Engine StarboardEngine Compartment - The engine compartment is located under the Saloon and is large but not stand up. The engine room offers more than enough space to turn and work on both diesels. The well-planned layout allows for easy access to all of the mechanical systems. The engine compartment houses the engines, generator, water heater, air conditioners and utilities. Access to the engine compartment is gained from three locations: 1) by lifting the forward companionway stairs, or 2) lifting the aft companionway stairs, or 3) by lifting any of the six the saloon floor hatches. Flush-mounted stainless steel lift rings are set into the hatches for easy hatch removal.

Independence is powered by two large reliable G.M. 8V71 N diesel engines that produce 318 horsepower each and since their introduction in 1957 have become well known throughout the world for their durability and safety. Large stainless drip pans are installed under each engine and transmission.

Engine cooling is closed freshwater cooling with seawater heat exchangers.

The two Perko seawater strainers are easily accessible from the center of the compartment.

The engine are mounted wide apart on a white oak stringers so there is no worry about the engines twisting or bending shafts. This configuration means that there is little loss of low speed control.


 Orientation: Starboard engine facing aft.
Engine RoomEngine Compartment - The engines are connected to 2 GM Allison Marine Gear transmissions. The transmissions were ruggedly designed to withstand high torque at all speed ranges. The transmissions have 2:1 reduction gearing that drive the 1-3/4" diameter shafts.

 Cruising speed is controlled by the Glendinning Automatic Engine Synchronizer. The Glendinning Automatic Engine Synchronizer adjusts engine speed automatically and continually with out any effort on the part of the helmsman.

Modern Tide Marine drip-less shaft seals eliminate the need to repack old style stuffing box.

Propellers are four blade bronze 27 x 31.

There is an integrated oil X-Change-R systems mounted on the aft bulkhead. The X-Change-R system will drain, fill and maintain proper oil levels in the engines and generator while eliminating the mess. The systems installation is neat and efficient. Fuel filters and regular maintenance points are all easily accessible.

The area is well lit with five overhead vapor-proof safety light fixtures with glass globes that are contained in plastic cages to help prevent accidental breakage.

The engine fuel is filtered by Racor Marine 1000MA Turbine Series fuel filter and water separation which are considered to be the most reliable engine protection one can install.

A Seaward 120V hot water heater with 18-gallon storage capacity supplies hot water to the entire vessel.

Independence is equipped with four high capacity automatic Rule 2000 GPH bilge pumps for added safety.

Orientation: Facing aft in the engine compartment.
GeneratorEngine Compartment - The Northern Light 12 kW diesel generator provides more than enough power for all of the onboard electrical needs. Dockside power comes from a 50-amp 220-volt AC shore cable service. All of the cabins are equipped with 110-volt AC outlets. The entire vessel has been professionally rewired to today's marine standards.

 Orientation: Looking down on the diesel generator.


 Ventilation - The engine compartment is equipped with three venting systems, one active and two passive. There are two intake clamshell vents fitted on the amidships caprail that force fresh air into the engine compartment when underway. There are two large louvered exhaust vents built into the upper amidships hull that vent the engine compartment when underway. There are two high capacity bilge blowers, with separate louvered exhaust vents built into the lower amidships hull, that continually vent the engine compartment.
Electrical Service Panel - All of the electrical distribution and monitoring is accomplished by a modern custom designed service panel. The panel is located in a cabinet in the Saloon. The electrical panel is conveniently set, fully metered, well laid out, and easy to use. Power to every electrical device is supplied via an individual circuit breaker mounted in the distribution panel.

The electrical service panel is supplied from dockside feed, on-board diesel generator or from service batteries.

110V outlets are provided throughout the vessel with ground fault interrupters where appropriate. All 110V circuits are supplied by individual circuit breakers.

Voltmeters and ammeters are provided for the 12, 32 and 110 volt systems and are conveniently mounted in the distribution panel.

The 32-volt DC house electrical system is supplied by four, 8D 8-volt DC lead and acid batteries arranged in 32-volt DC configuration. The house batteries are housed in two fiberglassed lined wood battery boxes located in the engine compartment.

The 12-volt DC electronics system is supplied by a deep cycle 12-volt DC lead and acid battery.

Engine starting power is supplied by a separate bank of four, 8D 8-volt DC lead and acid batteries arranged in 32-volt DC configuration.

Starting power for the diesel generator is supplied by a separate deep cycle 12-volt DC lead acid battery.


 Orientation: Looking to port side in the saloon at the AC / DC electrical service panel.
Electrical DC SwitchesBattery Isolation and Selection - The Perko switches (rotary, spark-proof) provide battery selection house and engine ignition isolation. The battery switch panel is located on the forward bulkhead in the engine compartment.


 Orientation: Looking forward on the port side.
Battery ChargersBattery Charging - The batteries are maintained by a Pro Mariner, 3 bank, 12 volt, 40 amp charger, and a Raritan Crown, 3 bank, 32 volt, 30 amp charger. The battery chargers are located on the forward bulkhead in the engine compartment.

 Orientation: Looking forward on the starboard side.
Freshwater management stationFreshwater Manifold - controls the fresh water to and within Independence. The QEST system (QEST connections and PEX polyethylene tubing) plumbing manifold provides pressurized hot and cold water through the boat from either the port or starboard dockside supply; or the 125 gal. freshwater tank and the filling the fresh water tank.

The two gauges are used to identify when the two diesel fuel filters need to be changed.

 Orientation: Looking to starboard side in the saloon at the fresh water distribution manifold.