Owner`s manual

Chapter 3
3-4
Sport Boat
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The boat may be equipped with a 12-volt direct current (12 VDC) negative
ground electrical system. The positive (red) wire is hot and feeds current
from the battery to the electrical systems. The negative (black) wire is
ground and completes the circuit back to the battery. Until the engine is
running at high idle or faster, all electrical power comes from the main
battery. Once the engine is started and running at adequate RPM,
electrical power is then provided by the engine alternator. The alternator
provides more power as engine speed is increased. When the engine is
operating, the alternator is charging the battery.
More electrical accessories than ever are being used on today’s boats.
Continuous operation of electrical accessories when the engine is not
operating, or operating at low idle (trolling) speeds may discharge the
battery to the point where it may not be able to crank the engine. A poorly
maintained battery will discharge more quickly, and if corrosion is present
the engine might not start due to high electrical resistance at the battery
terminals, even though there may be sufficient battery reserves to start the
engine.
STEERING SYSTEM
The steering system may be mechanical, power-assisted or hydraulic in
operation. Boat steering is not self-centering. Always keep a secure grip
on the steering wheel to maintain full boat control.
With mechanical steering, the helm unit transfers rotary motion of the
steering wheel to linear motion in the cable which pushes or pulls the
steering arm. Some boats are equipped with two cables; one cable pushes
and the other pulls.
With power-assisted systems, the helm unit transfers rotary motion of the
steering wheel to linear motion which pushes or pulls a cable. The cable
movement is sensed and a signal is sent to a hydraulic pump which moves
the hydraulic cylinder attached to the steering arm.
A hydraulic system has a pump mounted directly to the steering wheel with
two hoses running from the pump to a hydraulic cylinder. When the
steering wheel is turned, it moves the hydraulic cylinder which is
connected to the steering arm. A reservoir, either separate or integral with
the pump, holds extra fluid and maintains a pressure head to prevent air
from entering the system.
KCC_SportBoat_Book.book Page 4 Tuesday, December 5, 2006 7:19 AM