OC 400 Manual

INTRODUCTION

This manual has been compiled to help new owners operate this vessel to it's capacity, to ensure its longevity and with your enjoyment and safety in mind.

It contains details of the craft, the equipment supplied or fitted, its systems and information on their operation, set up, maintenance, prevention of risks and management of those risks.

Please keep this manual in a secure place and hand it over to the new owner when you sell the craft.

A manual is not a replacement for experience and common sense! Please take your time to read it carefully and familiarize yourself with your tender before using it.

Boating Experience

This owner's manual is not a course on boating safety or seamanship. If this is your first craft, or if you are changing to a type of craft you are not familiar with, for your own comfort and safety, please ensure that you obtain handling and operating experience before "assuming command" of the craft.
Any boat dealer or national sailing federation or yacht club will be pleased to advise you of local sea schools, or competent instructors.
Regardless of the craft's seaworthiness and it's certified design category, protection from freak sea and wind conditions cannot be guaranteed. Beware of offshore winds and currents. The ability, experience, and fitness of the crew, therefore, should be taken into consideration before making any voyage.

Responsibility

It is the boat owner/operator's responsibility to:

1. Know the limitations of your boat;
2. Follow the rules of the road;
3. Keep a sharp lookout for people and objects in the water;
4. Ensure that the anticipated wind and sea conditions will correspond to the design category of your boat and that you and your crew are able to handle the boat in these conditions;
5. Never sail when the operator is under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
6. Be aware of the crew/passenger's safety at all times;
7. Reduce speed when there is limited visibility, rough water, people in the water nearby, boats, or structures;
8. Always maintain your craft properly and take into account the deterioration that will occur over time.
9. Have the craft inspected by qualified personnel at regular intervals and whenever a cause for concern is raised; and
10. Ensure compliance with all legislation in place in the area of operation.

Any craft, no matter how strong it may be, can be severely damaged if not used properly. Inspect the craft regularly especially after any kind of suspected damage. Always adjust the speed and direction of the craft to sea conditions.

ABOUT THIS MANUAL

This manual has been compiled to help you to operate your craft with safety and pleasure. It contains details of the craft; the equipment supplied or fitted its systems and information on their operation. Please read it carefully and familiarize yourself with the craft before using it. Ensure that everyone who will operate the vessel reads this manual before setting out.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Manuals

This manual includes important fundamentals regarding equipment supplied by other manufacturers. More detailed information regarding such equipment can be found in manuals provided by the OEM.

Safety Labels

The craft and this manual show symbols which advise the owner/operator and crew of imperative safety precautions to follow when operating and/or servicing equipment.

Risk of capsize Balance the boat with the crew

The following symbols may be found on your craft. They should be respected at all times.

Explanation of Hazard Warnings

	indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
	indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
	indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
Notice	indicates information considered important, but not hazard-related, for example, relating to property damage.
	Do not remove or obstruct any safety label. Replace any label which becomes illegible.

GENERAL ARRANGEMENT

Boat Identification & CE Marking Classification

Type of Boat	Cruising Tender OC400
Manufacturer's Craft Identification Number	Production starting - NZ-OCT40000B222
Name of Boat Manufacturer	Offshore Cruising Tenders
Design Category		A	B	C	D
Maximum recommended number of people	adults				6

¹ For maximum weight limit see: "Weights" Chapter

Design Category Explanation

This vessel carries the UKCA marking (shown here) to indicate that it complies with the UK Recreational Craft Regulations. It has been assigned the Design Category explained below:

This vessel carries the CE marking (shown here) to indicate that it complies with the EU Recreational Craft Directive. It has been assigned the Design Category explained below:

A watercraft given design category D is considered to be designed to operate in typical steady winds of Beaufort force 4 or less and the associated significant waves heights of up to 0,3 m and occasional waves of 0,5 m height. Typically such conditions might be encountered on sheltered inland waters, and in coastal waters in fine weather. Depending on atmospheric conditions, winds can gust to about 12 m/s.

