PART 2


ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Starting the auxiliary engine and using lights and instru- ments are dependent upon electricity. Knowing the location of the wiring, how to inspect the battery, and the operation of the battery switch demand little effort and offer great rewards. The electrical system on most boats is 12 volt DC.


Te battery switch and a series of labeled switches are located on the electri- cal control panel. Most cruising boats are equipped with switches for navi- gation lights and interior lights. Electronic instruments, radios and other equipment may also be listed on the control panel.


BATTERY CHECKLIST Engine block


1 Locate the batteries and check the fluid levels (unless they are dry/gel).


2 Make sure the batteries are clean with no signs of cor- rosion.


3 Set battery switch to the position you want (1, 2, or ALL) before starting the en- gine or turning on lights.


Volts


High Amp Fuse


Amps


4 Set the battery switch to ALL if you know the batteries are low. This may provide sufficient power to start the engine.


6 Don’t change the position of the battery switch while the engine is running.


Battery switch


Breaker switches


to lights to engine & instruments


(Above) The typical cruising boat is wired to carry electricity to the loca- tions in the diagram. Usually, the batteries are located near the engine. One battery is designated for starting the engine and the other is used for the “house” to operate instruments and lights. On the battery switch they are designated as battery one and battery two. The ALL designation means both batteries are on.


26


Shore power outlets on cruising boats provide electricity for charg- ing the battery.


5 Determine if your automatic bilge pump is wired separate- ly from the battery switch.


Don’t • Don’t overcharge the batteries. Read manufac- turer information.


Do • Check the manual to see which switches should be left on when leaving the boat.


Battery 1


Battery 2


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129