Operation - Single Engine With Dual Battery System - Four winns 278 VISTA Owner's Manual

B. Operation - Single Engine w/ Dual Battery
System
Power to the engines and all 12 volt electrical equip-
ment is controlled at the battery selector panel. On
certain Vista models, separate circuit breakers are
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provided on the battery selector switch panel to
protect the windlass (if applicable), forward and/or aft
bilge pump, stereo, 12 volt receptacle, and ship
systems (if applicable). Note: The quantity and use of
circuit breakers may vary depending upon the Vista
model, equipment availability and battery selector
switch panel used.
1. 1, 2 & BOTH Position Battery Selector Switch -
258 Vista
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A description of the various positions for this battery
switch is as follows:
"OFF" - With the battery selector switch in the "OFF"
position, all 12 volt power to the engine is shut off
except to the automatic bilge pump, stereo and 12
volt receptacle. Circuit breakers are provided on the
battery selector switch panel to protect the aft bilge,
and stereo. Always turn the battery selector switch
and the ship systems breaker switch (if applicable) to
the "OFF" position when the boat is unattended for an
extended period.
NOTICE
DO NOT turn the battery selector switch to the
"OFF" position while the engine is running.
Alternator and wiring damage could result.
1" - Turning the switch to position "1" will use battery
#1 to power the engine and 12 volt equipment.
Battery #2 will be isolated and remain in reserve.
Only battery #1 will be charged by the alternator.
"2" - Turning the switch to position "2" will use battery
#2. Battery #1 is isolated and remains in reserve.
Only battery #2 will be charged by the alternator.
"BOTH" - With the battery selector switch in the
"BOTH" position, the batteries are connected in
parallel. Both batteries will be used by the engine and
all 12 volt equipment. Both batteries will be charged
by the alternator. However, the batteries will charge
at a slower rate compared to setting the switch in the
other positions.
Electrical Systems - Section H
The use of one battery at a time is recommended.
Position the battery selector switch to either the #1
or #2 position.
Under normal conditions, avoid using the "BOTH"
position. Use the "BOTH" position only when a single
battery is not capable of starting the engine.
If one of the designated engine batteries fails to start
its respective engine, engage the "EMERGENCY
START" switch at the helm and attempt to start the
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engine. Current is drawn from the other batteries to
start the engine. Once engine has been started return
the "EMERGENCY START" switch to the "OFF"
position. Once back at port, be sure to have the failed
engine battery checked out for possible service or
replacement.
Four Winns recommends alternating between batter-
ies during boating. Depending upon boating use, this
may increase battery longevity . Use battery #1 for the
first day of a cruise and switch to battery #2 on
the second day.
Position the battery selector switch to the battery
that has sufficient power to start the engine (normally
position "1"). After the engine is running, turn the
battery selector switch to the battery that has the
lowest charge. This will allow the alternator to charge
the low battery. Utilizing the battery selector switch
in this manner (instead of using the "BOTH" position)
will supply a greater charge to the battery.
FOR EXAMPLE: If battery #1 is fully charged and
battery #2 is in need of a charge, use battery #1 to
start the engine. After the engine is running and
warmed-up, turn the battery selector switch to the
#2 position. This will permit the alternator to charge
the low, #2 battery.
2. OFF/ON Battery Switch Operation - 278 Vista
A description of the various positions for this battery
switch is as follows:
"OFF" - With the battery selector switch in the "OFF"
position and the "SHIPS SYSTEMS" circuit breaker in
the "OFF" position, all 12 volt power to the boat is shut
off except to the automatic bilge pumps, stereo and
windlass (if applicable). Always turn the battery
selector switch and the ship systems breaker switch
(if applicable) to the "OFF" position when the boat is
unattended for an extended period.
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