Cosmetic Care & Maintenance
7-15
Battery
Frequently check your battery termi-
nals for corrosion build-up. If you fi nd
a greenish, powdery substance, remove
the cable connections and clean both
the both the terminals and the con-
nectors with a wire brush. When the
cleaning is fi nished reconnect the bat-
tery 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 main-
tained 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 because 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 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 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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