Sunset Dream Notes

Operational notes for Sunset Dream

Topics to include:

• Main Engines

  • See list for last maint dates

  • Port engine normally runs a little hotter

  • Note:  Key switch MUST STILL BE "ON" to shut down engines!

  • Water pumps replaced.

  • Exhaust elbows replaced.

  • Pencil zincs probably need to be replaced (done 2 years ago?)

  • Oil change system pump:

    • Powered by Engine Blower breaker!   (engine room blower must be "on" for oil pump to work).

    • Valves determine whether pump services starboard or port engine.

    • Pump is reversible, can can be used to drain or fill engines.

  • Engine injector pumps have separate oil reservoir.  Monitor 2x frequency of main oil change.  See online videos for how to change oil.

• Batteries

  • House Bank

  • Port Motor

  • Starboard Motor

  • Generator

  • Charger:

    • Charger has 3 independent outputs.  However, the same profile must be used for all 3 outputs.  The charger is currently wired to the HOUSE bank, with a Lithium charging profile.  Therefore, it is NOT connected to the engine batteries (which are AGM chemistry)!

• Generator

  • Currently does not run - probably fuel supply issue.

  • Starting/stopping

  • Battery charging

  • Sequence when switching over from shore power

• AC's - both new in June/July 2026

  • Sea Strainer Notes

    • Peak summer - must be cleaned every week from start of summer to late fall if AC is running constantly (live aboard mode).  Check weekly / clean bi-weekly in the summer if only visiting on the weekends.  October through May, check monthly.

• Inverter

  • Wired through breaker to house battery bank.

  • IDIOSYNCRASY - Plugs

    • Plugs are wired (from vendor) incorrectly - Only use ONE side!!!!

    • Jumper on power strip by fridge connects neutral to ground.

• House Battery

• DC2DC charger

• High water alarm (and disable switch)  - get picture

• Level monitors - get picture(s)

• Toilet operation (no water supply)

• Soap box - Needs to be cleaned weekly or less, depending on usage.

• Hot water heater - NOT heated by engine, but plumbing available.

• Dinghy - electric motor - lithium 12V

• Refrigerator

  • ONLY run on AC!

  • Lift freezer door on lower left corner when closing

  • Manual defrost

  • Mini fridge is on the "ice maker" circuit.

• Toilets

  • Electric toilets were replaced with Manual toilets (no power requirement, far less to break).

  • Prior toilets were plumbed to use sea water.

  • Current toilets have NO WATER SUPPLY.

    • Sea water will stagnate and smell after several days in the heat.

    • Connecting to fresh water requires more hardware (solenoids, electric power, switches - all that can malfunction), and runs risk of dirty water feeding back to main water tank.

    • Plastic tumber is provided next to sink in head (restroom) for filling toilets with water.

    • Trash can is provided for waste paper and all other products that did not directly exit the body.

• Waste Tanks

  • Forward tank is under the floor in the forward Vee cabin.  

    • Note:  level monitor near forward tank is NON-FUNCTIONAL.  See the tank monitor in the aft cabin.

    • Forward tank is stated to be approximately 20 gallons.  This is not verified!

    • Pumpout fitting is near the bow of the boat on the starboard side (verify)

  • Aft tank is in the aft lazarette, and was replaced by a previous owner.

    • Capacity is expected to be approximately 35 gallons.  This is not verified!

    • Pumpout fitting is INSIDE the aft lazarette. 

    • Level monitor is the separate monitor inside the forward port cabinet.

    • NOTE:  Monitor is a FLOAT type, which only goes about halfway down into the tank.  Therefore, the monitor will read "zero" full until it is actually about HALF full.  The meter reads the capacity of the UPPER HALF of the tank.

• Charger Circuit

  • The breaker on the panel labeled "Charger" operates the outlet in the engine room that powers the battery charger for the house battery.  NOTE:  The outlet on the port side of the main salon, up near the helm, next to the air conditioning vent - is also on the "charger" circuit.  

• Windshield wipers

  • DO NOT USE!!!  Two of the 3 motors do run, and wiper blades have been replaced in the last 5 years - but may fail and then scratch the windshield.   Do not operate the windshield wipers unless you have inspected them and brought them into full operational condition.

• Unknown Switches

  • Above the lower helm, between the smoke detector and the SPEED display (non functional) are two sets of switches.  The upper switches are for the old search light - no longer operable.  

  • The lower two switches are unknown.

• Spotlight

  • The spotlight is operated by the wireless remote.  Any helm mounted switches for the spotlight are non-functional.

• Anchor Windlass

  • Any helm mounted anchor windlass switches are inoperable / obsolete.

  • The main panel circuit breaker for the windlass doesn't do anything.

  • The real windlass circuit breaker is mounted next to the windlass solenoid in the anchor locker at the front of the vee-berth.  A "battery switch" mounted next to the windlass enables the anchor windlass solenoid to work.

  • The anchor windless can be operated by the foot switches, or by the battery operated wireless remotes.