Maintenance59deteriorate. Ordinary tap water contains mineralsharmful to a battery, and should not beused for topping up.1. Check the electrolyte level at least oncea month. Fill to the manufacturer’s rec-ommended level when necessary. Topup only with distilled water (or pure de-ionized water suitable to use in batter-ies).2. Always keep the battery in a good stateof charge. Installing a voltmeter will helpyou monitor your battery. If you will notuse the boat for a month or more, re-move the battery from the boat and storeit in a cool, dark place. Completely re-charge the battery before using it.3. If the battery will be stored for longerthan a month, check the specific gravityof the fluid at least once a month and re-charge the battery when it is low.NOTE:Consult a Yamaha dealer when charging orre-charging batteries.EMU29341Connecting the batteryWARNINGEWM00570Mount the battery holder securely in adry, well-ventilated, vibration-free loca-tion in the boat. Install a fully charged bat-tery in the holder.CAUTION:ECM01121 Make sure the main switch (on applica-ble models) is “ ” (off) before work-ing on the battery. Reversal of the battery cables will dam-age the electrical parts. Connect the red battery cable firstwhen installing the battery and discon-nect the black battery cable first whenremoving it. Otherwise, the electricalparts can be damaged. The electrical contacts of the batteryand cables must be clean and properlyconnected, or the battery will not startthe engine.Connect the RED cable to the POSITIVE (+)terminal first. Then connect the BLACK ca-ble to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal.Using a single batteryConnect both red cables to the (+) terminal.WARNINGEWM00590Do not leave cable unconnected. If it acci-dentally contacts the NEGATIVE (-) termi-nal of the battery, there will be a shortcircuit. Electric system damage and a firecould result.