Monterey Boats 268 SC Sport Cruiser, Owner'S Manual

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Your boat is equipped with several systems for operation. This section
describes the basic operational principles for the major systems. The proce-
dures and illustrations in this section are typical and are intended to be rep-
resentative of the system on your boat. Be sure to consult all system infor-
mation provided with your boat before operation.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Some boats are equipped with two electrical systems; a battery powered
direct current (DC) system, and a generator or shore powered alternating
current (AC) system. These systems have a load center panel which serves
as the main distribution panel.
The DC system supplies electricity to all of the boat’s electrical circuits
(lights, pumps, blowers, ignition, etc.)
The AC system supplies power to the electrical outlets, and to AC powered
systems (electric stove, water heater, microwave, refrigerator, etc.) when the
boat is moored to dock or slip.
DC Electrical System
Considerable care has been taken to design a safe electrical
system to protect you from hazardous shocks. Any modifica-
tions to the system should always be done by a qualified tech-
nician to protect you from hazardous shock.
Your boat has a 12 volt negative ground DC system. The positive wire is hot,
and feeds current from the batteries to the various 12 volt systems, and the
negative wire is the ground.
Many boats are equipped with three batteries. Two batteries (cranking bat-
teries) are used only to start the engine(s). The third battery is an auxiliary
battery that provides power to all of the other DC electrical circuits via the
master battery switch.
While the engines are running, all batteries are charged by the engine alter-
nator(s), and the rate of charge is controlled by an internal voltage regulator.
!
WARNING
!
SHIP
SYSTEMS
11-1