Owner’s Notes for Liberte
Welcome aboard Liberte!
We’re absolutely delighted to have you as our guests. We know you will enjoy this boat we love so much.
We came to appreciate the livability and performance of other Beneteaus when we lived as a family in the Caribbean - where David worked as a charter captain and sailing instructor. Liberte entered our lives in 2004. We picked her up on Lake Union and she joined the San Juan Sailing fleet the next day. We wouldn’t have her anywhere else.
Each of us likes different things about Liberte. Rebecca loves her big galley, separate shower, having nearly 100 gallons of water on board and bright, comfortable cabins. The kids like the roomy cockpit, walk-through transom and the forced-air heat on cool mornings and evenings. David really enjoys the ease of handling, simple systems and pure sailing ability in both light and heavy winds.
This boat is a lot of fun and we’re excited to have you on board. We trust these owner’s notes will get you on your way quickly and easily. Thank you for taking great care of our boat.
Have a wonderful trip, and fair winds!
David and Rebecca Kilmer, owners
Table of Contents:
About Liberte
Specifications & layout
Coming Aboard
Safety Briefing
Navigation
Using the Head
Boat Systems
Bilge pumps
Batteries
Dingy
Dodger
Electrical Systems
Electronics & Communications
Weather information
Contact SJS
Heater
Refrigeration
Water System
Pre-Departure Checklist
Pre-Start Engine Check
Checking the Engine Raw Water Strainer
Engine Important Points
Starting the Engine
Departure Checklist
Hoisting Sail
Reefing the Sails
Anchoring
Cooking Dinner
Using the Stove
Using the Barbecue
Shower
Berths
Refueling
Leaving the Boat
About Liberte:
Built in 2000 at Beneteau's U.S. production facility in S. Carolina, she was launched in Vancouver, B.C. Liberte is 36'5" feet long with a beam of 12'6". She draws 5 feet and her mast height is 50 feet above the water. Her lines are designed by Berret-Racoupeau, the same team responsible for Open 60s and other round-the-world race boats. She is rated Category A by strict European offshore safety standards. She displaces 12,790 lbs with ballast of 4,156 lbs. With her 140% genoa and traditional main, she carries 718 square feet of sail. This gives her some very favorable numbers for a cruising boat - 19.9 SA/D (sail area to displacement) and 206 D/L (displacement to length). She is also fitted with a cruising spinnaker and folding prop for even faster passages.
The feeling of the boat through the large leather-wrapped wheel is wonderful. And if you really make her happy with sail trim, Liberte will reward you with a subtle “purring” from the keel.
But performance doesn’t mean a compromise in cruising comfort. Liberte has a remarkably well-designed layout. Her galley has both front-load refrigeration and a separate top-load freezer. The berth in the aft cabin is massive. The salon space is well-lit and comfortable. The head has a separate stand-up shower.
Above decks, Liberte is easy to negotiate and fun to sail or just lounge about on. The boom is high and clears everyone’s heads easily, even when standing up in the cockpit. She has a walk-through transom which makes boarding the dinghy easy. The very roomy cockpit has a fold-up table and extra seats on the transom. All lines – including the reefing system – are led aft, making for easy sail handling.
Coming Aboard
Please wear “boat friendly” shoes.
Please take special care with any grit underfoot, or sharp or heavy objects in hand. Help us maintain Liberte’s fine wood finishes.
Welcome! Enjoy the bright, roomy, comfortable feeling of Liberte above and below decks.
Safety Briefing
Life jackets are located in the cockpit lazarette.
Fire extinguishers may be found in the lazarette, in the galley and in the forward cabin.
Emergency calls are made on VHF Channel 16. SJS can be reached on Channel 79 during office hours. The VHF radio is located in the nav station.
Signaling flares and a manually operated sound signaling device can be found in the white case under the nav station seat.
Navigation
Know where you are at all times. This can mean the difference between
a great adventure or an unhappy ending.
The boat is equipped with a Raymarine color chart plotter and GPS to
assist.
But it is strictly up to you to know your position and avoid all
hazards.
Use the paper charts as well as the chart plotter. Don’t rely on
either one. Pay close attention to where you are and stay well clear of the
hazards marked in red on your paper chart book.
