Looks like my inboard is kaput! I'll have to buy an outboard. Heres the dumb question: How does or does an outboard help to run all electricity and recharge battery?
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Good question
An outboard typically doesn't help charge the battery, since there's no alternator. This concludes my knowledge of the subject. Perhaps you could get the inboard fixed. Let us know what size sailboat and engine you have, for there is a plethora of great advisers reading these postings every day.
An outboard typically doesn't help charge the battery, since there's no alternator. This concludes my knowledge of the subject. Perhaps you could get the inboard fixed. Let us know what size sailboat and engine you have, for there is a plethora of great advisers reading these postings every day.
Not very helpful
An outboard that has an alternator will generate about 1-2 amps/hr when it's running. That may be enough for instruments but not much else. Much will depend on your needs. If you have anything more than instruments, you will need more output to the batteries.
An outboard that has an alternator will generate about 1-2 amps/hr when it's running. That may be enough for instruments but not much else. Much will depend on your needs. If you have anything more than instruments, you will need more output to the batteries.
My Old Evinrude 9.9 Had an Alternator!
When I bought my '89 Hunter 23.5 (a great boat!), I purposely exchanged the Tohatsu outboard for a long-shaft Evenrude 9.9 with electric start and an alternator so it would charge my combo deep cycle/starting battery while running. I had it for 4 years and powered my lights, auto-pilot, radios, etc. Do your due diligence with the outboard dealer or write/contact the motor manufacturer.
When I bought my '89 Hunter 23.5 (a great boat!), I purposely exchanged the Tohatsu outboard for a long-shaft Evenrude 9.9 with electric start and an alternator so it would charge my combo deep cycle/starting battery while running. I had it for 4 years and powered my lights, auto-pilot, radios, etc. Do your due diligence with the outboard dealer or write/contact the motor manufacturer.
My Johnson 9.9
The Johnson 9.9 (older motor) on my O'Day 25 has an alternator and electric start. The PO had the alternator hooked up to the battery, but when I did some rewiring I disconnected it. I didn't like the way it was connected (just using clamps, not really wired), and I don't use the motor enough for it really to be much help. I go through about 10 gallons a summer, unless I take a trip somewhere that I have to motor a lot.
The Johnson 9.9 (older motor) on my O'Day 25 has an alternator and electric start. The PO had the alternator hooked up to the battery, but when I did some rewiring I disconnected it. I didn't like the way it was connected (just using clamps, not really wired), and I don't use the motor enough for it really to be much help. I go through about 10 gallons a summer, unless I take a trip somewhere that I have to motor a lot.
nissan/tohatsu 9.9 4 stroke
has a 10 amp alternator and electric start. Outboards are much more manuverable for docking. Outboards are generally cheaper to replace. Outboards are generally easier to maintain. The fuel and engine are outside the boat, reducing problems with fumes and fuel in the bilge. Outboards don't have a stuffing box to leak. All depends on the size of your boat and what you need. I've seen some ancient looking inboard diesel engines in the one and two cylinder 10- 15 HP range that would be excellent choices for replacing with an outboard.
has a 10 amp alternator and electric start. Outboards are much more manuverable for docking. Outboards are generally cheaper to replace. Outboards are generally easier to maintain. The fuel and engine are outside the boat, reducing problems with fumes and fuel in the bilge. Outboards don't have a stuffing box to leak. All depends on the size of your boat and what you need. I've seen some ancient looking inboard diesel engines in the one and two cylinder 10- 15 HP range that would be excellent choices for replacing with an outboard.
Why an outboard?
Why an outboard? Because everyone I talk says this is a titan task to fix my Yanmar. They first need to remove it then, rebuild it then place it back. I prefer the inboard but I'm about to give up!
Why an outboard? Because everyone I talk says this is a titan task to fix my Yanmar. They first need to remove it then, rebuild it then place it back. I prefer the inboard but I'm about to give up!