Principal Dimensions

Hull Size

Length of Hull	LH	3.930	(m)
Length on waterline	LWL	3.000	(m)
Length - max. overall	LMAX	3.050	(m)
Beam of hull	BH	1.720	(m)
Beam on waterline	BWL	1.500	(m)
Beam - maximum	BMAX	1.720	(m)
Freeboard forward	FF	0.700	(m)
Freeboard amidships	FM	0.450	(m)
Freeboard aft	FA	0.400	(m)
Maximum draft	T	0.514	(m)
Air draft: max.	HA	0.700	(m)

Maximum Recommended Power

Power measurement to EN ISO 8665 Marine propulsion engines and systems - Power measurements and declarations.

Horsepower	20 hp metric
Kilowatts	14.7 KW

Weights

A 'maximum load' has been used for assessing stability and buoyancy, comprising:

Design Caterogy	D
Maximum number of persons in KG	450
Baggage & other carry on weights, fuel tank, in KG	32
Max load as on Builder's Plate, in KG	482

Maximum Recommended Load (ISO 14946) - m_ML - 496

The boat in the 'empty craft condition' has a mass of - m_EC - 67

Unladen weight (lightcraft) without engine - m_LC - 83

Weight Fully Laden - m_LDC - 630

MANUFACTURER'S WARNING
All our vessels are built with weight in mind. When purchasing an outboard take into consideration the weight of the outboard more so than the horse power it provides. A light weight boat means less weight and automatically less power needed to use it efficiently on the water. Keep that in mind when choosing the best outboard for your tender. We recommend you always choose the lightest engine for the horse power needed.

Part of the information is given on the builder's plate affixed on the craft. A full explanation of this information is also given in the relevant sections of this manual.

1. Manufacturer's name, registered trade name or registered trademark
2. CE marking
3. Contact address
4. Model name
5. Notified body's identification number (if applicable)
6. Maximum recommended number of people
7. Max Load as on Builder's Plate (kg)
8. Heaviest allowable outboard motor (kg)
9. Maximum Recommended Power (kW)
10. Design Category

The outer skin of the craft is strong enough to resist the design pressure but not local damage from hitting hard/sharp objects. If the outer skin is damaged, it shall be repaired immediately.

Lifting Devices

Your boat is fitted with lifting eyes (1 fwd and 2 aft).

Before lifting the boat, ensure the bolts retaining the eyes to the structure are secure and that there is no sign of damaged to the eyes or surrounding structure.

Never attempt to lift the boat if the eyes are loose or if there are signs of damage.

Never lift the boat with any people or baggage onboard.

Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the lifting device.

SYSTEMS DESCRIPTIONS

Bilge pumps

The boat is not fitted with any bilge pumps.

It is recommended that a bailer/bucket is carried aboard for emergency bailing purposes. Ensure the bucket is protected against accidental loss.

Never use flammable solvents (i.e. kerosene) for bilge cleaning, however oily it becomes.

Fuel System

If utilizing an outboard, the craft usually uses a fuel system. Refer to manufacturer's instructions for details of the above equipment.

Do not smoke or use open flame when filling with fuel, when working on the fuel system and when in the engine room.

Never use a flame to check for leaks

Inspect fuel lines at least annually. Replace if deterioration or openings are found.

All components that burn fuel require an air supply. Ensure all air intakes are clear before fuel burning components are running.

If leakage is detected, have the system repaired before further use. System repairs should be made by a competent person.

A kill-chord is provided at the helm so that the engine will cut-out when pulled. The helmsman should connect him/herself to the kill-chord when the engine is running.

PRE-LAUNCH OBSERVATIONS

Recommended Safety Equipment

The sea can be unpredictable. Be prepared by carrying the following equipment, as a minimum, at all times.

1. Life jacket or buoyancy aid for each person
2. Appropriate weatherproof clothing
3. Compass
4. Anchor and line
5. First aid kit including compress and thermal blanket
6. Bucket
7. Distress flares
8. VHF radio
9. Binoculars
10. Knife in protective sheath
11. Drinking water

Risk of Loss of Stability

The stability and buoyancy of this boat has been assessed on the basis of the weights specified in "Weights" section.

