User's Manual

Battery Precautions
!
WARNING
An operating or charging battery produces gas that can ignite and explode,
spraying out sulfuric acid, which can cause severe burns. Ventilate the area
around the battery and wear protective equipment when handling or servicing
batteries.
When charging batteries, an explosive gas mixture forms in each cell. Part of
this gas escapes through holes in the vent plugs and may form an explosive
atmosphere around the battery if ventilation is poor. This explosive gas may
remain in or around the battery for several hours after it has been charged.
Sparks or flames can ignite this gas and cause an internal explosion, which
may shatter the battery.
The following precautions should be observed to prevent an explosion:
1. Do not smoke near batteries being charged or which have been charged
recently.
2. Do not break live circuits at the battery terminals, because a spark usually
occurs at the point where a live circuit is broken. Always be careful when
connecting or disconnecting cable clamps on chargers. Poor connections
are a common cause of electrical arcs, which cause explosions.
3. Do not reverse the polarity of battery terminal to cable connections.
Establishing a Common Ground
A common ground (–) connection increases sonar sensitivity, improves sonar
display, avoids the ground circuit as a possible source of corrosion or
electrolysis, and reduces interference with other electronic equipment. For
12‑volt trolling motor applications, connect the negative (–) terminal on the
trolling motor battery to the negative (–) terminal on the engine starting battery
with a common ground cable to establish a common ground.
For 24‑volt and 36‑volt trolling motors, a common ground (–) connection cannot
be established with the 12‑volt electrical system in the boat due to the different
circuit voltages. As a general rule to reduce interference with other electronics
on your boat, route all battery wiring away from other boat wiring (opposite side
of the boat if possible), keep the battery cable length as short as possible, and
always use battery cables of the appropriate size (gauge).
ELECTROLYSIS
Using the main engine battery as a power source for the trolling motor may
cause electrolysis on metallic parts. If the motor and battery wiring are installed
correctly and electrolysis issues continue, separate the trolling motor from any
other boat electronics. Using the main engine battery as a power source for the
trolling motor is not recommended. Refer to Battery Connection for correct
installation.
PRODUCT INSTALLATION, WIRING, AND BATTERY
INFORMATION
eng 13