14
Chapter 8
BATTERIES
Frequently check your battery terminals for corrosion
build-up. If you find a greenish, powdery substance, remove
the cable connections and clean both the terminals and
the connectors with a wire brush. When the cleaning is
finished 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 often in hot weather. The level should be
maintained between the top of the battery plates and the
bottom of the fill cap opening. Add distilled water (does
not contain minerals) only as needed after charging the
batteries or periodically as needed. Do not overfill because
sulfuric acid could run over and cause burns or an
explosion. Extremely corroded batteries can be cleaned
with baking soda and rinsed with warm water. Perform
this procedure with the batteries removed from the boat.
Batteries should be charged outside the boat. Do not smoke
or bring flames 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 procedure 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 electrical
burns or personal injury may result.
Tighten all battery connectors securely. Check their
tightness by pulling on the connectors. They should not
move from their tightened position. Be sure to reinstall
the positive boot over the battery terminal after tightening
the battery post connection. While using the boat, use the
volt meters to monitor the charge level of each battery
bank. 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 malfunction which should
be checked by a marine professional.
WARNING
!
PREVENT BODILY INJURY!
WEAR GOGGLES, RUBBER GLOVES
AND A PROTECTIVE APRON
WHEN WORKING WITH A BATTERY.
BATTERY ELECTROLYTE CAUSES SEVERE
EYE DAMAGE AND SKIN BURNS.
IN CASE OF SPILLAGE,
WASH AREA WITH A SOLUTION OF
BAKING SODA AND WATER.
PREVENT BODILY INJURY!
BATTERIES CONTAIN SUFURIC ACID
(POISON)
WHICH ALSO CAN CAUSE BURNS.
AVOID CONTACT WITH THE SKIN,
EYES & CLOTHING.
IF CONTACTED, FLUSH WITH WATER AT
LEAST 15 MINUTES. IF SWALLOWED, DRINK
LARGE AMOUNTS OF WATER OR MILK.
FOLLOW UP WITH MILK OF MAGNESIA,
BEATEN EGG OR VEGETABLE OIL.
GET MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY!
WARNING
!
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