Sailing Yacht Highlander

The natural choice to power such a fine Yacht to ensure safety, and reliability especially for long passage making, was of course a  GARDNER 6LX. which develops approximately 100 hp. at 600 rpm. (max 800 rpm), and this Power Unit is linked via 2 : 1 reduction to drive the shaft.

The total number of hours of which this Gardner engine has run since new is only 1504hrs (as at April 2012.)

A 34 inch variable pitch 3 blade propeller gives fantastic control, and manoverability with the blade angles altering from zero degrees to 12.5 degrees at Helmsman’s  choice (for both Forward & Astern).

The above variable pitch system is operated through a Slack & Parr hydraulic unit driven by the Gardner Engine’s hydraulic pump.

ENGINE ROOM.

Access to the large Engine Room is gained via a hatch on the Saloon Floor, and one descends into a good headroom space, which affords easy 360 degree access to all parts of the Gardner Unit, and of course all other mechanical equipment located in this space……………………  which are as follows:-

MASTER VOLT 3,500 Watt DIESEL GENERATOR PLANT.

This very quiet Water Cooled Twin Cylinder Unit provides more than adequate power to operate the 220 v services found on board, and also of course powers the Battery charger.

VITRON 24 volt AUTOMATIC CHARGER.

This excellent unit quickly provides charge for both the service batteries, and the starter batteries, and can provide 60 amp to either via a switch over control.  It also provides 24 volts to all Ship Systems when the Yacht is linked to Shore Power.

SHIPS BATTERIES.

New Batteries were installed for both the Service requirements, and Starter requirements in 2011/12 and these are as follows:-

SERVICE BATTERIES………………..2 x 220 Amp 12 v. Main Batteries with 2 x 160 Amp 12v. Backup Reserve Service Batteries.

STARTER BATTERIES……………….2 x 100 Amp 12 v  Main Batteries with 2 x 100 Amp 12v. Backup Reserve Starter Batteries.

A further 12 v. 200 Amp/Hr Battery serves certain 12 volt equipment e.g. Depth Sounder/Wind/Speed instruments etc.,

BILGING SYSTEM.

The Gardner Engine powers a 5 point Bilging system to all Bilge Compartments, which ensures a fast evacuation of water in emergency, via the 2 inch diameter pipes.

A further 24 volt automatic Bilge Pump with float switch ensures the Yacht is constantly dry.

A Whale Gusher hand pump system is also connected to the 5 point Bilging System.

FUEL TANKS.

On both Port, and Starboard, one finds twin 250 Litre stainless steel tanks, which are interconnected (although of course independent), with glass measuring tube, and a further fuel tank of 500 Litres is located below the forward section, giving a total capacity of 1,000 Litres, and this provides a cruising range at 6 Litres per hour consumption of diesel of in excess of 1300 sea miles.

WATER TANKS (FRESH).

The Engine room also contains 2 Fresh Water Tanks (Port/Starboard) of 300 Litres each.

BLACK WATER TANK.

The Yacht complies with all the latest European marina requirements, and is fitted with a Black Water Tank of 250 Litres, which is brought into use by an electric pumping system.

WINCH AND GROUND TACKLE

The yacht carries 2 full anchor chains of 100m each, connected to a 75lb cqr and Spade anchor respectivly, and these chains are brought on board by a 24v heavy duty Francis winch, which is also fitted with a capstan for rope work.

A further 75lb fisherman’s anchor is located aft, with a 10m chain/(100m rope) for kedge purposes in emergancy.