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BATTERIES
WARNING
ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE BATTERIES BEFORE PERFORMING MAINTENANCE ON THE DC ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK MAY OCCUR IF THE BATTERIES ARE NOT DISCONNECTED DURING MAINTENANCE OF THE DC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Poor battery maintenance causes the majority of difculties with the 12-volt DC electrical system. The factory-installed
batteries should function normally for several years if properly maintained. The heavy-duty batteries can be discharged and
recharged repeatedly without damaging them. However, completely discharging or overcharging a battery can shorten its
life span. See the illustration in MASTER DISCONNECT SWITCHES on page 33 for battery locations.
TO MAXIMIZE THE USEFUL LIFE OF THE BATTERIES:
• Use the voltmeters to frequently monitor the voltage level of each battery or battery bank while the engines are running and
the yacht is used.
• Monitor the charge level with the engines turned off (static condition).
• Recharge the batteries (when not fully charged), using the onboard battery charger or the engine alternators. See CHARGING
THE BATTERIES on page 122 for more information. When the battery bank is fully charged, the voltmeter reads between
12.3 and 12.6 volts.
• Never store partially charged batteries. Recharge each battery, if necessary. Check the voltage level every 30 days while the
battery is in storage. Recharge if the voltage reads 12.3 or less.
• Maintain electrolyte levels in deep cycle accessory batteries with distilled water.
INSPECTION
Inspect the batteries every month:
• Clean corrosion that has developed on the battery terminals.
• Spray terminal protector on the terminals and battery cable eye-connectors.
• Make sure the battery cables are securely fastened to the terminals.
• Tighten the nuts only slightly beyond nger-tight with a wrench.
Spray the connections for the instruments and switches with an electrical connection protector every six months.
BATTERY MAINTENANCE
WARNING
ALWAYS WEAR GLOVES AND PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR WHEN WORKING ON AND AROUND THE BATTERIES. THE
BATTERIES CONTAIN AN ACID CALLED ELECTROLYTE. AVOID CAUSING DAMAGE THAT COULD SPILL ELECTROLYTE
INTO THE ENGINE ROOM OR BILGE WHEN SERVICING THE BATTERIES. AVOID GETTING SALTWATER IN OR ON THE
BATTERY. EITHER CONDITION CAN CREATE A POISONOUS GAS THAT IS HARMFUL IF INHALED. ALWAYS DISCONNECT
THE BATTERIES BEFORE CLEANING.
If the battery is damaged and electrolyte gets spilled:
1. Ventilate the area of the spill.
2. Neutralize the acid in the electrolyte by pouring baking soda on the spill.
3. Remove the neutralized electrolyte, using a disposable rag or paper towel.
4. Replace damaged/leaking battery.
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