Using the Head
Please brief the entire crew on use of the marine toilet.
Please note that the head WILL plug up if anything is placed down the
toilet except for waste and a small quantity of marine-quality toilet paper.
Please place all other objects into the waste receptacle in the head.
This is a manual flush toilet with 20-gallon holding tank. The red lever under the sink controls whether you are flushing overboard (UP position) or to holding tank (DOWN position).
To empty the holding tank:
1) Visit pump out station and remove waste through the deck fitting. After waste is gone, please flush with fresh water and pump out again.
OR
2) Use macerator pump to pump waste overboard. Ensure yellow handled macerator seacock located under the head sink is open, then pull switch to flush. Shut off when sound changes to a high pitched whine and tank is empty.
If the toilet pump starts to resist flushing effort, don’t force it. Exploding or leaking sewage will result. It’s important not to overfill the waste tanks.
Boat Systems
Bilge Pumps
The Electric Bilge Pump has an automatic float switch in the
bilge, and can also be switched on with a manual override at the breaker panel
if needed.
The Emergency Bilge Pump is located in the cockpit to port of the wheel. The handle is clipped to the inside of the lazarette.
It’s a good idea to monitor bilge water daily. It is unusual to hear the bilge pump start automatically. If you do, please investigate. (Report to San Juan Sailing either by phone or VHF if a significant problem, or upon your return if a minor problem.)
Batteries
Liberte has three batteries: Start battery (75 amps) located just aft of
the engine under the aft berth; a House battery (200 amps) in the engine room;
another House battery (250 amps) under the aft berth. The house batteries are
linked together in parallel.
The battery switching panel is located in the aft cabin, forward bulkhead
above the engine.
Remember not to turn battery switches off while the engine is running.
Doing so will destroy the alternator diodes.
Please monitor battery level at the 12-volt panel in the nav station and recharge the batteries accordingly. There are two ways to recharge: 1) By alternator while the ship’s engine is running higher than 1100 rpm; 2) Using the on-board battery charger while plugged in to 110-volt shore power. Switch on charger under the nav station.
We’ve noticed the Espar heater is the single largest power draw on board,
so it’s good to plan accordingly.
Dinghy
Liberte has an inflatable dinghy for convenience and easy of handling. Towing works best when the dinghy is brought close to the boat—about 4 or 5 feet off the stern. This lifts the bow, reduces drag, and lessens the chance of wrapping the painter around the propeller. Tie the painter off twice—once at a cleat then the bitter end to the stern rail.
Please tie the dinghy to port side, away from the engine exhaust.
Please take special care when beaching the dinghy. Most of the beaches are strewn with barnacle-covered, bottom-slicing rocks. When approaching the shore, weight the dinghy aft by leaning or moving toward the back of the dinghy. Then offload everyone over the bow. Lift the dinghy above barnacle height using the hand lines on either side, and deposit it gently on the beach. Also remember to secure the painter under a rock or to a log—especially in the case of a rising tide.
Dodger
Please do not fold up the dodger windows.
The dodger’s plastic “glass” is vulnerable to scratching from salt crystals, especially after sailing into a breeze. The salt spray on the glass dries in the wind, leaving behind tiny salt deposits that obscure your vision. Please AVOID TOUCHING THE GLASS with a rag or sponge. It’s much like rubbing the glass with sandpaper. To clean, instead use generous amounts of warm fresh water from a pan from the galley or a sopping wet sponge to “flood” the glass and dissolve the salt crystals away.
Electrical System
110-volt control panel is located beneath the nav table.
Liberte has two circuits – 110 volt for the battery charger, microwave, water heater and electric outlets when connected to shore power, and 12 volt for everything else. The electrical sockets and microwave will not work unless plugged into shore power.
To connect to the 110 volt system, use the power cord to plug into shore power. The 110 volt connection is on the port side transom.
CAUTION: For safety’s sake, always connect the boat end first, then
the shore end. Disconnect in reverse order and please ensure that socket cover
is closed tight.
Liberte’s refrigeration is designed to be left switched on throughout your cruise. Keep the thermostat (located in the freezer) in the very lowest range. The system is very efficient and it’s actually easy to get things TOO cold!
The water pressure and propane solenoid should be shut off while sailing.
