing platform. The passerelle or rope warps can also assist in recovery.
Sea cocks are ball valves protecting fittings below or near the waterline, preventing water ingress during maintenance or hose fracture. They are shut when the handle is at right angles to the pipe and open when parallel. Hoses are labeled for identification. Operating equipment with a closed sea cock can cause serious damage. All sea cocks should be shut when leaving the vessel unattended. Waste holding tank discharge sea cocks should be shut except when discharging to sea.
The Fairline is fitted with electric and manual bilge pumps in each watertight compartment. Electric pumps operate automatically via float switches, triggering an audible alarm and helm panel light. Manual operation is possible via helm switches. The bilge pumping system is not designed for damage control. Bilge pump electrical circuits are protected by circuit breakers with locks and should never be turned off when the boat is afloat. Regular checks for debris and servicing by a competent engineer are recommended. A bucket is advised as an emergency aid.
The bathing ladder can be fitted to the bathing platform. The bathing platform is integrated into the stern for use when moored or anchored. Transom gates provide access to the bathing platform and engine hatch. The bathing ladder should not be deployed when underway, except for man overboard recovery. Passengers should not use or ride on the bathing platform when engines are running. Transom gates must be fully closed when underway.
A high-low platform system may be fitted. To lower, ensure engines are off, the Emergency Override safety switch in the manual bilge locker is down and covered, the area around the platform is clear, then select the lower switch. Raising is the reverse. No people or equipment should be in the water or on the platform during operation. A safety interlock prevents engine start unless the platform is fully raised. An emergency override switch allows engine start at reduced power with the platform down if the system fails to recover.
System fillers and outlets are protected by caps. Fresh water tank fillers are marked "WATER". Fuel tank fillers are marked "DIESEL". Waste holding tank shore pump out outlets are marked "WASTE". External showers are hand-held, concealed by a circular flap, with a tap for flow and temperature adjustment. Dockside TV and telephone connections are in the shoreline locker. A heavy-duty 12V socket is also located there.
Exterior covers for the windscreen and canopies for shelter are available. Exterior cushions are water-resistant but seams are not. An ensign staff socket is on the aft edge of the hard top. Engine room access is through a hatch in the cockpit floor, which can be locked. The engine room contains moving machinery, hot systems, and lethal voltages; systems should be off before entry, and only qualified engineers should service them.
The bar unit houses a sink and may include a griddle with an isolation switch and a cut-off switch that removes power when the lid is shut. The lid should only be shut when the griddle is completely cooled.
The helm station provides controls, displays, and switches for craft systems. Electrical systems are protected by circuit breakers in distribution panels. The helmsman must be attentive to systems and external conditions. The steering wheel angle can be adjusted by a lever. Crew should be warned before directional changes and remain seated when underway.
Engine and transmission controls and instruments provide RPM, coolant temperature, and fuel level information. Keyless ignitions are below the steering wheel. Rotating propellers can cause serious injury; do not operate engines near swimmers. Throttle levers are sensitive and should be operated smoothly. A 20% fuel reserve is recommended.
An alarm panel on the helm console includes lights and an audible alarm for conditions like engine alternator not charging, water in fuel filter-separator, engine exhaust overheat, and water in bilge. System switches control engine room fans, water pump, engine room lights, instrument and compass lights, helm light, running/anchor lights, and horn. Additional switches control anchor, pulpit light (optional), and bilge pumps. Windscreen wipers have speed and wash controls. The searchlight is remotely controlled from the helm for pan, tilt, and SOS signal. A 12V socket is located at the helm. Seats are adjustable.
Interior materials are selected for safety and comfort. Cabin doors, shower doors, furniture doors, and drawers should be secured before voyages or in rough conditions. System access is via floor hatches or removable panels. Portlights in hull sides should be closed at sea. The cockpit door should be secured shut at sea.
The flybridge offers an upper helm with enhanced visibility, recommended for close quarters maneuvering. Various navigation, audio-visual, and communication equipment is mounted on the mast. The flybridge access hatch should be closed when crew are present to prevent falls and during inclement weather. No more than six crew should be on the flybridge in category B conditions.
