Retrofit charging system on '59 Evinrude 50hp?

[dorsett59]

Hey, all.
I have a 50hp Evinrude on a '59 Dorsett hull. I'd like to keep them together, but wouyld like to find a way to provide more energy for the electrical system. I'm thinking of using it for camping and/or some things that will require a pretty constant power draw. I don't want to have to depend on the battery.
Any ideas on retrofitting an alternator or generator, now that the originals are almost extinct?
Thanks in advance

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Retrofit charging system on '59 Evinrude 50hp?

The problem you will have is finding a generator to fit the space available. Mercury has a belt driven alternator set up on some of their newer models. However I think this would be too wide for you. I wonder if you could make your own generator from a permanent magnet Marine starter. You would need to put a pulley on in place of the starter gear and find a way to mount it, but it is the right sorta of shape. You could get a DC-DC converter or solid state VR to control the voltage. Starters are not really rated to be continuous usage however. They have bushings vs bearing like in an alternator.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Retrofit charging system on '59 Evinrude 50hp?

I wonder if you wouldn't be better off with a standalone generator for your purposes. Using your outboard as a battery charger sounds pretty fuel intensive to me.

I'm just sayin...

 

[rolmops]

Re: Retrofit charging system on '59 Evinrude 50hp?

That fat fifty gives you very little return in electricity or other power per gallon of fuel.That being said,they do make great anchors...
If you wish to keep it for sentimental reasons I can fully understand,but for camping there are these very quiet Honda generators that are very fuel efficient and very quiet at the same time.