Two questions...

[mickarch]

First, I have a 1965 Merc 350, sn:1888644. I has remote controls and electric start. Is this motor capable of charging the battery? I don't see any kind of alternator or voltage regulator and it got me thinking...

Second, that motor is on a 1966 16' aluminum closed bow 'Duo' brand boat and I just acquired a 9.9 kicker for it, which side is the best to put the kicker? Same as the steering wheel?

Thanks for the help,
Mick

 

[Laddies]

Re: Two questions...

Your 35 does not have a charging system and in most cases the kicker goes on the opposite side of the wheel for balance

 

[mickarch]

Re: Two questions...

Thank you very much for the response! Opposite side it is. If you can't tell, I'm new at this.

Since there is no charging system, how concerned should I be about running my VHF radio, bilge pump and fish finder? The main motor and kicker both have pull starters as well, so I guess that's not going to be a problem. I have a group 24 dual purpose battery in there now that came with the boat, don't know how old or reliable it is. Perhaps I should swap that for new one? Would it be advisable to keep the old one too and add an battery switch (off-1-2)?

Thanks again for the help!
mick

 

[Laddies]

Re: Two questions...

There was not a way to put a charging system on the 35HP engine because the area under the flywheel was used for the Phelon ign. system and as you can see there is not room under the cowl for a generator. In the days those engines were built there was not many electric accessories on most boats so the only power used was to start the engine and most good batteries would last the summer on 1 or 2 charges, that leave you with either a battery charging once in awhile or we have had a couple people go with a solar charger.