MAINTENANCE & CARE 4

WARNING

Battery electrolyte is poisonous and dangerous, causing severe burns, etc. It contains sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.

Antidote:EXTERNAL – Flush with water.

INTERNAL – Drink large quantities of water or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten egg or vegetable oil. Call physician immediately.

EYES – Flush with water for 15 minutes and get prompt medical atten- tion.

A battery produces explosive gases. Keep sparks, flame, cigarettes, etc., away. Ventilate when charging or using in enclosed space. Always shield eyes when working near bat- teries.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.Replenishing the Battery Fluid

A poorly maintained battery will deteriorate quickly. The battery fluid should be checked before every outing.

Fill to the manufacturer’s recommended level when necessary. Top up only with distilled water (or pure de-ionized water) suitable to use in batteries. NOTICE:

Normal tap water contains minerals which are harmful to a battery; there- fore, refill only with distilled water.

Recharging

WARNING

•When charging the battery, keep it well away from sparks and open flames, as it gives off explosive gases.

•When using a battery charger, connect the battery to the charger before you turn on the charger. This will prevent sparking at the terminals that could ignite battery gases.

•If jump-starting the engine is necessary in an emergency, fol- low the instructions on page 5-4. Improper jump-starting could cause sparking and explosion.

1)Remove the caps from the cells. Add distilled water if necessary to top up the electrolyte to the proper level.

2)Follow the battery manufacturer’s instructions for charging.

Connecting the Battery Terminals

Always make sure the connections are correct when you install the battery in the boat. Make sure that the breather pipe is properly connected and that it is not damaged or obstructed.

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