The instruments and running lights should be shut off when anchored or tied up for the night.
Liberte offers a 12-volt outlet in the nav station for recharging cell phones, VHF radios and other portable devices.
Electronics and Communication
Autopilot: Controls are located at the helm. To use the autopilot,
engage the clutch lever below the wheel and press "AUTO". To
disengage, press "STANDBY" and release the clutch lever.
Instruments switch on the 12-volt panel activates the autopilot, chart plotter, depth sounder and wind speed and direction. These are Raymarine systems with detailed instructions in the operating manuals kept on board.
Depthsounder: Delivers accurate readings down to 200 feet deep.
Deeper water will cause false readings that may vary greatly. The depthsounder
is a helpful tool but does not help you avoid the many rock hazards in the
islands. Know where you are on the chart at all times.
Knotmeter: If the display shows a reading of 0 while underway, the impeller may be fouled with eelgrass. It will usually rectify itself while sailing.
VHF radio: Monitor Channel 16 during your cruise. After establishing contact on Channel 16, switch to working channels 68, 69, or 79.
Weather information:
We like to make it a habit to check the weather before departing, and
again before anchoring for the night.
Press WX button on the VHF radio and change channel up or down for the best reception.
Listen for “Inland Waters of Western Washington” in these areas:
Rosario Strait (east of San Juans)
Georgia Strait (north of San Juans)
Strait of Juan de Fuca (south of San Juans)
And especially, “Weather forecast for Camano Island to Pt. Roberts”
Contacting us:
San Juan Sailing monitors Channel 79 during office hours (closed Sundays). By phone you can reach the San Juan Sailing office at (800) 677-7245 or owner Roger Van Dyken at (360) 224-4300 (cell) or (360) 354-5770 (home).
Liberte’s maintenance professional is Steve Pinley – his cell phone is (290) 768-5778. Please call him if there are any significant mechanical issues to be addressed.
You may always feel free to contact owner David Kilmer on his cell phone at (208) 699-2761.
Heater
The Espar heater uses forced air and is very efficient. The heater control is located to starboard in the main salon. Turn heater on and adjust thermostat to your preference. It will take about 10 minutes for the boat to be warm and snug.
There are warm air vents at floor level in each cabin, in the head and in the main salon. Check and make certain that vents to the part of the boat that you want to heat are open. The heater extends the cruising season, makes those chilly evenings cozy and provides a huge difference in cruising comfort!
For safety, (and power conservation) do not leave the heater on overnight or while underway.
Use it to take the chill off in the mornings and evenings, and shut off before bedtime or sailing.
Refrigeration
Liberte has an excellent setup for fridge and freezer with lots of interior space. The efficient and Adler-Barbour compressor is powered by 12 volts and conveniently intended to be left switched on throughout your trip.
The refrigerator is a front-loading unit below the counter facing aft. Be sure the latch is fully closed! The freezer is a top-loading unit set into the countertop.
Because the system is so efficient, leave the thermostat (in freezer) set very low (#1 or #2).
Water System
Tank valves (and fresh water pump) are located under the settee in the
main salon, starboard side, aft. Forward valve controls fwd tank, and aft valve
the aft tank.
Liberte carries 94 gallons of fresh water, which should be plenty for a week’s cruise if everyone takes “sailor showers” and the crew is conscientious about using water wisely.
The fresh water pump switch is located on the electrical panel above the nav station. Please switch water pressure off when underway.
If you hear the pump running continuously, you are out of water. It’s time to switch tanks, or re-fill the tanks.
Liberte has two tanks – one in the forepeak under the berth, the other in the aft cabin under the berth. There are gauges atop both tanks which mark a scale between empty and full. The forward tank is smaller at 38 gallons, with the aft tank holding 56 gallons.
For best water management, leave only one tank open at a time. When one tank runs low (faucets start “spitting” or water pump runs continuously), close that valve and open the other valve.
If you do require additional water during your cruise, be aware that State Parks do not have pressurized water, but all other points of civilization do.
When filling the tanks, BE SURE TO PUT WATER ONLY INTO THE FILL CAPS
MARKED WATER.
Pre-Departure Checklist:
Important: Have you checked the engine oil, coolant and sea strainer?
