OPERATION MANUAL
Beneteau 43 - Olivetta
Page 5
– Electrical System
Electrical System
Olivetta has ample power with an easy to use 12 volt system with separate power
supply for the house and engine and VHF radio. Note: A power point is clearly marked
“inverter” next to TV in Saloon for charging phones etc.
The vessel also utilises 240v shore power when in the marina for battery charging. A
240v battery charger is located under the cabin berth on the starboard side.
To operate, plug the 240v lead into shore power, ensure the green warning light on the
240v panel is on.
The battery switches and anchor winch circuit breakers are located on a panel in the
starboard aft cabin at the front of the berth.
No battery switches should be touched during charter unless in an emergency or
advised to by base.
All electrical lights and appliances are controlled from the circuit breaker switches at
the main electrical panel.
The batteries are recharged by the engine and the level of charge is indicated on the
gauges on the main electrical panel. Although this provides ample power it is
necessary to keep power consumption down by turning off lights or appliances when
not in use.
Because Olivetta has a totally separate engine battery system you will always have
power to start your engine even when the house batteries are very low.
The house batteries will require recharging and the engine should be started and run at
about 1500 RPM. Recharging will take 3 hours and requires nothing more than an
engine speed of about 1500 RPM. Preferably do this for an hour in the morning, an
hour in the middle of the day and an hour after 3pm. If, after 3 hours of engine
operation, further recharging is indicated, contact Base.
All batteries are located under the Starboard aft cabin berth and under the steps.
Normal motoring will be sufficient to recharge the engine start battery and you should
always be able to start your engine to recharge your house batteries.
The house are charged by the engine while motoring, running the engine at anchor or
by shore power.
Shore Power
When in a marina the 240v shore power lead should be connected to an outlet on the
marina. Ensure the circuit breakers located in the cockpit locker adjacent to the 240v
inlet and on the switchboard are on (“Up” is on) and the green 220v ac light on the
switch panel is on. Then switch on the battery charger switch