The Fairline has an electrical system providing power to domestic, navigation, lighting, and engineering equipment. Power supplies include 12V DC (domestic/navigation), 24V DC (engine electrics), and 230V AC or 220/110V AC. AC power can be from a generator, shoreline, or inverters. Electrical systems are protected by circuit breakers. High voltages are present; only qualified personnel should service these systems. Do not swim near vessels connected to shore power.
The main control and display panel in the galley monitors and controls electrical systems. It has six areas: battery isolation, system isolation, DC monitoring, AC monitoring, generator/shoreline control, and navigation/ventilation/bilge indication. Battery isolation switches remotely operate contactors for engine and domestic batteries. System isolation switches allow selective isolation of electrical groups.
AC monitoring displays connected AC voltage and current load. DC monitoring displays domestic battery voltage and charge amps. Status lights indicate bilge power, battery charger operation, and anchor light status. Circuit breakers protect against excessive currents. Heavy Duty and AC/DC Combined Distribution Panels house circuit breakers for various systems. Manual master isolators on the heavy duty panel allow manual isolation of engine, generator, and domestic power supplies.
Shore power connections incorporate a galvanic isolator or isolation transformer and are monitored by a Residual Current Device (RCD). To connect, unscrew the cover, insert the lead, twist to lock, screw the outer ring, ensure AC appliances are off, connect to shore supply, and select the appropriate circuit breaker. When switching from generator to shore power, all AC loads must be off. To disconnect, switch off AC appliances, select boat and shore socket switches to off, disconnect cables, and screw on protective covers. If an optional isolation transformer is fitted, the Earth bypass switch must be used correctly when the boat is ashore to prevent the propellers and shafts from becoming "live."
The generator, located in the engine room, is controlled by remote start/stop switches on the control panel or directly on the generator. Ensure sea cocks are open and strainers clear before starting. Generator cranking power is from the domestic battery. To start, press and hold the start switch, release when the light stays on, switch off all AC loads, and then switch from shore power to generator supply. To stop, press the generator stop switch.
Battery chargers (one 24V, one 12V) are in the engine room. The 12V charger provides up to 70 amps, the 24V up to 40 amps. Charging rate is automatic. An optional inverter provides AC power from batteries for audio-visual systems when shore or generator power is unavailable. Inverters draw high current from batteries, so use sparingly.
Engines, transmission systems, and ancillary equipment are in the engine room. Access is via the engine room hatch. Refer to engine manufacturers’ manuals for details. Do not store flammable materials or petrol in the engine room.
The fuel system uses commercially available diesel fuel. Fuel consumption varies. Water separators and fuel filters remove water and dirt from fuel. They should be inspected regularly and drained if water or dirt accumulates. Routine checks before use include ensuring cooling water strainers are clear, ball valves are open, ventilation ducts are clear, fuel system is undamaged, no flammable materials are near hot equipment, and the exhaust system is leak-free. Engine room fans should run before and after use. Do not start engines near swimmers. Carbon monoxide leaks are serious and must be repaired immediately.
Fuel distribution allows running both engines from one tank if needed. Control valves manage fuel flow. For normal operation, engine fuel feed valves are open (horizontal), and cross-over link valves are closed (vertical). Fuel shut-off valves in the bilge locker should be open (black T-handles pushed in).
The Fairline is supplied with a 20kg anchor and 50 meters of chain, raised/lowered by a winch on the foredeck or from the helm. A chain stopper provides security. To release the stopper, move the knurled pad forwards and downwards. To remove, ensure it's not under load. The lanyard and clip secure the chain. Keep fingers, limbs, clothing, jewelry, and hair clear of the winch. Ensure the chain stopper and lanyard are engaged when stowed and released before lowering the anchor.
Anchor winch controls are push-buttons on the foredeck and a rocker switch at the helm. An automatic winch control may be fitted. Manual operation involves fitting a handle into the bi-square socket on the winch and turning it to lower the chain. The anchor cannot be raised manually.
