Carver 396 Motor Yacht 2003, Owner'S Manual

Page: 176 / 234

M
AINTENANCE
S
ECTION
7
164
3808 4/99
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
volts. Do not continuously (trickle) charge the
batteries. Trickle charging a fully charged battery
reduces its useful life.
While using the boat, use the voltmeters to frequently
monitor the charge level of each battery bank. Monitor
the charge level with the engines turned off (static
condition). Use the onboard battery chargers (the con-
trols are on the Safety Breaker Panel) or the engine
alternators (which work automatically while the en-
gines are running) to recharge the batteries when they
are not fully charged. When the battery bank is fully
charged the voltmeter reads between 12.3 and 12.6
volts.
Do not charge the batteries if they are already fully
charged. The engine alternators can not overcharge the
batteries. The onboard battery charger can overcharge
the batteries because, when it determines the batteries
are fully charged, it does not shut off but switches to
trickle charge mode.
Disconnect the batteries when performing mainte-
nance tasks on the DC electrical system. Failure to do
so can lead to electrical shock.
Inspect the batteries once every month. Clean any
corrosion that has developed on the battery terminals.
Spray a terminal protector on the terminals and battery
cable eye connectors. Make sure the battery cables are
securely fastened to the terminals. Tighten the wing
nuts only slightly beyond finger tight with a pliers.
Check the level of fluid in each battery cell. Fill any low
cells with distilled water only. The fill level is marked
on the side of the battery case.
Spray the connections for the bridge instruments and
switches with an electrical connection protector every
six months.