Carver 396 Motor Yacht 2003, Owner'S Manual

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S
ECTION
2 DC E
LECTRICAL
S
YSTEM
45
3808 8/99
Maintaining Your Batteries
1. Keep your batteries fully charged. Batteries that
are kept fully or near fully charged last longer than
batteries stored with a partial charge. The charge
level of the batteries can be monitored using the
voltmeters on the helm instrument panel.
2. Inspect the batteries at least once every 30 days.
Disconnect the batteries before cleaning them.
3. Periodically clean the battery terminals and cable
connections.
Remove any accumulation of dirt on the top of the
battery case. Use a wire brush to clean the termi-
nals. Coating the terminals with a terminal protect-
ing product will help reduce corrosion that can form
in these areas.
4. Check that the battery cables are securely attached
to the terminal posts. Tighten the terminal nuts 1/4
turn beyond finger tight using a wrench.
5. Check the level of electrolyte in each cell of each
battery. The correct level is just above the plates. If
the fluid level is low, add DISTILLED water only
until the electrolyte is at the correct level. DO NOT
OVERFILL the cells.
Remove the batteries from the boat during periods of
extended storage. Store your batteries in a cool (above
freezing temperature), dry area. All batteries lose some
charge during storage, but the lower the temperature
the less charge is lost. Avoid storing the batteries in a
humid place. Humidity causes the terminals to corrode.
Check the battery charge level every three months
using a hydrometer or voltmeter. If the specific gravity
of the battery is less than 1.225 or the voltage is less
than 12.4 volts, charge the battery. Avoid overcharging
the batteries.