The boat should never carry more than the manufacturer's recommended load. The load should be suitably distributed, bearing in mind that stability is most significantly reduced by any weight added high up in the boat.

Stability can also be adversely affected by sloshing fluid. Bilge water should be kept to a minimum

Notice
This boat has been assessed as being capable of supporting the crew even when swamped.

RISK OF CAPSIZE or SWAMPING - BALANCE THE BOAT WITH THE CREW

Loose equipment can cause damage to the craft and affect stability. Ensure all loose equipment is properly stowed before setting out.

The stability of this boat is significantly reduced at speeds above displacement speed.

Stability may be reduced when towing or lifting heavy weights using a davit or boom.

Compartments marked as being air tanks should not be punctured.

Breaking waves are a serious stability hazard

Risk of Flooding

In rough weather, care must be taken to minimize the risk of water ingress.

Risk of Fire

NEVER

• obstruct safety controls (shut off valves, switches)
• modify craft's systems, especially fuel.
• fill any fuel tank whilst machinery is running
• smoke while handling fuel or gas

Fire Fighting Equipment

Location and capacity of extinguishers is given below. It is the responsibility of the boat owner/operator to:

• Check if it equipment is required according to local law
• Check equipment at intervals as stated on equipment,
• Replace any extinguisher, if used, with one of same rating
• Inform members of the crew about location and operation of all fire fighting devices

Portable Extinguishers

Recommended Location & Description		Medium	Rating/ Capacity
Inside under gunwale - Marine extinguisher		Powder	0.5kg

General Good Practice

Never store petrol in an area not designed to store petrol

Risk of Falling Overboard

Notice
The working deck is the area of the boat that is safe for use at all times. Areas outside the specified working deck should only be used whilst leaving or arriving at a mooring or whilst the boat is not underway. On this boat, the working deck area is defined as: Cockpit
For maximum weight limit see: Weights
For crew area limits, see section: Risk of Loss of Stability

Notice
In the event of a member of the crew falling overboard they should be recovered using: The OCT400 can be entered without a reboarding device.

Care should be made to ensure the person being recovered is not pushed under the platform if the vessel is pitching. Consider recovery by use of a dinghy if necessary.

Most slips and falls occur during boarding and disembarking. Be aware that wet decks can be slippery. Wear slip resistant footwear at all times.

Grounding - Risks & Actions

After any grounding incident, make a visual inspection internally and consider a haul out and external inspection as soon as practical.

Ensure that any grounding is discussed with an experienced marine professional or contact manufacture for clarification of any repair required.

NAVIGATION & OPERATION

Use of Engines

Notice : Before starting the engine:

1. Ensure there is sufficient fuel for the anticipated journey – including a margin for contingencies.
2. Take care note to damage fuel lines and check regularly that they are in good condition.
3. Avoid placing flammable materials on or near hot parts.

If a fuel leak or fumes are detected, do not start the engine. Ensure all crew leave the boat and have a qualified person repair the fault as soon as possible.

Controls installed with the motor must have a start-in-gear protection device. It is the owner's responsibility to ensure this is so, should the engine or its controls be repaired/replaced.

So as to avoid high-speed moving parts, never run a motor with the cover removed.

Handling Characteristics

This craft is primarily intended to be supported by a combination of buoyancy and planning forces.

Notice : Maximum engine power: 14.7 K/W - 20HP

Notice : Maximum speed: 20 knots - 37km/h

Periodic inspection of the propeller for excessive wear or damage is recommended in order to maintain peak performance and to maximise the longevity of the engine.

Notice : Ensure all crew are informed about the craft's behaviour.

Notice : Before conducting any rapid acceleration or high-speed maneuvers, passengers must be warned to sit and hold-on.

The helmsman may have to take sharp avoiding action at any time.
Passengers should, therefore, be seated and holding-on when underway.

