Add alternator to 1987 Merc 60?

[andrewss]

Is it possible to add an alternator to a 1987 2 stroke 60hp? Would love to be able to charge my batteries, I have 'range anxiety' when I go on week long fishing trips.

 

[racerone]

Most 60 HP motors have a battery charging system on them.-----Look for it.----Or check voltage at the battery with motor stopped and running at a fast idle.

 

[andrewss]

Most 60 HP motors have a battery charging system on them.-----Look for it.----Or check voltage at the battery with motor stopped and running at a fast idle.

Interesting! I just got the boat in the fall spur of the moment and only ran it a few times before winterizing. I'll have a look for the stator, and check voltages. The previous owner installed a permanent Noco dual bank charger so I just assumed he always had to plug the batteries in to keep them topped up.

Best case it's functional and i just didnt notice. OR i just need to rewire back to the battery.
Worst case even if i have to replace the stator and/or rectifier this is a huge win.

I have a marine starting battery and a standard marine battery for accessories... any idea if the motor can charge both? I believe the batteries are slightly different amp-hour

...now i need to figure out a cost effective retro-fit to add power trim!

 

[Chris1956]

If the motor has a charging system, which is likely, it can charge both batteries. However, some of the charging systems are so weak, that charging a trolling motor battery would take 24 hours of the motor running, which is not practical.

if you are running low current stuff like a fishfinder, and marine radio, the motor will usually keep that charged, with a few hours of operation.

if you go on the crowleymarine web site and look up your motor by year and HP, you can see if it ever came with PTT. Replacement PTT units as well as aftermarket units are available for most motors.