7
House (12-volt) System
Three battery banks support 12-volt DC power: 1) port & starboard engine start battery (located between
the engines and aft in the engine space); ( 2) House battery bank (located on the outside of the engines on
both port and starboard sides); 3) Generator battery (located under the step into the engine room from
the cockpit.)
The BATTERY SWITCHES are located on the overhead panel as you enter the engine space using the
cockpit engine space door. Normally, leave the ENGINE/ GENERATOR and HOUSE SWITCHES in
the ‘ON’ position.
Note -- Do not change the position of the switches while the engines are running or
the alternator diodes will be damaged.
Change positions with the engines off.
Your 12 volt panel shows all the systems supported by your batteries. Most of these breakers are “non-
switchable,” remaining in the “On” position at all times. Turn off lights, plug-in, etc, at the point of use
to conserve batteries. Bilge pumps should remain as set; they are in the automatic setting.
Your breakers such as propane and should always be turned off after every use. Turning off the 12 volt
Main Breaker will shut off all 12 volt items on the boat except the automatic bilge pumps.
House Battery Bank & Switch
The HOUSE BATTERY BANK provides power for all DC systems, except the engines and 2 automatic
bilge pumps. When disconnected from shore power, all 12-volt devices drain the house battery. Use
devices as needed. The DC voltmeter on the DC panel can be switched between Port, Starboard, and
House Battery banks to measure charging or resting battery voltages.
When a battery bank is being charged, the voltage will read from about 13.1 volts to 14.4 volts depending
upon state-of-charge of the battery bank. When the battery bank is at rest, (that is, not being charged), the
voltmeter can give a rough indication of the state-of-charge of the battery bank.
The house and start batteries are charged by the engine ALTERNATORS while underway. The
engine/house batteries are charged by the BATTERY CHARGER when connected to shore power on
generator power. Ensure the Battery Charger and Inverter circuit breakers at the electrical panel are ON.
Voltage (Wet Cell Battery)
Battery State
12.65 volts
100%
12.47 volts
75%
12.25 volts
50%
11.95 volts
25%
11.70 volts
0%
Battery Parallel Switch
Each ENGINE BATTERY is connected to its corresponding engine. However, should one engine battery
be insufficiently charged to start its engine, the other engine battery may be momentarily connected to
provide a boost. Rotate the BATTERY PARALLEL SWITCH located straight ahead looking into the
engine room through the cockpit door. Turn off after the engines start-up..
