BLUF: PMCS will help prevent the electrical connections on watercraft engines from shorting out.
Courtesy Photo
The exposed electrical connections on watercraft engines, in particular around the starters, are prone to shorting out. This is especially true when exposed to the weather.
Electrical shorts can be caused by condensation, as well as nuts and screws that are loose or improperly connected. Frayed connections and wires are another common culprit.
Daily PMCS checks include checking and tightening all electrical connections before, during and after vessel operation. If you see something that doesn’t look right, tell your mechanic.
The area around the batteries should always be kept dry. Positive and negative battery terminals should have boots placed on them, along with a light coat of grease, to help prevent corrosion.
Get a red positive battery terminal cover with NSN 5940-00-738-6272 and a black negative battery terminal cover with NSN 5999-01-382-8223.
Exposed electrical connections can short out