Seaways are infinitely variable and all craft can meet conditions that will challenge the boats handling characteristics and/or the helmsman's ability. Proceed with a margin for error at all times. Avoid making sharp turns at speed, particularly in a short seaway.

It is strongly recommended that helmsmen receive adequate training in boat handling before setting to sea for the first time.

Be aware that factors such as altitude, temperature, load, and bottom growth may affect performance.

Do not to install engine(s) with power output higher than recommended by the manufacturer as this could cause loss of craft control and result in serious injury or death.

Visibility from the Main Steering Position

The international regulations for preventing collisions at sea (COLREG's) and the rules of the road require that a proper lookout be maintained at all times and observance of right of way. Make certain no other vessels are in the path before proceeding.

Notice :
Operator vision from the helm can be obstructed by high trim angles of the craft and other factors caused by one or more of the following conditions:

• Propulsion engine trim angles
• Loading and load distribution
• Speed
• Rapid acceleration
• Transition from displacement to planing mode
• Sea conditions
• Rain and spray
• Darkness and fog
• Persons or movable gear in operator's field of vision

Navigation Lights

Notice : Night boating requires running lights. If your craft has navigation lights, make sure they are operational and with good batteries prior to departure.

Anchoring, Mooring & Towing

It is the owners / operators responsibility to ensure that the mooring lines, towing lines, anchor chains, and anchors are adequate for the vessel's intended use. Owners should also consider what action will be necessary when securing a tow line on board.

The breaking strength of lines / chains should not exceed 80% of the breaking strength of the strong point to which it is attached.
Breaking strength of forward strong point: 16.7 kN =1.7 tonnes = 1697 kg

Always tow or be towed at slow speed. Never exceed the hull speed of a displacement craft when towing or being towed.

A tow line shall always be made fast in a way that it can be released when under load.

Filling With Fuel

Never smoke when refueling or inspecting or working with the fuel system.
Use the following procedures for filling tanks:

• Remove portable tank(s) from the craft for filling ashore.
• Check the contents of the tank by monitoring the tank level indicator
• Don't fill tank to the max. Allow for expansion

Fuel is considered chemical waste. Keep an absorbing cloth close by when filling tanks.

Fuel will damage the seat blocks, make sure to wipe any spilled fuel carefully.

MAINTENANCE

Regular inspection and maintenance is an essential activity to ensure the boat's longevity and the crew's safety.

The outer skin of your boat is not designed to resist local damage from hitting hard or sharp objects. If the outer skin is damaged, it will not damage the structure as it is closed cell. It can be fixed at your convenience.

Modifications that may affect the safety characteristics of the craft should be assessed, executed and documented by competent people.

Any change in the disposition of the masses aboard may significantly affect the stability, trim and performance of the boat

KEY:
X - Activity required
Y - Activity required by qualified individual

Winter Storage

Your boat and the systems and fittings on board can be damaged if they are not properly prepared for the winter. You should, for example, check and protect all the systems on the boat, remove all water from the craft and protect it from rain and ensure deck drains are clear.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

The previous sections of this manual provide information on how to protect the boat and its crew from the environment. This section gives information on how the environment may be protected from the boat and its crew.

The environment should be understood as including one's neighbors as well as the world of plants and animals.

In many regions of the world, there are strictly enforced regulations regarding environmental protection. It is the responsibility of the owner/operator to be aware of applicable regulations and to ensure compliance with them.

Leakage of Petrochemicals

Any oil must be treated as chemical waste.

ALWAYS:

• Investigate the source of any oil leaks as soon as possible.
• Dispose of recovered spilt oil correctly. Have oil-absorbing cloths or rolls on board.

NEVER:

• Dispose overboard of any oil, paint or other chemical that is potentially harmful to the environment. Sanctions are in place in most parts of the world for those who disregard this rule!

The discharge of effluent into navigable waters is forbidden by law in many areas. If such discharge causes a film or sheen upon or a discoloration of the surface of the water or causes a sludge or emulsion beneath the surface of the water, violators may be subject to a penalty. It is the responsibility of the boat user to ensure that they are aware of local legislation regarding discharge

Wash / Waves

ALWAYS: Adapt your speed to the water in which you are navigating. Consider the comfort and safety of other (particularly small) boats around you.

