Keeper

Systems Reports

Projects

Service Engine Room fire suppression system.
Replace Transducer

Summary - September 11, 2024

Main Engines- Fluids were checked. Engines fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing. JetStick control was operated dockside with expected results.

Generator - Fluids were checked. Generator fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing.

Engine Room- Blower was operating as expected. Bilge pumps operated via electrical panel and manual/float switch trigger. Seacocks were exercised. Sea strainers were inspected and cleaned of debris.

Electrical - Battery chargers was operational and charging batteries. Shore power system is working as expected. All interior lights are operational. MFDs with radar, FLIR and GPS were working as expected. VHF radio is operational. Sonar is still malfunctioning and waiting for the arrival of the new transducer.

summary - Fix transducer and stbd tank level sensor

Transducer - The transducer housing was inspected and found to be adequately filled with oil. The transducer was not clicking or making any sounds to indicate that it was working. The oil was emptied, housing cleaned and fresh oil was installed. This did not improve the soundings at all. It looks like the transducer is bad and needs to be replaced.

Starboard Fuel Tank Level Sensor - The tank level sensor was found through a small inspection port and found to have a disconnected wire. The wire was coiled and zip tied to it self and the tank with 5 seperate zip ties. With very little access, It took well over an hour to carefully clip each zip tie without damaging the wire and access the break. The wires were spliced back together and reinstalled on the fuel tank. The fuel gauge on the dash is now registering correctly.

Summary - July 18, 2024

Main Engines- Fluids were checked. Engines fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing. JetStick control was operated dockside with expected results.

Generator - Fluids were checked. Generator fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing.

Engine Room- Blower was operating as expected. Bilge pumps operated via electrical panel and manual/float switch trigger. Seacocks were exercised. Sea strainers were inspected and cleaned of debris.

Electrical - Battery chargers was operational and charging batteries. Shore power system is working as expected. All interior lights are operational. MFDs radar, FLIR and GPS were working as expected. VHF radio is operational. Sonar is malfunctioning and needs new oil in the transducer.

Summary - April 26, 2024

Main Engines- Fluids were checked. Engines fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing. JetStick control was operated dockside with expected results.

Generator - Fluids were checked. Generator fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing.

Engine Room- Blower was operating as expected. Bilge pumps operated via electrical panel and manual/float switch trigger. Seacocks were exercised. Sea strainers were inspected and cleaned of debris.

Electrical - Battery chargers was operational and charging batteries. Shore power system is working as expected. All interior lights are operational. MFDs with sonar, radar, FLIR and GPS were working as expected. VHF radio is operational.

Fuel Filters - Racor Fuel filters for both mains and the generator were replaced during this service.

Summary - March 4, 2024

Main Engines- Fluids were checked. Engines fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing. JetStick control was operated dockside with expected results. Racor filters were reading high, plan for replacement next month.

Generator - Fluids were checked. Generator fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing.

Engine Room- Blower was operating as expected. Bilge pumps operated via electrical panel and manual/float switch trigger. Seacocks were exercised. Sea strainers were inspected and cleaned of debris.

Electrical - Battery chargers was operational and charging batteries. Shore power system is working as expected. All interior lights are operational. MFDs with sonar, radar, FLIR and GPS were working as expected. VHF radio is operational.

February 8, 2024

The bonding system was inspected and hull potential reading were taken for each of the major electrical components both with shore power and then with the generator. All of the reading came back within the expected ranges for this vessel and the anodes currently installed. The vessel appears to be well balanced with the installed anodes and protected at the optimal level.

Summary - February

Main Engines- Fluids were checked. Engines fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing. JetStick control was operated with expected results. Pressures on Racor fuel filters were a little higher than expected.

Generator - Fluids were checked. Generator fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing. Pressure on Racor fuel filter was nice and low.

Engine Room- Blower was operating as expected. Bilge pumps operated via electrical panel and manual/float switch trigger. Seacocks were exercised. Sea strainers were inspected / cleaned of debris.

