Carver 46 VOYAGER, Owner'S Manual

Page: 59 / 180

S
ECTION
2 DC E
LECTRICAL
S
YSTEM
4627 5/04
2.3.1 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 terminals. Coating the terminals with a termi-
nal protecting 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 OVER-
FILL 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. Humid-
ity 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.