Have you loosened the steering brake in the center of the wheel?
Is everything stowed?
Are all the hatches closed?
Is the dinghy tied securely to the stern, PORT SIDE?
Is the dinghy line not dragging in the water?
Is shore power 120v panel turned off, shore power cord removed and stowed, and outlet cover closed securely?
Have you given your safety and head briefings to the crew?
Have you checked the weather forecast?
Have you run the bilge pump until dry?
Both battery switches in the (on) position?
Are the water pressure, gas, and cabin lights switches turned off?
Are the instruments and VHF switches turned on?
Pre-Start Engine Checks:
Check the oil level. Lift companionway stairs for access to front of engine. The dipstick is tricky to find and replace, accessed on the starboard side of the engine (your left facing the engine). Some find it easer to reach from the aft cabin access. It helps to keep your left hand on the dipstick tube to mark its place.
DO NOT OVERFILL ENGINE OIL! You will blow the engine gaskets. Remember if the dipstick indicates no oil the first time you check it, reinsert and try again - the correct level will show when the air lock bubble is broken Try another reading.
If needed, use the onboard spare oil to add no more than a cup at a time. Then check the level again.
Check for correct coolant levels and a clear raw water strainer.
Checking the water strainer
The raw water strainer is located in the engine compartment on the
upper port side.
Next to engine oil, getting cooling water from the sea is the most important thing for your diesel engine.
Make sure there is always a flow of seawater coming into the engine and out again.
As soon as you start the engine, always confirm that water is coming
out of the exhaust on the starboard side aft.
While underway, avoid eelgrass floating in the water. It can be sucked up into the intake and jam the water strainer.
To check the strainer, raise the companionway stairs and using a flashlight, inspect the strainer through the clear plastic lid. If it’s clear, you’re good to go.
If eelgrass or other foreign matter is present, remove the lid. Take out
the filter element, clear the problem, and re-install. BE SURE TO RETAIN
RUBBER GASKET BETWEEN LID AND STRAINER. Start the engine and check for
cooling water flowing from the exhaust.
Please note: The water strainer is located above the water line, which
means no need to fuss with the seacock before opening the strainer.
Engine Important Points
If at any time any of the ignition panel lights illuminate, or an
alarm sounds, SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN. Please do not restart unless you have
diagnosed and corrected the problem. Liberte’s mechanic is Steve Pinley. Reach
him on his cell at (290) 768-5778.
Please brief your crew never to turn off the engine key while it is running. To shut down, pull out the black T-handle on the ignition panel. Take out and stow the key where marked at the pedestal.
Cruising speed is 2400 RPMs. Do not exceed 2600 RPMs.
Pause when shifting from forward to reverse, and vice versa, to allow the engine to idle down and the folding propeller to engage.
Starting the Engine
Check the battery switches behind the engine in the aft cabin. Both switches should be in the “on” position
Look over the stern for things that could foul the propeller.
Make sure the gearshift (black handle at the pedestal) is in neutral (straight up) with the red clutch pin pushed in.
Push the throttle lever about 1/3 forward, keeping the red pin pushed in.
Insert the key and turn it clockwise. The warning buzzer will sound.
Press and hold the starter button. Expect the engine to start immediately.
RELEASE the button!
Check for water gurgling out the exhaust, then gradually ease the throttle back to idle.
While the engine warms, check your fuel level at the ignition panel.
Please remember to UNLOCK the steering wheel.
ALLOW 5-MINUTE WARM UP BEFORE PUTTING THE ENGINE UNDER LOAD. It is very hard on a diesel to be placed under load when cold. We like to leave the engine idling to warm up while preparing the boat for departure.
When you bring the throttle back to the straight up position, the red clutch pin will pop out. Now you may engage forward gear by pushing ahead on the throttle or reverse gear by pulling back on the throttle. Please remember to pause in the straight up position when changing shifting from forward to reverse and visa versa.
Liberte’s cruising speed is 2400 RPM. This is most efficient and comfortable. Do not exceed 2600 RMP. You will punish the engine unnecessarily and burn extra fuel without increasing performance.
To avoid the possibility of sucking air or sludge, ALWAYS refuel when the fuel drops below a quarter (1/4) tank full.
