BENETEAU Oceanis 41.1 2017 Owners’ Notes page 29

Interlude Owners' Notes
3. After engine stops press the bottom "POWER" button and hold for a second until you no longer
hear the ventilation fan in the engine compartment. The red lights on the tachometer will turn
off. If the bottom power button is not turned off, an alarm will sound periodically.
SAFETY REMINDER
damage the diodes on the alternator and the batteries will no longer charge.
Boat Handling with the Engine
The Beneteau Oceanis 41.1 is the easiest and most fun boat to we've sailed. With a large deep rudder
and a deep 7'2" keel, Interlude is keenly responsive and able to turn in a narrow radius..
San Juan Sailing offers free handling instruction before you leave for your charter if you'd like to practice
with Interlude or just bone up on your boat handling skills. Spending 30-60 minutes practicing getting in
and out of the Bellingham marina can be a great experience.
Forward
Because the saildrive/propeller is almost directly below the engine, the wash from the prop takes a
moment to reach the rudder; anticipate this delay when maneuvering in tight spaces. A short burst of
throttle will direct water at the rudder, which if already turned, will result in a short, sharp turn with
little forward movement – a strategy that can be handy when turning in confined spaces.
Reverse
Interlude has virtually no prop walk, just a bit to starboard in reverse. Driving in reverse is a pleasure.
We recommend you stand on the forward side of the port helm and face backwards, allowing you to
steer with easy access to the throttle/transmission. Grip the wheel firmly wheel when in reverse: water
pressure on the aft edge of the rudder can push the rudder over to one side, which is hard on the
steering mechanism (and your arms).
Docking
Interlude carries momentum well. Unless there are high winds, we typically motor in the marina in Idle-
Forward, which will produce a boat speed of about 2 knots. About 4 slips from our target dock, we shift
to neutral and glide in. Use the engine to stop the boat at the dock, and don't shut down the engine
until the vessel is secured at the dock.
SAFETY REMINDER: It's difficult for people holding lines on the dock to stop the momentum of a heavy
cruising sailboat. It's also a bad idea to use dock lines on a cleat to stop movement; this can result in a
sudden swing of the boat and damage to cleats, boat, and/or dock. And please, no crew should jump to
the dock. If you can't step off calmly, back-up and try again.
When coming into our docks in strong winds, or if you'd just like a little assistance on arrival, hail "San
Juan Sailing" on VHF Channel 80. They'll be glad to offer some coaching and/or catch your lines. In fact,
most marinas in the Islands will help you if you hail them and ask for assistance. Asking for docking
assistance is a sign of smart seamanship.
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When we were charter guests of SJS we always appreciated taking the time to get to know our boat before
departing.
– Never stop the engine by turning off the battery switch. Doing so will seriously
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