© 2014 SeaStar Solutions Optimus Installation Manual, Rev. E
8-5
ALWAYS WEAR A PFD AND CONNECT THE ENGINE LANYARD(S) TO
THE OPERATOR DURING SEA TRIAL.
PROCEED CAREFULLY TO DEEP, OPEN WATER TO CONDUCT SEA TRIAL.
USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN MAKING AGGRESSIVE STEERING
INPUTS AT PLANING SPEEDS.
8.3 Sea Trial
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
8.3.1 Verify Tachometer Signal
8.3.2 Check Steering Performance
Look at the CANtrak display’s main run screen and verify that both
port and starboard engine RPM is displayed correctly. Check the
displayed values against the engine tachometer gauges on the dash.
If the RPM is not displayed, or the reading is incorrect, check
section 6.5 and section 7.1 and ensure that the RPM source was
correctly installed and configured in the setup.
Spend some time at low speeds getting used to the steering feel.
Steer from lock to lock and check that the engines steer smoothly
and with no interference. Hit the hardstops and check that the helm
locks solidly. Spend some time in reverse gear as well, and get used
to the performance when backing up the vessel. If you have multiple
helm stations, steer the boat from all helms.
Once you are familiar with the steering, run the boat at increasing
speeds. Check that the steering effort and helm turns change with
speed. Check that the steering feels safe, secure and responsive at
high speed. Check steering response throughout the typical
performance envelope of the vessel.
If you have made an autopilot connection, check that it functions.
Set a course and verify that the boat turns and follows the heading.
Check that the helm(s) steering effort is high enough to prevent
accidental inputs, but low enough that an operator can still manually
steer the vessel if required. (Note: it will take an effort to “break”
the helm free.) The autopilot’s override behavior will depend on the
manufacturer; refer to the instructions supplied with the autopilot.
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