Hi

I recently adopted a 2009, 462 in Ensenada, Mexico about a week ago. I will sail it up to the Pacific Northwest in about a weeks time. Home port will be Point Roberts Washington. I am curious if one of the other owners has created an owners manual for their Duck to briefly explain the systems and location of same and perhaps notes on maintenance. Although I am sure I will get it all in time, I find it overwhelming at the moment and it would be nice if I could "piggyback" on another owners experience while learning.

Thanks

David KIng

Getting to know your Duck
I would start with a Brother Label Maker and label everything and in doing so you will learn the purpose of all the valves, switches, etc. I wrote my own manual for the 600 GPD watermaker without all the fluff. That would be the first thing to address if you have one because if you go longer than six months before re-pickling you'll ruin your membranes.
Also try to locate and indentify all your water, oil, fuel, and air filters on the boat. These will cause you great expence if left unattended.
I bought one inch round stickers in a stationary store and stuck them on places in the engine room that heated up like the ceiling, exhaust fan, both alternators, engine in a number of places, and so on then after several hours underway I would check these dots with an IR temperature gun and write the readings on the dot. This way you have established a baseline and if the temperature starts to rise on something you can fix it before it fails. Recently the temperature on my exhaust fan motor started to rise and when I took it apart I found the brushes worn but not completely. I replaced them and all is well again. This will also pre tell if bearings are getting ready to go.
I created an oil change schedule and positioned it encapsulated in clear plastic in the ER along with the watermaker instructions. I also write the next oil change on a piece of tape and put it on the bypass filter just for a quick glance.
Good luck and welcome to the club. I have been improving Dora Mac from day one and if you have any questions you can send me a PM at randal462ATmsn.com or post them here.

Dear Randal,

Thanks so much for the advice which I shall follow to the letter! I am looking forward to any advice out there.

Kindest Regards

David