Propulsion
The 38 Surf’s propulsion system features two Volvo Penta sterndrive engines located in the engine compartment underneath the Ultra Lounge in the stern. The engines pull gasoline from a 250 gallon fuel tank in between the firewall and the engine compartment. The combustion engines send power to the outdrives that turn two pairs of forward-facing, counter-rotating propellers. The propellers, part of Volvo’s Forward Drive Propulsion system, pull the boat through the water. Refer to your Volvo Penta owner’s manual included in your welcome packet for specific engine operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting information.
1 - Ignition Panel (under steering wheel)
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Components
Fuel
A firewall is a bulkhead that separates the cabin from the fuel tank and protects the living quarters from sources of ignition and fumes. Components aft of the firewall also come with built in fire suppressant mechanisms.
The fuel fill is located in the starboard gunwale, aft of the rear cockpit step and is labeled “GAS”. The fuel vent is next to the fuel fill in the exterior hull. The fuel vent allows air to escape the tank while refueling. A charcoal canister fitted to the fuel vent absorbs fuel vapors in compliance with EPA and CARB regulations. Absorbed vapors and particulates will drain back down into the fuel tank. When filling the tank, keep an eye on the fuel levels gauge on the “Engine” page of your chart plotters (see “Garmin Displays” pg. XX).
Oil
Engines need oil to lubricate internal mechanisms. Refer to the engine manufacturer owner’s manual for specific information on recommended oil types and maintenance schedule.
Changing a boat’s oil is more complicated than changing a car's oil. Only attempt to change your oil after reading the manufacturer’s instructions and only if you are confident in your marine maintenance abilities. If you are not, have your dealer change your oil when you take the boat in for regular maintenance.
Cooling
Your engines use both raw water and chemical coolant to cool the engine via Volvo’s closed-loop coolant system. Impellers along the engines’ raw water line pump water through the coolant system. Service periodically according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not start the engines dry. If the engines are not submerged, the coolant system will not take in water to cool the engine which could cause overheating and damage. Always make sure your outdrives are fully submerged before starting. Starting your engines dry may void your warranty.
Chemical coolant is stored in the coolant reservoir on the engines. Check coolant levels prior to embarking. Refer to the manufacturer owner’s manual included in your welcome packet for specific close coolant system maintenance and upkeep information.
Exhaust
All engine exhaust is expelled from the outdrives underwater. Natural and power ventilation built into the engine compartment expel any potentially explosive vapors that may accumulate, either from the engines or a generator.
Power ventilation utilizes bilge blowers to clear fumes from the engine compartment.
There are exhaust outlet vents on the fore and aft sides of the Ultra Lounge and in the gunwale near the stern seating area. Before embarking, check the exhaust vents for any blockage to prevent potential CO poisoning.
Propellers
Regal has selected the ideal propellers for your individual propulsion package.
Periodically check your propeller for:
- Loose, missing, or corroded hardware.
- Nicks, dings, or missing propeller material.
- Bent blades.
- Debris wrapped around the blades.
Have your vessel serviced by your Regal dealer to address any and all propeller issues. Do not attempt to repair or replace your propeller yourself.
Operation
Battery Activation Panel
Your engines receive ignition power from the DC battery bank in the engine compartment (see, “Batteries” pg. 20). A spark from a spark plug ignites compressed fuel and provides the initial combustion reaction that starts your engine. After starting your engine, the batteries are recharged via power siphoned from the engines by the alternator.
You must turn the batteries on before starting the boat. Flip up the starboard, rear cockpit seat to access
the battery activation panel. Press the “12V ON/OFF” button on the panel to turn the batteries on. The button will remain lit while the batteries are on. After activating the batteries, you do not need to activate them again unless you turn them off. To turn the batteries off, press the button again.
Starting Your Engine
Pre-Ignition Checklist
Perform the following safety and system checks before starting your engines:
1. Turn the batteries on from the battery activation panel.
2. Open the engine hatch and perform a ‘sniff test’ to check for fuel leaks and vapors. If you smell any fuel vapors, do not start the engines. Have your boat serviced by your Regal dealer before turning on the engines.
3. Check the thru hulls on the transom for blockage. Remove any debris that may cause exhaust to accumulate in the engine compartment.
4. Run your bilge blowers for at least four minutes to clear any lingering vapors. To run your bilge blowers, tap the blower icons on the “Helm” page within the digital switching system (see “Digital Switching System” pg. 42).
