Carver 356 2004, Owner'S Manual, Page: 168 / 225

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AINTENANCE
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Wear gloves when handling a propeller. Its blades are
sharp.
Inspect your props often. Carry a swim mask in your
boat so you can inspect the props while swimming.
Props that are out-of-balance or damaged can diminish
the boat’s performance by reducing the boat’s speed,
causing steering problems, and creating vibrations.
Vibrations can lead to drive train damage.
Have the propellers balanced by an established propel-
ler repair shop at least once a year. Repair or replace
damaged props.
Propeller shaft struts require very little maintenance.
Within each strut is a strut or cutlass bearing that
provides a smooth surface for the shaft to rotate. These
bearings occasionally need to be replaced. They need
replacement more often if you use your boat in water
that has a lot of sand or abrasive material suspended in
it. Have your marine technician inspect the strut bear-
ings whenever the boat is pulled. Replace the bearings
when the technician recommends it.
The majority of difficulties that occur with the 12 volt
DC electrical system are caused by poor battery mainte-
nance. The factory-installed batteries on your boat
should function normally for several years if properly
maintained. These heavy-duty batteries can be dis-
charged and recharged repeatedly without damaging
them; however, completely discharging and overcharg-
ing a battery can shorten its life span.
To maximize the useful life of the batteries:
1. Do not store batteries that are only partially
charged. Recharge the batteries to a voltage read-
ing between 12.3 and 12.6 volts before storing.
Monitor the voltage reading every 30 days while
the batteries are in storage and recharge them if
the voltage drops below 12.3 volts.
2. Do not overcharge the batteries. Stop charging the
batteries when the voltage is between 12.3 and 12.6
Props
A T
IP
F
ROM
C
ARVER
!
Consider purchasing and carry-
ing a spare set of props onboard
your boat. Many marine dealers
do not carry a full inventory of
replacement propellers. A spare
set allows your vacation or cruise
to continue in the event that your
boat's primary set of props is
damaged.
Struts
DC Electrical
System