ELECTRICAL DC 12 VOLT:
BATTERIES:
Your electrical system is powered by 2 marine grade, 12 volt, deep cycle batteries. Attention
should be given to maintaining the proper level of distilled water. Do not overfill. The batteries
are located under the settee, forward of the galley.
The batteries are provided with a tie down to prevent tipping over at extreme angles of heel. Be
sure these tie downs are fastened securely.
With proper care, the batteries installed in your Catalina will provide long .and satisfactory
service. Proper care is not difficult if a few basic points are kept in mind.
Your batteries should be checked periodically for any cracks or breaks in the case or cover and
any cracks in the sealing compound. If there is any damage, the battery should be replaces at
once.
WARNING:
The electrolyte in a battery is a solution of sulfuric acid. If any should enter the
eyes, rinse immediately with large amounts of fresh water and seek medical
attention. Electrolyte spilled on skin should be rinsed well with fresh water
also. Even a small amount of electrolyte spilled on clothing will destroy the
clothing.
ELECTROLYTE LEVEL:
The electrolyte level in a battery should never be allowed to fall low enough to expose the plates.
This not only results in a loss of battery capacity while the battery is low, but will cause hardening
of the active material on the battery plates. This will result in a permanent loss of battery
capacity.
CAUTION: Use only pure distilled water to replenish electrolyte levels. The water from
many city water supply systems is unsatisfactory for battery use.
CHARGING THE BATTERY:
Before adding water, a hydrometer reading of the battery should be taken. If the reading shows
the battery to be above 1.225 specific gravity, the battery has a sufficient charge. If the reading is
below 1.225, the battery should be removed for bench charge.
Once charged, the battery should have a specific gravity of at least 1.260. If this cannot be
reached, the battery should be inspected by a battery supplier.
The batteries should be checked often to ensure that they do not run down. Check that all battery
cells keep an even fluid level and that the fluid is about 3/8" above the top of the separators.
If one or two cells have lower fluid levels, it is a good indicator that something is wrong with the
battery, and it should be checked.
DISCHARGED STATE:
Leaving a battery in a discharged state for any length of time can also result in a permanent loss of
capacity for the battery. Since it will freeze at relatively low temperatures, leaving it in the cold
weather can destroy the battery.
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