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Getting Your Boat Ready for Spring: Electrical System Maintenance

Getting Your Boat Ready for Spring: Electrical System Maintenance

You rely on your boat’s electrical system to run lights, electronics, appliances, pumps and gauges – and to start the engine – so annual servicing is critical. This spring someone, either you or your boatyard, should:

— Clean D/C positive and negative wiring connections, batteries, fuse blocks, circuit protection and engines
— Remove starter, inspect for corrosion, service all terminal connections and grease bendix
— Inspect alternator for signs of corrosion, check and service all terminal connections
— Check and, if necessary replace alternator V-belt. Ensure proper alignment and tension
— Disconnect and clean any corrosion from both ends of engine instrument harness connections
— Clean and seal all bonding connections, replace compromised terminal ends
— Service nav light sockets and install bulbs in dielectric grease
— Check navigational gear for software updates and all connections for antenna and power inputs
— Inspect A/C wiring from shore inlet to battery charger, circuit protection through to ground fault protections.

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