Chapter 7
Frequently check your battery terminals for corrosion build-up. If
you nd a greenish, powdery substance, remove the cable connec-
tions and clean both the both the terminals and the connectors with
a wire brush. When the cleaning is nished reconnect the battery
cables and coat the terminal with an approved grease or petroleum
jelly to help prevent further corrosion. Check the electrolyte level at
least every 30 days, more o en in hot weather. e level should be
maintained between the top of the battery plates and the bottom of
the ll cap opening. Add distilled water as needed a er charging the
batteries or periodically as needed. Do not over ll because sulfuric
acid could run over and cause burns or an explosion.
Batteries should be charged outside the boat. Do not smoke or bring
ames near a battery that is being or has recently been charged. e
hydrogen gas generated by battery charging is highly explosive.
Set batteries on a block of wood rather than concrete since this pro-
cedure will help the batteries from losing their charge.
Do not allow a metal object or loose wires to spark across battery
posts while working close to the battery. Contact across terminals
will cause a short circuit and personal injury may result.
Tighten all battery connectors securely. Check their tightness by
pulling on the connectors. ey should not move from their tight-
ened position. Be sure to reinstall the positive boot over the battery
terminal a er tightening the battery post connection. While using
the boat, use the volt meter to monitor the charge level of the bat-
tery. Monitor the charge with the engines turned o (static condi-
tion).
e engine alternators recharge the batteries. A fully charged bat-
tery will indicate between 12.3 and 12.6 volts on the voltmeter.
Readings below this could indicate a dead battery cell or a charging
system malfunction which should be checked by a marine profes-
sional.
BATTERY
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