New Paul Adam (and Bergman) Critical Operating Instructions
Andrew Cox
As flagged in last week’s newsletter, there are six important notes in relation to use of the RIBs – these will be added to all the other instructions in the COTD Guide. PLEASE READ THESE CAREFULLY:
1. No Propeller Guard
The new Paul Adam has no propeller guard at this stage, due to availability. One will be installed in due course, but in the meantime please exercise EXTREME CAUTION when operating the boat around people in the water, or when in the water around the boat. This is a CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING
There is NO prop guard on the Paul Adam.
2. Insert and Remove Bung
The Paul Adam has a bung at the back that MUST BE REINSERTED BEFORE LAUNCH or the boat will flood and sink! And it must be REMOVED AFTER RETRIEVAL otherwise the boat will fill with rain water and the davits will break. THIS IS A CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE – don’t forget it!
Location of bung hole on the Paul Adam.
Bung for the Paul Adam.
3. Reconnect After Flushing
When returning the RIBs to the davits, it is important to flush the motors. For those that have been around long time, please note that we no longer use “ears” to do this. You remove the tube “B” from its connector “A”, then connect the hose on the deck to “B”. Then, with the engine OFF, you flush the motor for three minutes (make sure water is coming out of the holes around the propeller cowling). IT IS CRITICAL THAT “B” is connected back to “A” when you finish – and make sure not to lose the washer that sits inside “B”. If you do not do this, the ENGINE WILL BE A WRITE OFF! A concerning number of people forget this critical reconnection step, despite frequent reminders – don’t forget it!
Location of the Paul Adam Flushing Connection.
Detail of the Paul Adam Flushing Connection.
Location of the Bergman Flushing Connection.
Detail of the Bergman Flushing Connection.
4. Protect Tubes From Anchors
Both the new Paul Adam and the Bergman have been fitted with new tube covers, including an excellent innovation by Pat, namely a protective panel over each side of each RIB to protect the tubes and covers from anchor lines and chains. When you are dropping or retrieving marks, please ensure that any lines and chains only feed over this panel, not anywhere else on the RIB.
Make sure you are dropping / retrieving chains and anchors over this panel.
5. Switch On / Off Isolator Switch
The isolator switch in the new Paul Adam is a bit hard to find. It is located behind a hatch on the starboard side of the transom (the back of the boat just in front of the engine).
You need to open this hatch to gain access to the isolator switch.
The isolator switch is in the back right hand side.
Please ensure it is switched on before attempting to start the engine.
Isolator switch in the on position.
Importantly, to prevent a flat battery, make sure you switch it to the off position at the end of the day.
Isolator switch in the off position.
6. Report Any Problems
If you damage anything on the boats or anywhere else around the club (or you notice any issues at all), PLEASE TELL SOMEONE! There was an incident at the metros where people operating the Bergman caused severe damage to the prop guard and did not tell anyone about it. You won’t be “in trouble”, because accidents happen. But telling someone will allow us to fix it and ensure ongoing safe operation. We want to encourage a culture of ownership and open communication!
The damage to this prop guard was not reported and the next crew out had to deal with the issue.