PURSUIT 3400 Express Fisherman, Owner'S Manual

Page: 62 / 162

in excess of 12.6 volts with no load, or while being charged.
Prolonged periods of discharge below 12.2 volts (indicated with
no load on the bank) will cause the batteries to deteriorate
rapidly, and will result in their inability to hold a charge for the
expected amount of time. This can happen easily if your boat is
left unattended for an extended period of time, has D.C. loads
on, such as lights, and the battery charger is not left ON.
4 . 2 . 2 . Gel Cell Batteries
Gel cell batteries have been selected as the battery type for your
3400 for several reasons. The biggest benefit to
the owner is that they require no maintenance of the electrolyte.
In fact, the caps covering the electrolyte in the cells should
never
be removed by the owner. No maintenance, or testing, of this
material is possible. Keeping the terminals clean on the top of
the battery is all that is required for several years of trouble free
operation.
If you notice the battery case swelling, or hear a hissing sound
when charging, this may indicate a breakdown of the gel
material. You should contact your local Fishing
Boats dealer, or qualified marine electrical service center for
inspection as soon as possible.
4 . 2 . 3 . Distribution
Power from both battery banks supplies the 12 V D.C. main
panel under the steps into the cabin (see Figure 4-1). Power from
the engine bank is connected to the engine main disconnect
switch, and power from the house bank is connected to the
house main disconnect switch. When these switches are in the
OFF position, all D.C. power to the rest of the boat is stopped,
with one exception:
Note: Power is supplied to the forward, mid and aft automatic
bilge pumps before the main disconnect switches. Therefore
these switches will not disconnect power to these items.
A third main disconnect switch is provided to cross connect the
powered side of both battery banks. This switch should only be
Rev. A 05/02/99
12 V D.C. SYSTEM ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
4-4 3400 Express Fisherman