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Poison!
Sulfuric acid in batteries can cause severe burns.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or clothing. Wear
goggles, rubber gloves and protective apron
when working with batteries. In case of skin
contact, flush with water at least 15 minutes. If
swallowed, drink large quantities of water or
milk. Follow with Milk of Magnesia, beaten egg
or vegetable oil. Get medical attention immedi-
ately.
Disconnect the battery before working on elec-
trical or ignition system to prevent electrical
shock and accidental ignition.
B. Electrical Wiring Maintenance
Periodically, inspect all wiring for nicks, chaffing, embrittle-
ment, improper support, etc. Examine the shore power
cord closely for insulation cracks and corrosion in the
electrical devices. Spraying the receptacles and electri-
cal connections with an electrical connection cleaner will
reduce corrosion and improve electrical continuity.
DO NOT allow corrosion to build up on connec-
tions. Shorts or ground faults can result.
The entire 120 (220) volt circuitry, especially the shore
power cord, should be seasonally tested for proper conti-
nuity by an experienced marine electrician. This will help
detect any short, open wire, or ground fault. Also, check
the polarity indicator system for proper operation.
120 (220) volt AC electrical power can be danger-
ous. DO NOT attempt to service a system un-
less you are qualified with, and experienced in,
performing such service.
H - 9
STRAY CURRENT CORROSION
A. General
Electrically induced underwater corrosion occasionally
affects boats and their related components. This is re-
ferred to as "Stray Current Corrosion" and appears as metal
378 Vista™ Owner's Manual
™
378
surface pitting or deterioration. Stray current corrosion is
the decomposition of chemical compounds by electric
current.
Stray current corrosion can be caused by surrounding
boats in close proximity which have electrical power leak-
ages or an improperly wired battery/charger installation.
Periodically inspect the engine components and sacrifi-
cial anodes to determine if corrosion damage exists. If
stray current corrosion damage is found, determine and
correct the cause of the stray current to prevent further
damage. Consult an experienced marine electrician or
contact your Four Winns dealer for assistance.
The use of some shore power battery chargers, while the
boat is in the water and the battery is connected to the
electrical system, can cause stray current corrosion.
Have an experienced marine electrician review any bat-
tery charger installation to ensure a stray current corro-
sion problem will not develop. An improper battery charger
connection is a common cause of stray current corro-
sion.
NOTICE
Use only a battery charger designed to meet
U.S. Coast Guard regulations for external igni-
tion protection.
Corrosion is usually more prevalent in polluted or salt
water than in clean water. It is also more likely to occur
when dockage is in an area with steel piers, large metal
boats, or where shore power is in use.
B. Galvanic Corrosion
Galvanic corrosion results from a potential electrical dif-
ference existing between dissimilar metals immersed in
a conductive solution (e.g., salt or brackish water). If
these metals touch or are otherwise electrically con-
nected, this potential difference produces an electron flow
between them. The attack on the more active metal is
usually increased and the attack on the less active metal
is decreased, as compared to when these metals are
not touching.
Section H
Page 9
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