Scout Boats 222 Abaco, Owner'S Manual

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Battery Charger Operation (Optional)
AC electrical current is supplied directly to the automatic bat-
tery charger which located near the batteries. The battery
charger automatically charges and maintains the 12-volt bat-
teries simultaneously when activated. It is fully automatic
and equipped with led lights to indicate the state of charge for
each battery.
Charging for the engine batteries also can be monitored by
using the voltmeter in the engine gauge cluster. With the
charger activated, turn the ignition key switch to the “ON”
position.
DO NOT START THE ENGINE. Then select the
batteries one at a time and read the voltage on the volt meter.
If the batteries are in good condition and charging properly,
the voltmeter will indicate between 12 and 14.5 volts. If the
reading is below 12 volts, then the battery is not accepting a
charge or the charger is not working properly. Always turn
the ignition switch off immediately after the monitoring is
complete.
The wires that supply DC charging current to the batteries are
protected by an internal fuse in the battery charger. The in-
ternal fuses in the charger protect the DC charging circuit
from the charger to the batteries. See the battery charger
manual for more information.
4.4 Electrical System Maintenance
12-Volt DC Electrical System Maintenance
At least once a year, spray all exposed electrical components
behind the helm, in the transom area 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 lubri-
cant like petroleum jelly or silicone grease. The sockets should
be sprayed with a protector. Care must be taken not to get
any oil or petroleum jelly 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.
Check all below deck wiring to be sure it is properly sup-
ported, that the insulation is sound, and that there are no loose
or corroded terminals. Corroded terminals should be thor-
oughly cleaned with sandpaper, or replaced, tightened securely
and sprayed with a metal and electrical protector. Inspect all
engine wiring.
Please note that Scout Boats are factory equipped with pre-
mium, maintenance free batteries that are sealed and the cells
do not require inspection or service. However, if you or your
dealer replace the original equipment batteries with the stan-
dard wet cell type that are not maintenance free, they will
require the following inspection and service:
Check the electrolyte level in the batteries regularly 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 and only use distilled water!
Keep the battery tops clean and dry. Dirt and water can con-
duct electricity from one post to the other causing the battery
to discharge.
The battery posts should be kept free of corrosion. Remove
the cables and clean the posts and cable clamps with a battery
post cleaner or sandpaper 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 replaced when they show signs of
corrosion or fraying. Deteriorated cables cause a consider-
able voltage loss when high currents are drawn, as for starting
the engine.
NEVER USE AN OPEN FLAME IN THE BATTERY
STORAGE AREA. AVOID STRIKING SPARKS NEAR
THE BATTERY. A BATTERY CAN EXPLODE IF A
FLAME OR SPARK IGNITES THE HYDROGEN GAS
THE BATTERY EMITS WHILE BEING CHARGED.
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 insulation and corrosion in electrical con-
nectors. Spraying receptacles and electrical connections with
an electrical contact cleaner or a metal and electrical protec-
tor will reduce corrosion and improve electrical continuity.
Inspect all wiring for proper support, sound insulation, and
tight terminals, paying particular attention to portable appli-
ance cords and plugs.
The entire AC circuitry, especially the shore power cord, should
be seasonally tested for proper continuity by an experienced
electrician. This will detect any shorts, open wires, or ground
faults.