2013 Chaparral SSi Owner’s Manual
Chaparral Boats, Inc.
Nashville, GA
chaparralboats.com
3-1
SYSTEMS
The drawings at the end of this chapter show the typical locations of sys-
tem equipment.
NOTE: For location of items listed in this chapter, refer to the respec-
tive drawing. Depending on how your boat is equipped, the location
of some items may be different than shown in the illustration.
Your Chaparral boat has a 12 volt, direct current (DC) battery system.
Safety Precautions
Follow these precautions when working with or on electrical systems or
electrically powered equipment:
1. Shut off power supply before starting work.
2. Use insulated mats to prevent accidental grounding.
3. Make sure clothing is dry. Keep skin dry.
4. Remove all metal jewelry.
12 Volt DC Power
Batteries are the source of power for the 12 volt DC (direct current) elec-
trical system. The batteries are charged through the engine-driven al-
ternator. The voltmeter on the instrument panel in the dash shows the
battery charging rate when the engine is running.
The negative terminal of each battery is connected to the grounding
studs of the main engine(s). This type of negative ground system is the
approved system for marine DC electrical systems. If you add additional
equipment to your boat it must be adaptable to the negative ground sys-
tem.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
NOTE: A fuse block near the helm has been provided with additional
accessory hookups. Consult your Chaparral dealer for additional
DC power needs on your boat.
CAUTION: When adding electrical equipment, be careful not to
overload the fuse block.
Note: The appropriate fuse or circuit breaker must be used. Consult
a qualifi ed technician for proper fuse size.
WARNING: Considerable care has been taken to design a
safe electrical system to protect you from hazardous shocks.
Always have a qualifi ed technician make any modifi cations to
the system.
DANGER: Do Not disconnect or reconnect battery cables if
gasoline fumes are present!
The battery installed in your boat by your Chaparral dealer supplies your
boat with DC current for lights, engine starting, and accessories. When
the engine is running, the alternator supplies the power needed to keep
the batteries charged. Lights and accessories draw power from the bat-
teries.