Hunter H39, Operator'S Manual

Page: 193 / 216

Getting Underway
13.7
emergency procedures aboard your boat.
Always insure that you, and all aboard know the outlines
for emergency operations.
Here we will provide you with some of the basics for
some of the situations you may encounter. You may also
review the Boating Safety chapter, of this manual.
13.5.1 Low Battery Voltage
Should you find yourself in a position where the start
battery has too low voltage to start the engine, it is still
possible to start with parallel starting.
Parallel starting actually links power from the house bat-
tery to supply the engine with the low voltage.
To start an engine using parallel starting, simply hold
down the parallel start button, while holding the parallel
start button, pressure the start button for the engine.
If you find that you have too low voltage in both batteries,
then it will be necessary for you to shut down the engines
completely and start your generator, or connect to shore
power to recharge your batteries. Be sure and turn on
the battery charger.
WARNING
! !
Charging batteries produces gasses which can ex-
plode if ignited. Explosion can shatter battery. Bat-
tery acid can cause severe personal injury such as
blindness. Keep flame, spark, and smoking materials
away from batteries while charging. Charge in a well
ventilated area.
WARNING
! !
Batteries contain Sulfuric Acid and can cause severe
personal injury if mishandled. Avoid contact with
eyes, skin, or clothing. In case of contact, flush with
water at least 15 minutes. If swallowed, drink large
quantities of water or Milk of Magnesia, beaten egg,
or vegetable oil, and get medical attention immedi-
ately.
13.5.2 Fire
Your boat has a halon (or equivalent) fire extinguisher
system which operates automatically to extinguish a fire
in the engine compartment. The system has an indicator
light on the helm. Moving the switch to NORMAL before
starting the engines activates the light. Check this light
every time you start the engines. It shows that the sys-
tem is charged and ready to operate.
A loud sound (similar to that of small arms fire) followed
by a “rushing” air sound indicates activation of the extin-
guisher. If the green indicator light goes out or if you hear
the extinguisher discharging, proceed as follows:
* Activating the automatic fire system will automatically
shut down the engine and the generator.
* Evacuate all occupied enclosures immediately. If practi-
cal, evacuate the boat.
* Do not run the blowers.
* Do not open the engine compartment. Allow the halon
fire extinguisher to soak the compartment for at least
fifteen minutes.
DANGER
! !
Flash fire erupting from the engine compartment
can burn you. Opening the engine compartment will
feed oxygen to the fire and cause the fire to flash
back. Keep engine compartment closed for at least
15 minutes after fire extinguisher discharges.
* Wait for hot metals and fuels to cool before inspecting
for damage or cause of fire.
* Open engine compartment slowly. Have approved por-
table fire extinguisher at hand and ready for use.
Do not breathe fumes or vapors caused by fire. HALON
FUMES ARE TOXIC!