BENETEAU 331 Owner's Manual page 63

BATTERY MAINTENANCE
Make sure that the level of the electrolyte is always at least 1/2" above the top of the
plates. This level can change suddenly, due to evaporation in an overheated bilge.
WARNING! THE ELECTROLYTE IN A BATTERY IS A SOLUTION
OF SULFURIC ACID. IF ANY SHOULD ENTER THE EYES, RINSE
IMMEDIATELY WITH LARGE AMOUNTS OF FRESH WATER,
AND SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. ELECTROLYTE SPILLED
ON SKIN SHOULD BE RINSED WELL WITH FRESH WATER.
EVEN SMALL AMOUNTS OF ELECTROLYTE SPILLED ON
CLOTHING WILL DESTROY THE CLOTHING.
If the level is low, fill the battery with distilled water and nothing else. The level of
acidity (i.e. the relative density of the electrolyte) should also be checked from time to
time.
CAUTION! USE ONLY PURE DISTILLED WATER TO REPLENISH
ELECTROLYTE LEVELS. THE WATER FROM MANY CITY
WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS IS UNSATISFACTORY FOR BATTERY
USE.
Keep battery connections clean and tight. A cup full of strong baking soda solution and a
toothbrush will clean corrosion from the terminals and neutralize any spilled acid (do not
allow any of the solution to enter the battery cells). A coating of petroleum jelly or
silicone grease on the battery terminals will inhibit corrosion.
WATER SYSTEM
Check all joints regularly for leaks. Keep the tank(s) filled. If, however, you have to
leave the boat unattended for several months, disconnect the water lines, purge them, and
rinse them thoroughly with vinegar and water so that they do not form foul-smelling
deposits.
Important: If the electric pump continues running when all the taps are closed, switch
off the power supply at once and check the water system to find and overcome the leak
that is causing this.
Check the thru-hulls, seacocks, connectors and hose clamps regularly. Make sure the
seacocks turn freely.
MARINE HEAD
Maintenance consists of regularly pumping the system out with fresh water and leaving
the holding tank empty whenever possible.
Check the thru-hulls, seacocks, connectors and hose clamps regularly. Make sure the
seacocks turn freely.
BENETEAU 331
Jan. 10, 2003
rev 02
Page 63 of 73