How many watt?

Bjornis

Seaman Apprentice
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Aug 24, 2004
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33
Hi!<br />Just bought a -79 80hp mercury. How many watts is the electrical system?<br /><br />Thinking of putting lights on the boat but wouldnt like to fry the engine.<br /><br />Happy boating!<br /><br />/Bjornis
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
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Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,074
Re: How many watt?

I think that motor had about a 48 watt charging system. It will be plenty for running lights. fishfinder, radios, but not enough for floodlights.
 

Bjornis

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Aug 24, 2004
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Re: How many watt?

Thanks cris1956!<br /><br />Not the answer i hoped for though, wanted it to be alot more watt. Want floodlights, fishfinder, cooler, a BIG sound system and a lot more toys...<br /><br />Well, cant have it all... or can I... :)
 

emckelvy

Commander
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Jan 16, 2004
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2,506
Re: How many watt?

That system charges at about 10 amps maximum. 10 amps X 12V nominal = 120 watts. In practice actual will be a bit more but that's about it. And don't expect that output at idle, you don't get a lot of charging below 1500 rpm.<br /><br />If you're going to have a very large electrical load, you might consider having an extra, hi-capacity deep-cycle marine battery.<br /><br />HTH......ed
 

Bjornis

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Aug 24, 2004
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Re: How many watt?

Hmmm, 120 watts, that should be enough. The things that I "need" is:<br />fishfinder (no probs there, dont take so much)<br />small stereo (no big things, should be ok)<br />gps (no prob)<br />floodlight, this is what could cause problem.<br /><br />If the charging can handle 120 watts I would be able to use a 55 watt light.<br /><br />Please comment my toughts on this.<br /><br />Btw, thanks Ed.
 

Dunaruna

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May 2, 2003
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6,027
Re: How many watt?

You need to establish whether or not the 80 will pull start o/k, don't want to be left stranded.<br /><br />If it were me I'd play it safe, take a spare battery just for the spotlight, charge it up at home before each outing.<br /><br />Aldo
 

Bjornis

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Aug 24, 2004
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33
Re: How many watt?

Yes, i will try to pull start, god to know for safety reasons.<br /><br />The lights will only be used when boat running so I'm thinking of putting in an amp-meter. So long the amp-meter shows it charging i would be ok, right?<br /><br />I also will bring a second motor (old 4 hp) for safety. Its not fast but much easier and faster than rowing.<br /><br />/Bjornis
 

Dunaruna

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May 2, 2003
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6,027
Re: How many watt?

An AMP meter will give a good indication of overtaxing of the charging system, keep it in the positive side of the scale and you'll be fine.<br /><br />A spare motor is a good idea.<br /><br />Happy fishing.<br /><br />Aldo
 

Dunaruna

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May 2, 2003
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Re: How many watt?

Originally posted by Bjornis:<br /> Thanks for the help Aldo (and you other to)!
That would be Chris1956 and Ed Mc.<br /><br />Your welcome.<br /><br />Aldo
 

emckelvy

Commander
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Jan 16, 2004
Messages
2,506
Re: How many watt?

A '79 80 HP has self-energizing ign and should rope-start if the battery was dead. Just depends on how much juice the Arm-Strong rope starter has!!! lol.<br /><br />The kicker idea is probably a better one.<br /><br />Also you could carry one of those portable battery booster boxes that will jumpstart a dead motor.
 

Bjornis

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Aug 24, 2004
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Re: How many watt?

No probs with the arm-strenght :) :) <br /><br />Seriosly, when rope-start, I should be able to put the whole body behind the pull. Got a god place to put my foot so there should be no problem starting the engine. <br /><br />Of course, I will try it under safe conditions before i trust my strengt :)
 
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