Shutting down the engine. NEVER TURN OFF KEY WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING! First bring the engine to idle and the gearshift to neutral. Allow the engine to cool down. Then pull the fuel cutoff handle at engine panel. After the engine stops, turn off the ignition and remove the key.
Key may be stowed at the steering pedestal, where it’s easy to find.
Departure Checklist
Pre-departure checklist complete?
Crew briefing done?
Life jackets on?
Mainsail cover removed & stowed?
Dodger window covers removed & stowed?
Engine started and idled for 5 minutes? Is exhaust water flowing freely?
All lines out of the water?
Where is the wind coming from?
What is your exit strategy given the wind, hazards to navigation and boat traffic?
Do you know your way to safe water from here?
Have you briefed your crew on dock line handling or windlass operation?
Instruments turned on?
Have you unlocked the steering wheel brake?
Hoisting Sail
Liberte is fun to sail. She’s agile, yet not tender, fast yet comfortable.
Her sail plan works well for short-handed sailing, light-air performance and heavy-air stability.
To hoist the main:
1) Attach main halyard to sail
2) Remove sail ties
3) Slack off lazy jack lines
4) Open completely the rope clutches for Reef 1 and Reef 2. Ease boom vang and main sheet.
5) Turn head to wind
6) Hoist Main Halyard by hand until it gets difficult, then use the cabintop winch to hoist the rest of the way. Please DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN main halyard.
To unfurl the jib:
1) Clear roller furling line and put wrap around cabintop winch.
2) Put the boat slightly off the wind.
3) Put leeward jib sheet on winch
4) Open roller furling clutch and hold tension on roller furling line.
5) Unfurl with care, keeping tension on the furling line.
Always keep tension on the lines, whether rolling or unrolling. NEVER
USE A WINCH to operate the furling line.
Reefing the sails
When the wind pipes up over 15-18 knots, it’s time to take the first reef. Remember it’s always easier to reef early. The boat will perform better with less canvas as the wind builds. Sailing with the “rail in the water” is slower and takes more effort.
Reefing is simple with continuous lines all leading aft to the cockpit.
Reefing sequence, as the wind builds:
1) Furl genoa to first mark on the foot of the sail.
2) Take first reef in main. Ease Main Halyard while pulling Reef 1. When
reef is in, re-tighten Main Halyard. Please be careful that Reef block is
not chafing against the gooseneck.
3) Furl genoa to second mark.
4) Take second reef in main. Ease Main Halyard while pulling Reef 2. When
reef is in, re-tighten Main Halyard. Be careful that Reef block is not
chafing against the gooseneck.
After setting sail, bring the engine back to idle, then stop the
engine by pulling the black T-handle at the ignition panel. Take out and stow
the key at the steering pedestal.
Place the throttle/shift lever gently into reverse. This will fold the
folding prop and make you sail faster!
Anchoring
Liberte’s anchoring setup is simple and straightforward.
The primary anchor is a Bruce with 150 feet of chain marked at 20 foot intervals. The chain is spliced to 200 feet of rope. The Lewmar Concept 1 windlass has a gypsy which handles both rope and chain. To operate the windlass, the engine must be running.
To anchor:
Untie anchor from bow
Open and secure anchor locker lid with lanyard
Plug in handheld windlass control (stowed in nav station)
Push down arrow to let out anchor chain to desired scope. Count the yellow markers every 20 feet as they go past.
Scope in the Puget Sound is typically 3 or 4 to 1. For example, if you are in 20 feet of water, you will want 60 to 80 feet of scope. Remember the tidal range.
To set the hook, back down slowly, then at ½ throttle to make sure you’re not moving.
Tie off rode to a bow cleat. If you are still on chain, always use the snubber to protect the boat, be a proper sailor, and create a quieter night’s sleep in the forepeak.
Unplug handheld control and stow in the nav station.
Close the anchor locker.
To weigh anchor:
Start and warm up the engine for at least 5 minutes. Is cooling water coming out?
Open and secure anchor locker.
Plug in handheld windlass control.
Raise anchor as boat moves forward.
Remove and stow snubber line.
Keep an eye on the stack of chain. You’ll probably need to kick it down a couple of times. If it piles all the way up to the windlass it will jam.
