Regal 38 EXPRESS, Owner'S Manual

Page: 231 / 317

26
Chapter 8
Tighten all battery connectors securely. Check their
tightness by pulling on the connectors. They should not
move from their tightened position. Be sure to reinstall
the positive boot over the battery terminal after tightening
the battery post connection. While using the boat, keep an
eye on the volt meters to monitor the charge level of each
battery bank. Monitor the charge with the engines turned
off (static condition).
The engine alternators recharge the batteries. A fully
charged battery will indicate between 12 and 14 volts on
the voltmeter. Readings below this could indicate a dead
battery cell or a charging system malfunction which should
be checked by a marine professional.
BATTERIES
Periodically check your battery terminals for corrosion
build-up. If you
fi nd a greenish, powdery substance,
remove the cable connections and clean both the terminals
and the connectors with a wire brush. When the cleaning is
fi nished reconnect the battery cables and coat the terminals
with an approved grease or petroleum jelly to help prevent
further corrosion. Check the electrolyte level at least every
30 days, more often in hot weather. The level should be
maintained between the top of the battery plates and
the bottom of the
fi ll cap opening. Add distilled water
as needed after charging the batteries. Do not over fi ll
because sulfuric acid could run over and cause burns or an
explosion. Check speci
fi c gravity levels with a hydrometer
which can be purchased at auto retail stores.
WARNING
!
TO PREVENT BODILY INJURY!
WEAR GOGGLES, RUBBER GLOVES
AND A PROTECTIVE APRON
WHEN WORKING WITH A BATTERY.
BATTERY ELECTROLYTE CAUSES SEVERE
EYE DAMAGE AND SKIN BURNS.
IN CASE OF SPILLAGE,
WASH AREA WITH A SOLUTION OF
BAKING SODA AND WATER.
Batteries should be charged outside the boat. Do not
smoke or bring
fl ames near a battery that is being or has
recently been charged. The hydrogen gas generated by
battery charging is highly explosive.
Set the batteries on a block of wood not concrete since
the batteries will lose their charge if left on a cement
surface.
Do not allow a metal object or loose wires to spark across
battery posts while working close to the battery. Contact
across terminals will cause a short circuit and possible
electrical burns,
fi re, explosion or personal injury.
TO PREVENT BODILY INJURY!
BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID
(POISON)
WHICH ALSO CAN CAUSE BURNS.
AVOID CONTACT WITH THE SKIN,
EYES & CLOTHING.
IF CONTACTED, FLUSH WITH WATER AT
LEAST 15 MINUTES. IF SWALLOWED, DRINK
LARGE AMOUNTS OF WATER OR MILK.
FOLLOW UP WITH MILK OF MAGNESIA,
BEATEN EGG OR VEGETABLE OIL. GET
MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY!
WARNING
!