Electrical - Battery chargers was operational and charging batteries. Shore power system is working as expected. All interior lights are operational. MFDs with sonar, radar, FLIR and GPS were working as expected. VHF radio is operational. Windlass is operating as expected.

summary - January 2024

Keeper is still at Helmut’s as they found a pin hole leak when pressure testing an after cooler. Both heat exchangers and the good after cooler were reconditioned. the bad after cooler was replaced. The water pump on the generator was replaced. A section of exhaust hose on a a main was also replaced. We performed an unannounced visit and check in on January 24th.

More details can be found on the Helmut’s invoice.

Helmut’s Invoice

summary - December 2023

Keeper is at Helmut’s Marine to local Volvo dealer for main engine and generator service. We are checking in weekly with their techs and stopping by in person every couple weeks for updates.

Summary - November 27, 2023

Delivery to Helmuts Marine in San Rafael for main engine & generator service by.

All fluids and systems were checked before departure. Racoon straight and calm and smooth. San Pablo bay had light winds and 1’ seas as we approached the Richmond San Rafael Bridge. The channel was well protected and docking was smooth and easy . She was side tied in a finger slip at Helmuts Marine. Keeper was washed down, covers installed and shore power was connected. Keys were handed off to Amanda.

Summary - November 13, 2023

Delivery to KKMI Sausalito for Lip Seal replacement on the jet drives and main engine & generator service by Helmuts marine.

All fluids and systems were checked before departure. The bay was rough with 2-3’ seas on the beam so the delivery was slow and steady. She was side tied port to at KKMI. Keeper was washed down, covers installed and shore power was connected. Keys were handed off to Kate.

Summary - November 6, 2023

Keeper was inspected and brought to Gas House Cove for refueling.

Main Engines- Fluids were checked. Engines fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing. JetStick control was operated with expected results. Pressures on Racor fuel filters were nice and low.

Generator - Fluids were checked. Generator fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing. Pressure on Racor fuel filter was nice and low.

Engine Room- Blower was operating as expected. Bilge pumps operated via electrical panel and manual/float switch trigger. Seacocks were exercised. Sea strainers were inspected / cleaned of debris.

Electrical - Battery chargers was operational and charging batteries. Shore power system is working as expected. All interior lights are operational. MFDs with sonar, radar, FLIR and GPS were working as expected. VHF radio is operational. Windlass is operating as expected.

Summary - October 23, 2023

Main Engines- Fluids were checked. Engines fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing. JetStick control was operated dockside with expected results. Pressures on Racor fuel filters were nice and low.

Generator - Fluids were checked. Generator fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing. Pressure on Racor fuel filter was nice and low.

Engine Room- Blower was operating as expected. Bilge pumps operated via electrical panel and manual/float switch trigger. Seacocks were exercised. Sea strainers were inspected / cleaned of debris.

Electrical - Battery chargers was operational and charging batteries. Shore power system is working as expected. All interior lights are operational. MFDs with sonar, radar, FLIR and GPS were working as expected. VHF radio is operational. Windlass is operating as expected.

Summary - September 27, 2023

Main Engines- Fluids were checked. Engines fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing. JetStick control was operated dockside with expected results.

Generator - Fluids were checked. Generator fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing.

Engine Room- Blower was operating as expected. Bilge pumps operated via electrical panel and manual/float switch trigger. Seacocks were exercised. Sea strainers were inspected / cleaned of debris.

Electrical - Battery chargers was operational and charging batteries. Shore power system is working as expected. All interior lights are operational. MFDs with sonar, radar, FLIR and GPS were working as expected. VHF radio is operational.

September 27, 2023

Summary - Delivery home from Kkmi 8/23/23

Keeper was inspected on the hard before she was launched. Systems were checked and then she was delivered to her home slip. Everything is in expected order.

Main Engines- Fluids were checked. Engines fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing. JetStick control was operated dockside with expected results.

Generator - Fluids were checked. Generator fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing.

Engine Room- Blower was operating as expected. Bilge pumps operated via electrical panel and manual/float switch trigger. Seacocks were exercised. Sea strainers were inspected for debris.

Electrical - Battery chargers was operational and charging batteries. Shore power system is working as expected. All interior lights are operational. MFDs with sonar, radar, FLIR and GPS were working as expected. VHF radio is operational.

Work Perfomred at KKMI can be found on this INVOICE.

August 23, 2023

Summary - July 31, 2023

Main Engines- Fluids were checked. Engines fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing. JetStick control was operated dockside with expected results.