When chain gets tight, stop. The anchor is still buried. Never break out an anchor with the windlass. Motor slowly forward until you feel the tension release. Now continue to raise with the windlass.
When you see the anchor appear, bring it up slowly. Don’t overtighten!!
Tie anchor to bow
Unplug handheld control and stow in nav station.
Close anchor locker and secure.
Alls hatches closed before departure?
Note: Breaker for windlass is located in the aft cabin near the floor.
Cooking Dinner
When lighting the propane stove, the propane must be turned on at the
propane locker and also at the gas switch on the panel. (To open the propane
locker, you must first open the port side lazarette). Are they both on?
Light the left hand (aft) burner first. Press in and turn the knob and you should hear and smell gas. Press the ignitor button once or use a lighter stick. The stove will light. If it doesn’t, check to make sure the gas is turned on. When you see flame continue to hold the knob in, count to five, and release.
To light the oven, light the left hand burner first, then light the burner element inside the bottom of the oven.
When finished with the stove, switch off the gas switch at the panel and turn off all knobs on the stove. For extra safety, you may also turn off the valve atop the propane tank if desired.
Barbecue
One of the best ways to cook aboard Liberte, the BBQ means rave reviews for the chef and easy cleanup for kitchen crew:
Take off and secure BBQ cover.
Open propane locker just forward of BBQ. (You will need to first open the lazarette to gain access)
Attach quick-connect between propane hose and BBQ.
Close lazarette. Secure lanyard to backstay to ensure that propane locker lid is held up. It’s important not to crush the propane hose.
Grab a lighter stick and light BBQ. In 5 minutes it will be hot and ready for action.
The transom swim platform is a perfect place to stand while slaving over the hot flames.
After feasting, disconnect propane hose in reverse and secure all including the BBQ cover before sailing. Please clean any grease drippings off the transom.
Note: As a courtesy to the next guest, please use wire brush to clean the grill.
Shower
Hot water is stored in an insulated tank located under the salon seat, starboard side. It takes about 20 minutes of running the engine under load to get hot water. CAUTION: The engine will heat water to scalding temperatures!
When on shore power, you can heat your water by switching on Water Heater at the 110V panel. To save water use the sailor’s shower: get wet, turn water off, soap up, rinse off.
Before taking your shower, turn on shower pump at the electrical panel. Pump out water with the toggle switch near the shower.
Berths
The largest berth is the king-sized bed in the aft master cabin.
The next largest is in the private forepeak.
Extra space is available in the main salon, where the table drops down to convert to another berth. Pull out the pin, drop the table down to align the lower hole, and re-insert the pin. Cover table with cushion stored beneath the forepeak berth, and snooze away!
Refueling
The 20-gallon tank is located under the aft berth.
Filler cap is located starboard side transom. MAKE SURE YOU”RE FILLING
FUEL tank rather than water!!
Please be very careful when fueling. Never allow maximum flow from the filler hose. If you do, the fill tube will surge and diesel will spill from the vents onto the side and onto the deck. It takes only a few drops of diesel fuel in the water to subject you to a Coast Guard fine. Fill slowly and carefully. When the pipe begins to gurgle, you are full.
Use soap and wipe up any excess fuel to avoid yellowing the stern and polluting the water. Also be very careful of drips when removing the hose. Diesel and shoe bottoms are a very slippery and dangerous combination. After wiping, please use soapy water to scrub down any drips so it does not stain the fiberglass and teak.
Whenever the fuel level drops below ½ full, you should refuel at your next opportunity. NEVER let the fuel level fall below ¼ full or you’re in danger of running out of fuel. (Towing and the cost of a mechanic to bleed the air from the fuel lines is expensive and cuts into the fun).
Underway, Liberte uses approximately .5 gallons per hour.
Leaving the Boat
This is our least-favorite part of any trip!
When packing up, don’t forget to check all lockers for personal items and the CD player for your favorite tunes!
Thanks for taking excellent care of Liberte, and leaving her in
the same shape you found her.
If you have experienced any problems with the boat, be sure to let us know.
Also let us know if there are items missing, new dings or scratches, or any mechanical or systems issues.
We thank you for being our guests, and we look forward to seeing you aboard Liberte next year!
Fair winds,
Dave & Rebecca, Liberte