Automatic anchor controls provide a digital display of chain in use. To operate, switch on, clear the safety lock, then use up/down buttons to lower/raise. The unit beeps when the retrieval point is reached. The length of chain to be deployed can be set automatically. Units (Ft or M) and display brightness can be adjusted.
Mooring cleats and fairleads are provided. Ropes should be arranged in line with the cleat. Severe shock loads when towing require spreading the load across multiple strong points. Fenders protect the hull and deck and should be checked regularly. Stowage for fenders and warps is under the cockpit seat. A boathook is also stowed there.
The air conditioning system (optional) includes units, pumps, and filters, used for cooling, heating, or de-humidifying. Vents are throughout the craft, split into return air (low down) and supply air (higher up). Return air grilles should not be blocked. Each unit is controlled by a separate panel. Pre-usage checks include ensuring sea cocks are open, pumps are primed, filters are clear, and grilles are clean. To start, select "Air Conditioning" on the control panel and each unit in the cabins. The system uses AC power.
Air conditioning controls allow switching on/off, setting desired temperature, adjusting fan speed (automatic, low, medium, high), and selecting operating mode (automatic, cool, heat, moisture).
The fresh water system includes tanks, a pump, and a hot water tank (calorifier). The pump pressurizes cold water to taps and fittings, and also feeds the calorifier. Water can be heated by engine cooling or an electric immersion heater. A thermostatic mixer valve controls hot water temperature. Tanks have hatches for inspection and cleaning and sender units for gauging. Water fillers are marked "WATER". Ensure water cleanliness and regular system cleaning. The pump is automatic but can be switched off at the control panel.
Waste water from showers, washbasins, dishwasher, washing machine, and galley sink is "grey waste." It is typically discharged overboard, into a sump for automatic discharge, or into an optional holding tank for pump-out ashore or discharge to sea. If grey water drains into a sump, power must be available to the sump pump. Do not use chemical toilet cleaners or harsh cleaning products in the holding tank. Do not introduce food waste or other solids.
The galley sink discharges directly overboard. Master and forward cabin showers/washbasins, washing machine, and dishwasher discharge into sumps. If sumps don't discharge automatically, check circuit breakers, master relay, float switch, and pump for debris. Be aware of MARPOL regulations; use marina pump-out facilities when close to shore or in prohibited zones. If the grey waste to holding tank option is selected, grey waste goes into the black waste holding tank. The galley sink waste can be diverted overboard via a manually operated diverter valve.
Toilets flush with fresh water. Ensure the fresh water system is operational. Options for water fill level are on the panel. Waste from toilets ("Black waste") goes into holding tanks. From there, it can be discharged to sea (offshore and per regulations) or to a shore-side pump-out facility. If blackwater holding tank sea-discharge valves are open, toilets discharge directly overboard. Observe MARPOL regulations. Toilets are for human waste and tissue only; other products can cause blockages. Do not use chemical toilet cleaners in holding tanks.
To discharge the holding tank to a pump-out facility, unscrew the cap, insert the suction hose, and secure it. To discharge to sea, ensure local regulations permit, open the sea cock (indicator light illuminates), and select the pump-out switch. Monitor the tank gauge and switch off when the desired level is reached.
Anodes: Sacrificial zinc anodes protect underwater metal fittings from corrosion. Inspect regularly and replace when 50% corroded. Clean off marine fouling. Failure to replace can cause serious damage.
Raw Water Filters: Check regularly. Shut the seacock, remove the filter top, lift out the element, clean, reinstall, open the seacock, and check for leaks.
Cleaning:
Minor GRP Repairs: Minor scratches/abrasions can be removed with fine abrasive rubbing compound. More serious abrasions with "wet or dry" abrasive paper (progressively finer grades). For hairline cracks, clean and enlarge the crack, mix gelcoat and hardener (50:1), press into crack, cover with cellophane, then rub down and polish.
Winterising and Protection Against Frost: Ensure engine coolant has correct antifreeze proportion. Refer to engine manual for other procedures. Pump out toilets, freshwater tank, and holding tanks. Drain calorifier. Leave lockers, cabin doors, fridges, and oven doors open.
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