Generator - Fluids were checked. Generator fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing.

Engine Room- Blower was operating as expected. Bilge pumps operated via electrical panel and manual/float switch trigger. Seacocks were exercised. Sea strainers were inspected for debris.

Electrical - Battery chargers was operational and charging batteries. Shore power system is working as expected. All interior lights are operational. MFDs with sonar, radar, FLIR and GPS were working as expected. VHF radio is operational.

July 31, 2023

July 3rd & 8th, 2023

Report that the windlass winch handle was broken. We recovered the broken handle and removed the locking mechanism from the windlass. While onboard, numerous oil stains were noted and quickly removed with K2R to avoid permanent staining. We returned on June 8th with a replacement handle. The replacement was tested and installed. The anchor windlass was also tested and is working as expected. The topside was washed to remove salt and grime.

Summary - June

Main Engines- Fluids were checked. Engines fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing. JetStick control was operated dockside with expected results.

Generator - Fluids were checked. Generator fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing.

Engine Room- Blower was operating as expected. Bilge pumps operated via electrical panel and manual/float switch trigger. Seacocks were exercised. Sea strainers were inspected for debris.

Electrical - Battery chargers was operational and charging batteries. Shore power system is working as expected. All interior lights are operational. MFDs with sonar, radar, FLIR and GPS were working as expected. VHF radio is operational.

Summary - May

Main Engines- Fluids were checked. Engines fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing. JetStick control was operated dockside with expected results.

Generator - Fluids were checked. Generator fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Raw water cooling was active and flowing.

Engine Room- Blower was operating as expected. Bilge pumps operated via electrical panel and manual/float switch trigger. Seacocks were exercised. Sea strainers were opened up, inspected and cleared of debris.

Electrical - Battery chargers was operational and charging batteries. Shore power system is working as expected. All interior lights are operational. MFDs with sonar, radar and GPS were working as expected. VHF radio is operational.

Notes - Hydrostatic EPIRB mounted on hardtop has expired and is ready for replacement.

May 2023 Systems Check

Summary: April

Systems Check on 4/21/23 - All fluids were checked, bilge pumps operated via helm control and manual/float switch trigger. Seacocks were exercised. Sea strainers were opened up, inspected and cleared of debris. Both chargers were operational and charging batteries. Shore power system is working as expected. Generator fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Engines fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Bow thruster is operating as expected. Jet Stick was operated dockside with expected results. All interior lights are operational. Electronic windows and hatches were exercised and operational. Radar, and charts were all functioning, however the transducer was not consistent and there was no depth reading.

A small amount of water (below the activation of the bilge pumps) found in the bilge was vacuumed out. There was also water trapped in the port side bilge which was also cleared and cleaned.

Systems Check 4/21/23

Summary: march

PreStorm Check on 3/9/23 - Shore power, bilges, bilge pumps, lines and fenders were all checked prior to incoming weather. The stbd stern line showed damage and was replaced with a fresh line. Pressure was added to fenders that were low and would not properly buffer from impact. Everything else checked out nicely and was prepared. Pictures included below.

Systems Check on 3/24 - All fluids were checked, bilges were clear, bilge pumps operated via helm control and manual float switch. Seacocks were exercised and sea strainers were clean and clear of debris. Both chargers were operational and charging batteries. Shore power system is working as expected. Generator fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Engines fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Bow thruster is operating as expected. All interior lights are operational. Electronic windows and hatches were exercised and operational. Radar, and charts were all functioning, however the transducer was not consistent and there was no depth reading. A small amount of water (less than the operational ability of the bilge pumps) found in the bilge was pumped out.

Systems Check 3/24/23

Pre Storm Check 3/9/23

Summary: February 16

Today we did a full systems check on each of the onboard systems. I brought along a chief engineer as a second set of eyes and as back up incase there was an issue with the alternators during the sea trial/exercise. All fluids were checked, bilges were clear, bilge pumps operated via helm control and manual float switch. Seacocks were exercised and sea strainers were clean and clear of debris. Both chargers were operational and charging batteries. Shore power system is working as expected. Generator fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Engines fired right up and operated in normal ranges of temperatures and pressures. Bow thruster is operating as expected.

