New to boats need some info.

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soc45cer1

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Mar 23, 2009
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I just bought my first boat (69 16' Sea Ray with a 68 Evinrude 85 hp outboard). I dont know a whole lot about boat electronics. I do know how to repair electronics and work on car electronics but not boats. So to my question... does an outboard motor charge the battery while running?
 
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Chris1956

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Mar 25, 2004
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Re: New to boats need some info.

Most outboards with electric start will charge the battery using a stator coil under the flywheel and flywheel mounted permanent magnets to produce AC voltage, using a rectifier to convert it to DC and using the battery as a load and regulator. These typically will have 6-12A charging systems.

The higher capacity (35A - 60A) charging systems use a voltage regulator (or two) to rectify and control the output of the stator.

On the old Evinrude motors, a belt driven generator was used with a 60s style mechanical voltage regulator to produce DC current. I do not know what your motor has. You might look to see. I would think you have a belt driven distributor, two sets of points and a single ignition coil.
 
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westfloridapirate

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Mar 4, 2009
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Re: New to boats need some info.

Depends on the motor: some do and some don't. As the Admiral above said, if it is electric start, it probably does. If it is pull start, I doubt it.

Get the model n umber and get a manual - they have them just like the auto repair manuals. You will find modern outboard engines are very much like automotive engines, only turned up on end. There will be some differences in physical location of parts. However, if you are experienced in auto engines, you likely will be able to figure out what does what on basic outboards. Some of the more complex ones, well, can be hairy but nothing insurmountable.

Good luck. ANd, don't forget the gearcase/lower unit oil (generally like hypoid).
 
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