Section 6 • Electrical System; Dc Electrical System; Recommended Batteries - Sea Ray 250 Select EX Owner's Manual

S
1. DC E
LECTRICAL
The 12 volt direct current (DC) electrical system
(similar to that in your car or truck) derives its power
from the batteries. Batteries are kept charged by
the engine-driven alternator or the optional battery
charger/converter which must be powered by shore
power. The battery voltage is indicated by the
voltmeter on the SmartCraft™ System Tach. The
negative terminal of the battery is attached to the
main negative bus.
Ask your dealer for a careful analysis of DC power
needs on your boat. It may be necessary to add
batteries or auxiliary charging methods to supply
adequate power for any additional accessories you
wish to add.
B
ATTERIES
! DAN GER
DO NOT USE JUMPER CABLES IN THE ENGINE
COMPARTMENT.
They can cause an explosion from sparks.
! DAN GER
A battery will explode if a fl ame or spark
ignites the free hydrogen given off during
charging.
Never use an open fl ame or strike sparks in
the battery area.
The battery installed in your boat has been selected
for its ability to furnish starting power based on
engine starting requirements, as well as its ability to
power the DC accessories attached to the electrical
system. See the table below for the recommended
battery for your boat.
To remove the battery cables:
1. Turn off all items drawing power from the
battery.
2. Turn the battery switch to the OFF position
(Battery switch is optional equipment on some
models).
3. Remove the negative cable first, then the
positive cable (See Fig. 6.2.1). To replace the
cables, fi rst replace the positive cable, then the
negative.
250 Select EX
6 • E
ECTION
S
YSTEM
S
LECTRICAL
To prevent arcing or damage to the alternator,
always disconnect battery cables before doing
any work on the engine's electrical system.
B M
ATTERY AINTENANCE
• Check the fl uid levels in the cells approximately
every 4 weeks, and weekly in summer and hot
zones.
• The fl uid level must be between the lower and
upper markings.
• Replenish only with distilled water. Do not use
metal funnel.
• Coat battery terminal clamps with silicone
grease. Keep battery clean and dry.
Battery life is shortened if it is drained to zero
charge before recharging. It is recommended that
a battery not be discharged more than 50 percent.
If the battery does become run down, recharge it
as soon as possible.
Running the engine to recharge the battery may not
be effective. The alternator only creates charging
power at higher engine speeds, so simply idling or
trolling will not generate enough power to recharge
the battery.
If you need to charge a battery, use only a battery
charger designed to charge automotive/marine
batteries. Use charger only when battery is
disconnected from the boat's electrical circuit.
Follow the charger instructions.
If your boat will not be used for several weeks or
more remove the battery from the boat and connect
it to a charger.
A. R
ECOMMENDED
The following table describes the recommended
marine cranking batteries to install in your boat.
All batteries should be of the same type, age &
rating.
Application Group
Engines 31
*COLD CRANKING AMPS
RECOMMENDED BATTERY:
DOUGLAS BATTERY TYPE: 31DCM, ITEM NUMBER: 989 OR EQUIVALENT
DIMENSIONS: 13" x 6 13 / " x 10
16
YSTEM
! CAUTION
B
ATTERIES
Volts CCA* Reserve
12 800 200
1 / "
16
Qty.
2
6.1