Exercise: We left the harbor under gray skies and light breeze. We did a counter clockwise loop around Alcatraz before returning to the harbor. We operated Keeper at different rpm’s assessing the smoothness of the ride. We performed a couple of Williamson turns at speed to exercise the steering system to make sure she was ready to perform emergency proceedures. In the harbor, we exercised the jet stick by going through each of the functions to ensure that it is responsive and fully functional.

Safety Equipment: New fire extinguishers and emergency signaling devices to purchased and installed onboard keeper.

Notes:

Hydraulic fluid is not registering in the sight glass on the holding tank. The level was verified to be just below the sight glass. More fluid will be added to the system.

Summary as of 2/6/23

Starter Batteries - Both starting batteries were replaced with new ones purchased through KKMI Richmond, the local Lifeline Dealer. The new batteries were produced in October 2022 based on the date code on each battery. The serial numbers are 02222899 and 02222930.

The replaced batteries appear to be from the original build with date stickers of June 2010 and September 2010.

After the install, both engines fired right up with no hesitation. They were charging nicely while the engines were idling.

Please note that I have come across alternators that fail shortly after changing out old bad batteries for new ones. Because Keeper has such low hours I do not think this will happen, though it should be mentioned.

Main Breaker Panel - The DC Voltage meter has power to it but is not reading and the battery test selector is not working properly. Perhaps they are related. See the video below “Keeper Main Breaker Panel”. Trying to gain access to the breaker panel I found that it is being held in place by some of the wired connections. It only pulls out 2 - 3 inches, enough to get my camera in to see the posts on the DC Volt meter but not enough to get my multimeter leads in.

Other Breaker / Electrical Notes

Shore Power Breaker light is not illuminated though shore power is clearly on and supplying power to the system.

Aft Bilge Pump indicator light is on but very weak. The bilge pump is working as expected.

House Battery Key disconnect light does not illuminate though it does power up the system.

Safety Systems

Fire Suppression - The automatic fire supression system is out of date and all fire extinguishers on board are expired.

Flares - All flares and visual distress signals onboard are expired.

Summary as of 1/30/23

Overview

It was found that the Gen/Engine Charger breaker was in the off position and that the start batteries were not being charged. The batteries were reading 12.3 (port) and 12.4 (stbd). The charger was turned on and the batteries were allowed to charge for 30 minutes while other checks were performed. This charge (13.2V) was not enough to start either engine. I allowed the batteries to charge for another 20 minutes and put both batteries in parallel at the Generator disconnect in the engine room. Starboard fired right up, followed by port. The engines were left at idle for approximately one hour to charge the batteries. Upon shut down the batteries were reading 13.5 (port) and 13.4 (stbd).

It was also noted that there was no DC voltage reading on the main breaker panel meter. This was reviewed with Jean Noel and may possibly be a loose or bad connection.

Moving Forward

For the batteries, we can analyze them for health and determine if they need replacement. The other option is to jump right to replacement. Replacement will run around $1000 plus the labor to install them.

Next time I am on Keeper I will trouble shoot the DC meter on the main breaker panel. I will look for obvious solutions with guidance from Jean Noel. If the resolution is not obvious or straight forward, I will hand it off to a qualified marine electrician.

Notes:

Start Batteries

Given the batteries age, low intermittent use and not being on a charger for an extended period of time, they should be analyzed so we know how healthy they are.

The two LifeLine Starting Batteries Model GPL-3100T are priced around $450 each plus installation if they need to be replaced.

House Batteries

House batteries appear to be in good condition and were charging as expected. We can also analyze these for good measure.

Shore Power

Shore Power was found with the breaker on and all connections secure and proper.

Bilge

The bilge had a good amount of water collected but was just below the level of triggering any float switch. Each bilge pump was activated manually and were working as expected.

Engine Operation

The Sea Strainers were clear and the engines were cooling as expected. The oil pressures sat around 40psi and the temperatures remained around 150F.

Main Breaker Panel

The DC Voltage meter is reading 00.0 at all times. The battery test selector was changed to each battery station with no change in DC reading. It is also noted that the mounting screw on the aft side of the panel was loose allowing the panel to vibrate with a rattling sound while the engines were idling.

Debris

There was significant storm debris around Keeper that posed a damage risk. All of the large pieces of debris were removed from the water and left on the dock for the harbor crew. The light debris was floated out of the slip.