Cosmetic Care & Maintenance
7-13
Battery System
Frequently check your battery terminals for corrosion build-up. If
you fi nd a greenish, powdery substance, re-
move the cable connections and clean both
the terminals and the connectors with a wire
brush. When the cleaning is fi nished recon-
nect 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
often in hot weather. The level should be maintained between the
top of the battery plates and the bottom of the fi ll cap opening. Add
distilled water as needed after charging the batteries or periodically as
needed. Do not overfi ll as sulfuric acid could
run over and cause burns or an explosion.
Batteries should be charged outside the
boat. Do not smoke or bring fl ames near
a battery that is being or has recently been
charged. The 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 metal objects such as tools or loose wires to spark across
battery posts while working close to the battery. Contact across termi-
nals will may cause component damage and/or personal injury.
Tighten all battery connectors securely. Check their tightness by pull-
ing on the connectors. They should not move from their tightened
position. Be sure to reinstall the positive boot over the battery termi-
nal after tightening the battery post connection. While using the boat,
use the volt meter to monitor the charge level of the battery. Monitor
the charge with the engines turned off (static condition).
The engine alternators recharge the batteries. A fully charged battery
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 mal-
function which should be checked by a marine professional.
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