Pearson P31-II, Manual, Page: 49 / 82

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5.2.2 Discharged State
Leaving a battery in a discharged state for any length of
time can also result in a permanent loss of capacity.
Doing so in cold weather can destroy the battery since it
will freeze at relatively low temperatures. At the end of
each season remove your battery, charge it, and store it
in a warm place (not on a cement floor). Be sure that the
battery is fully charged before re-installing it in the
spring.
5.2.3 Clean Connections
Keep battery connections clean and tight. A cup full of
strong baking soda solution and a toothbrush will clean
corrosion from the terminals and neutralize any spilled
acid (do not allow any of the solution to enter the battery
cells). A coating of petroleum jelly on the battery
terminals will inhibit corrosion.
5.3
LIGHTNING PROTECTION AND BONDING SYSTEMS
All Pearson yachts are fitted with lightning protection and
bonding systems. These systems connect all pertinent
equipment to the keel with number eight gauge stranded
copper wire.
5.3.1 Bonding System
The bonding system provides a path of low resistance for
all attached equipment such as the fuel fill, fuel tank,
generator, engine, and keel. Electrically isolated equip-
ment (i.e., thru-hulls) are not connected to the bonding
system. Eliminating this connection minimizes the effects
of galvanic corrosion because the path of high resistance
thus established makes it extremely difficult for electri-
cal current to travel.
The operation of the bonding system should be checked every
year at the beginning and end of each season. (See sec-
tion 5.5 for proper procedure.)
Please see the bonding system diagram in this manual.
5.3.2 Lightning Protection System
This system provides a "cone" of protection around the boat
during an electrical storm. Remember , lightning strikes
are not predictable, therefore caution is advised during a
storm.
Number 8 gauge stranded copper wires connect all chain-
plates and the mast step to the keel.