Alternator not charging. Is it safe to use the engine for daysailing

[Muttondressedaslamb]

don’t make it too tight, you could damage the bearings on your water pump (coolant).

Greg

I was just making a bit of humor out of the situation, but thanks for the advice

 

[Muttondressedaslamb]

An accurate and reliable digital voltmeter is a useful tool. I'm not sure you'll find one that meets that criteria at HF.

10 or more years ago, I would have totally agreed with you. Recently, they have really upped their game. One time, I even saw a "Snap on" tool truck parked in their lot

 

[capta]

My boat is on a mooring, not a slip. I do practice sailing up to the mooring on a regular basis, leaving the engine running in neutral.

There you go. Even easier.

 

[Muttondressedaslamb]

There you go. Even easier.

I keep my boat on a mooring in Staten Island's Great Kills Harbor. Check out the chart. When the tide is going out, you can be faced with up to a 2 knot current. If the wind is in an unfavorable direction and you have to tack, it can be next to impossible. The channel is narrow and leaves you little room for error. Running aground is a real possibility. Faced with a dead engine, outgoing tide, and unfavorable wind, I would anchor outside the channel and wait for a tow from a passing boat or for the tides to change

 

[jviss]

Well, it could be that the Voltmeter is faulty. I would certainly investigate, though, as you're on a mooring, and without solar, if your charging system isn't working your batteries will ultimately discharge to the point that you can't start the engine.

A DC clamp meter is great, since you can see if there is actually current flowing from the alternator when the engine is running.