Battery charging Outbaord engine

[Midlant]

Will my 1987 Mercury 135 hp charge the battery? Sorry if this seems like
a stupid question. I put my battery on a charger after each outing.
Thinking back to the boats I had as a kid, I never charged a battery.
For the most part the engines I had were pull start, but the last two I
had were electric start.
John

 

[Peter Bennett]

Will my 1987 Mercury 135 hp charge the battery? Sorry if this seems like
a stupid question. I put my battery on a charger after each outing.
Thinking back to the boats I had as a kid, I never charged a battery.
For the most part the engines I had were pull start, but the last two I
had were electric start.
John

I would expect any engine with electric start would also have battery
charging capabilities.

If you have a voltmeter, you can easily check by measuring the battery
voltage - with the engine stopped, the voltage will be 12.6 - 13
volts. With the engine running fast enough to charge, the voltage
will rise, probably to a little over 14 volts.



--
Peter Bennett, VE7CEI
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[Midlant]

If you have a voltmeter, you can easily check by measuring the battery
voltage - with the engine stopped, the voltage will be 12.6 - 13
volts. With the engine running fast enough to charge, the voltage
will rise, probably to a little over 14 volts.

I may do that next time I head out. Kind of hard holding two leads on
the battery while the boat is cooking along at a good speed wand
bouncing with the waves. If I had a passenger that would be easy. I
could tape or secure the leads to the posts.....

I asked as I was curious if anyone knew the design of them as to whether
it's just enough to charge or they're designed to meet all your needs
while out running.
John

 

[Midlant]

Most outboards engines have a way run them a bit faster in neutral.
It won't take much --
1200-1500 RPM.

I'm heading out tomorrow to fish and taking a buddy along. If I remember
to take my meter, I'll let you know what I find.
John