Chaparral SSI 180, Owner'S/Operator'S Manual

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electrical system problem. Due to potential electrical shock hazard,
do not attempt this service procedure yourself.
Your dealer is
trained to properly diagnose and correct electrical problems safely.
Lighting
Lighting operates off the 12 volt DC system. Turn lights on or off at
the main electrical panel in the cabin or at the light fixture. See your
Chaparral dealer for information regarding bulb replacement.
Electrolysis and Zinc Anodes
Many boaters are unaware of the problems associated with electroly-
sis and how to properly address corrosion issues. Electrolysis is a
reaction between metal and electrical energy. Electrolysis occurs when
electrical current is "leaking" into the water, and can come from a vari-
ety of things such as ship to shore power, sharing electrical wires, old
electrical devices in contact with the water, batteries in boats, etc.
Electrolysis can also be caused by “stray currents” due to a fault in
an electrical item, even though correctly grounded. Some Chaparral
boats with shore power are equipped with a galvanic isolator which
isolates the boat from the dockside electrical system.
Electrolysis/corrosion is a very real issue and expense for any
boater and boat owners must be aware of the proper protection and
maintenance. Corrosion will directly affect the performance of your
boat within a very short period of time.
It is the boat owner’s responsibility to check for and replace dam-
aged parts due to galvanic deterioration. Refer to your Chaparral
dealer to investigate the source of stray corrosive currents.
Zinc plates are installed on the outdrive and trim tabs to protect
underwater hardware on your boat. Zinc is less noble than copper
based alloys and aluminum used in underwater fittings; therefore, it
will deteriorate first and protect the more noble parts.
Zinc anodes generally require replacement about once a year, in
salt water areas, replace every six months. The need to replace
anodes more frequently may indicate a stray current problem within
the boat or at the slip or mooring. If zinc anodes are not replaced
annually, they may not be providing the necessary protection.
Note: Do not paint between the zinc and any metal it touches.
Do not paint over the zinc.
When an AC shore power system is connected to the boat, the
underwater metal fittings will be connected through the water to
grounded metals ashore. The zincs will be consumed as a faster
rate unless the marina maintains a protective system to prevent this.
Placing a zinc in the water bonded to the metal outlet box on the
dock will reduce zinc loss on the boat. Do not connect this zinc to
the boat’s ground system.
Important: All electrically operated DC equipment and acces-
sories must be wired so that the ground polarity of each device
is the same as that of the battery. Chaparral boats have a nega-
tive ground system, which is recommended practice
throughout the marine industry. All metal items (fuel tanks,
underwater hardware) in the boat are connected to the zinc
anode by the green bonding wire.
Once a year
(Performed by a qualified marine technician)
• Verify the integrity of the boat’s entire AC shore power ground-
ing system, including the connection to the DC system negative.
• Verify that any galvanic isolators (if installed on your boat) meet
current American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) standards and
are fully functional.
3-6
CAUTION: Replace zinc sacrificial anodes if they are cor-
roded 50% or more.