Monterey Boats 350 Sport Yacht, Owner'S Manual

Page: 54 / 196

350 SPORT YACHT
54
GENERATOR ENGINES PRODUCE CARBON
MONOXIDE WHICH IS A LETHAL, TOXIC GAS THAT
IS COLORLESS AND ODORLESS. IT IS A
DANGEROUS GAS THAT WILL CAUSE DEATH IN
CERTAIN LEVELS. ONLY OPERATE THE
GENERATOR IN WELL VENTILATED AREAS AND
NEVER OPERATE THE GENERATOR WHILE YOU
ARE SLEEPING.
4.5 Bonding System
Your boat is equipped with a bonding system that
interconnects all underwater hardware and thru-
hull fittings to ensure that they are of the same
electrical potential. Zinc anodes are attached to
the bonding system at the transom, trim tabs and
outdrives. The Zinc anodes deteriorate before
the other metals, thereby protecting the under-
water metals from galvanic corrosion or stray elec-
trical current. Since the zincs are sacrificial, it is
important to monitor them and replace the zincs
when they have deteriorated to 50 - 75% of their
original size. The bonding system is connected
to the DC ground and the earth ground wire for
the AC electrical system. It provides a path to
the safety earth ground in the event of a fault in
the shore earth ground connection and when the
boat is away from the dock.
4.6 Electrical System Maintenance
12-Volt AC Electrical System Maintenance
At least once a year, spray all exposed electrical
components behind the helm and in the plugs,
with a protector. Exterior light fixture bulbs should
be removed and the metal contact areas coated
with a non-water soluble lubricant like petroleum
jelly or silicone grease. The sockets should be
sprayed with a protector. Care must be taken not
to get any oil or grease on the glass portion of
the bulbs as this will cause the bulb to overheat
and burn out.
WHEN REPLACING LIGHT BULBS IN MARINE
LIGHT FIXTURES, ALWAYS USE A BULB WITH
THE SAME RATING AS THE ORIGINAL. USING A
DIFFERENT BULB COULD CAUSE THE FIXTURE
TO OVERHEAT AND MELT OR SHORT CIRCUIT.
Inspect all wiring for proper support, sound insu-
lation, and tight terminals, paying particular at-
tention to portable appliance cords and plugs.
Check all below deck wiring to be sure it is prop-
erly supported, that the insulation is sound, and
that there are no loose or corroded terminals. Cor-
roded terminals should be thoroughly cleaned with
sandpaper or replaced, tightened securely and
sprayed with a metal and electrical protector. In-
spect all engine wiring.
Check the electrolyte level in the batteries regu-
larly and add distilled water as necessary. If the
batteries are frequently charged by the automatic
battery charger, the electrolyte level will have to
be checked more often. The correct fluid level in
the cells is usually approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch
above the plates. If fluid is needed, fill to the
proper level with distilled water.
Do not over fill!
Note: Some batteries are sealed and do not
require or allow the inspection of the
electrolyte.
Keep the battery tops clean and dry. Dirt and
water can conduct electricity from one post to
the other causing the battery to discharge.
The battery posts should be kept free of corro-
sion. Remove the cables and clean the posts and
cable clamps with a battery post cleaner or sand-
paper as required. Coating the battery posts and
cable clamps with petroleum jelly or silicone grease
will protect them and reduce corrosion.
Battery cables, both hot and ground, must be re-
placed when they show signs of corrosion or fray-
ing. Deteriorated cables cause a considerable volt-
age loss when high currents are drawn, as for
starting the engine.
A BATTERY CAN EXPLODE IF A FLAME OR
SPARK IGNITES THE HYDROGEN GAS THE
BATTERY EMITS WHILE BEING CHARGED.
NEVER USE AN OPEN FLAME IN THE BATTERY
STORAGE AREA. AVOID STRIKING SPARKS
NEAR THE BATTERY.
AC Electrical System Maintenance
Periodically inspect all wiring for nicks, chafing,
brittleness, improper support, etc. Examine the
shore power cord closely for cracks in the insula-
tion and corrosion in electrical connectors. Spray-
ing receptacles and electrical connections with
an electrical contact cleaner or a metal and elec-
trical protector will reduce corrosion and improve
electrical continuity.