Carver 56 Voyager SE, Owner'S Manual

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M
AINTENANCE
S
ECTION
7
5627 8/04
steering problems, and creating vibrations. Vibrations can lead to drive
train damage.
Have the propellers balanced by an established propeller repair shop at
least once a year. Repair or replace damaged props.
A T
IP
F
ROM
C
ARVER
!
Consider purchasing and carrying 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.
7.4.5 Struts
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 replace-
ment more often if you use your boat in water that has a lot of sand or other
abrasive material suspended in it. Have a marine technician inspect the
strut bearings whenever the boat is pulled. Replace the bearings when the
technician recommends it.
7.4.6 DC Electrical System
The majority of difficulties that occur with the 12-volt DC electrical
system are caused by poor battery maintenance. The factory-installed
batteries on your boat should function normally for several years if
properly maintained. These heavy-duty batteries can be discharged and
recharged repeatedly without damaging them; however, completely
discharging or overcharging a battery can shorten its life span.
To maximize the useful life of the batteries:
• While using the boat, use the voltmeters to frequently monitor the
voltage level of each battery or battery bank. Monitor the charge level
with the engines turned off (static condition). Use the onboard bat-
tery chargers or the engine alternators to recharge the batteries
when they are not fully charged. Refer to 2.1.5 Monitoring Battery
Voltage Levels and 2.1.6 Charging the Batteries for more infor-
mation.
• Do not store batteries that are only partially charged. Recharge each
battery, if necessary. Check the voltage level every 30 days while the
battery is in storage and recharge it if the voltage reads below 12.3
volts.