Be aware that in some areas speed restrictions are in place to avoid erosion of banks/coastline.

MANUFACTURER'S ADVICE & WARNINGS

Structural Warning

OC Tenders does not recommend any alterations to its design and will not warrant any modifications carried out after the tender is delivered. We do not recommend the use of stainless attachments to the tenders and cannot be held responsible for extra perforations made into the hull or deck structures.

The tender is not made to be walked upon or loaded unless it is floating on the water. Do not get into tender whilst on the davits if possible, do not step or walk on the tender if upside down. Avoid overloading the tender prior to launching into the water.

Loads Warning

Trim is of the utmost importance. Spare a thought to load distribution at all times. Decks have little circles on the inside of the gunnel for guidance on where your passengers should sit to optimize the distribution of weight. Use your discretion to balance each side of the tender as equally as possible to avoid stress to the structure and skipper. O C Tenders recommends the skipper sit slightly forward from the tiller, either on the seat block or on the side decks and utilize a tiller extension to maximize trim, control and comfort.

COVERS
The covers are attached to the tender with bolt rope tracks. To remove them, slide them off the tracks. The cover is made with Weathermax materials which can be easily sourced. Mild soap and a soft brush can be used to wash and clean. We do not recommend putting the covers in the washing machine.

TRANSOM
When mounting the outboard on the transom, make sure it does not exceed the recommended size and weight. Do not over tighten the clamps. ALWAYS PLACE THE OUTBOARD IN THE CENTRE OF THE TRANSOM AND SECURE WITH A SAFETY LANYARD.

HULLS & DECKS
To wash hulls and decks you can use a mild soap and soft brush avoiding heavy scrubbing so as not to scratch the surface. Any damage to the hull and decks can usually be fixed with materials easily available or that most cruising boats already carry on board such as resin, fibreglass and fillers. Any paint chips can usually be covered using normal paint or even nail polish.

NON-SKID
If any part of the non-skid starts pulling off, you can use super glue to re-attach it to the boat surface. Make sure the surface is clean and dry before applying any product.

SEAT BLOCK
The block can be used in two positions: on its side (good for motoring in everyday use); and upright (for extra height when rowing). Its placement should be done according to the height of the skipper and trim of the boat. The seat block is made of high floatation polystyrene, and it was devised as a MOB (Man Over Board) device. The strap can be used over the shoulder or by sliding the leg into the strap and holding on to the block. The cover can be cleaned with mild soap and soft brush.
DO NOT LET THE BLOCK COME IN CONTACT WITH ANY SPILLED FUEL, it will melt the block.

OARLOCKS & ROWING
There are two positions for rowing: using your seat block or sitting on the thwart seat. The seat block will give you more freedom to position yourself in accordance to your size and best trim of the tender. We strongly recommend you practice rowing your tender as much as possible. Get to know where the oars are stored and how to retrieve and return them easily (under the gunnels of the deck). Check our YouTube channel @octenders for more info.
The oars are your best, most reliable safety equipment in a tender. Carry oars onboard at all times.

TOWING EYE
Is located at the bow and consists of a through hull tube. All models come with a handle on bungee cords just above the eye but there is plenty of space in the tube for a good quality rope to be used for towing. This is a major strong point of the tender and is the recommended towing position. An alternative towing point is the bow loop.

PAINTER
Should be attached to the through tube used as a towing eye, located just in front of the anchor bag ON THE INSIDE PART OF THE TOWING TUBE. Always store your painter in the anchor bag when operating the tender.

ANCHOR BAG
Is located at the bow and has an opening at the top of the bag for attaching the painter to the through hull tube. The anchor bag and storage bags should be used within their limits. If it looks too heavy, it is too heavy.

WHEELS AND LADDERS
Any moving parts with stainless or springs, need to be lubed and used regularly in order to avoid rust and seizing.

Documents / Resources

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