I have an 8 hp Yamaha 2-stroke outboard for my CD 25. I like the 2 stroke because it is lighter, smaller, and mechanically simpler than the 4 strokes of equivalent horsepower.
Although this engine produces a small current for running lights supplied by the magneto, it's probably less than 4 amps, but when rectified and voltage regulated, it is undoubtedly mostly insignifiant for battery charging.
Although I have looked, I haven't seen any reasonable solutions, so I pose this question to the board: Does anyone know of an after-market (or otherwise) alternator add-on that will provide more useful electrical power for charging from a small outboard motor?
Does anyone have any suggestions? Please?
Stan Freihofer
1981 CD 25 #794
Ft. Lauderdale
Outboard Motor Alternator Options?
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Outboard Motor Alternator Options?
Instant Bubble-head. Just add water.
- barfwinkle
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Boat Usage
Good Morning Stan
Question? How do you use your boat. Weekends, daily etc. Second question, what is your amp hour "budget"?
Last summer I installed a small solar charger on Rhapsody. It has proven to be one of the best investments/enhancements I have ever made ($150.)! Period. Having said that with the exception of the summer months, I am a weekender or maybe twice a week. If I was aboard more often the charger I have would not keep up. But as it now stands my batteries are always charged. I love it.
http://www.e-marine-inc.com/products/so ... 0Chrg.html
Food for thought.
Fair Winds and good luck.
Question? How do you use your boat. Weekends, daily etc. Second question, what is your amp hour "budget"?
Last summer I installed a small solar charger on Rhapsody. It has proven to be one of the best investments/enhancements I have ever made ($150.)! Period. Having said that with the exception of the summer months, I am a weekender or maybe twice a week. If I was aboard more often the charger I have would not keep up. But as it now stands my batteries are always charged. I love it.
http://www.e-marine-inc.com/products/so ... 0Chrg.html
Food for thought.
Fair Winds and good luck.
Bill Member #250.
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Hi Bill;
To answer your questions succinctly: I don't know. I haven't hit water yet. I only know I am considering quite a bit of equipment to power: VHS, GPS, depthfinder, autopilot, bilge pump, stereo, computer, lights... for a week or more.
The impetus for my query is to find out what my options are (if any) for charging when the outboard is running.
A solar charger is certainly an option I am considering, and I appreciate the link you provided. Thanks!
To answer your questions succinctly: I don't know. I haven't hit water yet. I only know I am considering quite a bit of equipment to power: VHS, GPS, depthfinder, autopilot, bilge pump, stereo, computer, lights... for a week or more.
The impetus for my query is to find out what my options are (if any) for charging when the outboard is running.
A solar charger is certainly an option I am considering, and I appreciate the link you provided. Thanks!
Instant Bubble-head. Just add water.
Old experience
I had a 25 from 74 to 91 and had VHF, LORAN, lights and found that two Group 27s did a fair job. I would use one till it was too low to work (perhaps four or five days), then change batteries. If I planned to be out more than a couple more days I would find a marina so I could plug in and recharge overnight. Group 31s would give you a bit more wiggle room in your electric budget.
The last five years I had a Honda with an alternator and it gave me one more day before the battery switch. Note this was pre-GPS chart plotter, the stereo was a portable radio and there was no computer. If you can live without the computer by going with an Iphone or Droid you could make it work, but small outboard alternators are minimalist in nature.
The last five years I had a Honda with an alternator and it gave me one more day before the battery switch. Note this was pre-GPS chart plotter, the stereo was a portable radio and there was no computer. If you can live without the computer by going with an Iphone or Droid you could make it work, but small outboard alternators are minimalist in nature.
Jim Davis
S/V Isa Lei
S/V Isa Lei
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Re: Old experience
I surmise you are correct, but this board has surprised me before, and I've found it's better to ask than not.Jim Davis wrote: ... small outboard alternators are minimalist in nature.
Thanks for your feedback.
Instant Bubble-head. Just add water.