Maintenance & Operation
Maintenance
Battery Water
The original flooded lead acid batteries require periodic (approximately monthly)
topping-off with distilled water.
Trojan's web site
provides good information about battery
maintenance.
Battery Connections
The marine environment and acid venting from the batteries can cause electrical connections to corrode. If a connection looks poor, flex the wire near the connection to see if the wire itself is been compromised.
Bilge Pump
Periodically test bilge pump operation as described here.
Inspection and Haul Out
Periodic haul outs are required for inspection and to reapply Antifouling paint below the waterline, which becomes thin over time. Your hull cleaning service should advise when repainting is necessary. Our boat requires bottom paint every 2-3 years.
Your cleaning service should also inspect the sacrificial anode on your propeller shaft, which decays at different rates depending on the environment your boat is in. This is most easily replaced during haul out, but can also be done by a diver. Zinc anodes are typically used in salt water environments. Magnesium or aluminum are typical for fresh water.
Motor Enclosure Ventilation
When the key switch is on, a fan on the front of the motor enclosure and a blower attached to an external vent on the bow or stern should both run.
Navigation Lights
Check for proper operation and that the lenses on the lights are not cloudy, reducing the effectiveness of the lights. Keep extra bulbs on-board.
Zippers
Use zipper lubricant to keep the zippers working smoothly and to help prevent corrosion.
Operation
Extending Battery Life
Your batteries have a limited number of charging cycles, especially the original flooded lead acid batteries. Deeper discharges reduce the number of cycles more than smaller discharges, so it's best to leave the dock with a full charge.
Battery power consumption in the Duffy is very high at full speed compared to just a bit slower, so slowing down will help your batteries to last longer.
Getting Home on a Low Battery Charge
If you are away from the dock with a low charge, returning to the dock as slowly as possible will conserve power.