5. Check oil and coolant levels.
6. Check fuel levels. Remember the ‘1⁄3 Rule’ (see, “General Vessel Manual”).
7. Make sure the throttle is in the neutral position (see below).
Ignition
Your vessel comes with a Volvo Penta E-Key. To unlock the engines, pass the E-Key over the ignition panel. The ignition panel is under the steering wheel at the helm. One key will unlock both engines.
The ignition panel has two “Ignition” buttons and two “Start/Stop” buttons. The buttons on the left side of the panel start the port engine and the buttons on the right start the starboard engine.
Once your engines are unlocked, press each ignition button once to arm the ignition. Next, press each “Start/Stop” button once to start the engines. To turn off your engines, press the start stop buttons again.
To lock your engines, pass the E-Key over the ignition panel again.
Piloting
Helm Controls
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1 - Steering Wheel 2 - Ignition Panel 3 - Throttle 4 - Joystick 5 - Bow Thruster Control |
After ignition, allow the engines to idle and warm up before embarking. While the engines are warming, check the engine compartment for any unusual sounds or conditions including visible fuel leaks. |
Throttle
Your boat comes equipped with a twin control Volvo Penta throttle. Press the “Helm Station” button on the throttle to engage helm control. The left and right levers control the gear and speed of the port and starboard engines respectively. Press the “Single Lever” button on the throttle body to control both engines together.
The trim switch on the left side of the throttle handle raises and lowers the
angle of the outdrive. Hold the ‘up’ and ‘down’ arrows on the switch to manually adjust the angle or use the “Trim Assist” button on the right side of the throttle body to activate “Power Trim Assist” or “PTA”. Power Trim Assist automatically adjusts the angle of the outdrive.
As the boat accelerates, the PTA will raise the outdrive for a smoother ride and better performance. PTA settings are programmed before the vessel leaves the factory.
From the throttle, you can also activate and program cruise control. To activate cruise control, press the “Cruise Control” button. Next, use the “+” and “-” buttons to adjust the boat's RPMs in 50 RPM increments. The cruise control will adjust the RPMs in relation to the set throttle position. You can raise or lower the RPMs five times before needing to adjust the throttle again.
There are two indicator lights on the throttle. The triangle indicator will illuminate if there are communication issues between the throttle and the engines. The MIL or check engine indicator will illuminate if there is an issue with the engines. If either light turns on, have your vessel serviced by
your Regal dealer.
Joystick
Your vessel comes with a Volvo Joystick for precise maneuvering. Press the “Joystick Steering” button on the right side of the joystick body to activate joystick control.
To dock your boat using the joystick, first make sure that both engines are running and the throttle is in the neutral position, and the helm station is active. Press the “Docking” button on the left side of the joystick body to engage docking mode. Docking mode allows precise control of the boat in all directions.
In high mode, the sterndrive engines generate more thrust, making it easier to dock your vessel in adverse weather conditions.
To activate high mode, press the “High Mode” button on the joystick body. High mode is used in conjunction with docking mode.
Refer to your manufacturer owner’s manual for specific information on joystick control and functionality.
Bow Thruster
The bow thruster is designed for docking and maneuvering in tight areas. It is controlled by the bow thruster joystick in the helm and is a standard addition to your sterndrive propulsion system.
The bow thruster propeller is housed in the bow hull and, when engaged, pushes the boat to port or starboard. To operate the bow thruster, turn the red bow thruster switch, part of the battery management board, on (see “DC Breaker Panel” pg. 23). Next, press the on/off button on the front of the bow thruster joystick panel. A light on the panel will illuminate to indicate the joystick is on.
To operate the bow thruster, tilt the joystick left to push the boat to port or right to push the boat to starboard. Use controlled and fluid motions when operating the joystick. Do not flip the joystick quickly in either direction to avoid damaging the controls. Always ensure there are no swimmers in the area before using the bow thruster.
When completing periodic maintenance, inspect the propeller for debris and make sure it is aligned in the center of the hull tunnel and is not touching the walls. Do not operate the bow thruster when the boat is out of the water.
Bow Thruster Propeller
Embarking
After warming the engines, you are ready to embark. Push the throttle forward to accelerate or pull the throttle aft to reverse.
When operating the throttle, use smooth and patient movements. Do not shift quickly from forward to reverse or vice-versa. Do not shift into forward or reverse while running the engine at high RPMs.
Ensure you have unobstructed visibility in front of and behind you before accelerating or reversing.
Review the “Rules of the Road” chapter of the General Vessel manual included in your welcome packet before piloting your boat. indicator will illuminate if there is an issue with the engines. If either light turns on, have your vessel serviced by your Regal dealer.
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