If I were buying and new motor
It would be a Tohatsu. Good motors and the new ones I think are the lightest in the industry. You can get an alternator option for a motor as small as 6 hp. The average output on outboard alternators is 6 amp. r.w.landau
It would be a Tohatsu. Good motors and the new ones I think are the lightest in the industry. You can get an alternator option for a motor as small as 6 hp. The average output on outboard alternators is 6 amp. r.w.landau
outboard
My outboard does not run long enough to be of much help for battery recharge. Used a 5 watt solar panel for some years to keep topped up,but last year on the midatlantic coast we didn't have enough sun to do the job. Am going to a plug in charger this year.
My outboard does not run long enough to be of much help for battery recharge. Used a 5 watt solar panel for some years to keep topped up,but last year on the midatlantic coast we didn't have enough sun to do the job. Am going to a plug in charger this year.
Used solar panels for 18 years
We used a solar panel on our 25 footer for 18 years. Mostly for running lights and autopilot(tiller). We had a Honda outboard but it was pre-alternator. When we cruised, we took a small Coleman PowerMate generator to recharge. Now that we have a Yanmar inboard, I can't imagine being without it. You have our condolances if you have lost the use of yours. I have watched the guys at our marina remove and replace an engine. It did not seem to be that big a deal. Took them less two hours on each end (of course they were all set with everything they needed for the task).
We used a solar panel on our 25 footer for 18 years. Mostly for running lights and autopilot(tiller). We had a Honda outboard but it was pre-alternator. When we cruised, we took a small Coleman PowerMate generator to recharge. Now that we have a Yanmar inboard, I can't imagine being without it. You have our condolances if you have lost the use of yours. I have watched the guys at our marina remove and replace an engine. It did not seem to be that big a deal. Took them less two hours on each end (of course they were all set with everything they needed for the task).
Alt' vs Gen
If you’re going /w an outboard, and need battery charging, please make certain that you get the Alternator (regulated output) option - not the Lighting Generator (un-regulated). You’ll get negligible output at “trolling” speeds, requiring something near to WOT.
If you’re going /w an outboard, and need battery charging, please make certain that you get the Alternator (regulated output) option - not the Lighting Generator (un-regulated). You’ll get negligible output at “trolling” speeds, requiring something near to WOT.
More Details Please
I had the very same question and was too embarrassed to ask. My old 2 cycle 5 hp Gamefisher had no charging capability. A vintage 1985 Honda 7.5 4 stroke came with my "new" H23. It has a connection that the very basic owners manual says can be plugged into at the motor side and connected to the battery for charging on the other end. There is a small hole high up on the transom that I assume was put there to allow passage of the wires. The thin instruction booklet talks about charging but doesn't have a diagram and doesn't say "alternator" anywhere. Am I safe to assume it has a built in alternator? Do I need a voltage regulator? I don't want to cook the battery. Thanks in advance.
I had the very same question and was too embarrassed to ask. My old 2 cycle 5 hp Gamefisher had no charging capability. A vintage 1985 Honda 7.5 4 stroke came with my "new" H23. It has a connection that the very basic owners manual says can be plugged into at the motor side and connected to the battery for charging on the other end. There is a small hole high up on the transom that I assume was put there to allow passage of the wires. The thin instruction booklet talks about charging but doesn't have a diagram and doesn't say "alternator" anywhere. Am I safe to assume it has a built in alternator? Do I need a voltage regulator? I don't want to cook the battery. Thanks in advance.
Does your boat have an outboard mount?
If not, you might want to check into what's involved before committing to an outboard. There may be some work and expense involved in attaching a mount to your stearn.
If not, you might want to check into what's involved before committing to an outboard. There may be some work and expense involved in attaching a mount to your stearn.
Outboard mount?
Trust me, installing an outboard motor is minor. I have worked on refurbishing nearly every part of my boat. I imagine installing an outboard would involve drilling the proper holes and backing them up with a plate or board inside the transom. Hey, that's a great post, thanks.
Trust me, installing an outboard motor is minor. I have worked on refurbishing nearly every part of my boat. I imagine installing an outboard would involve drilling the proper holes and backing them up with a plate or board inside the transom. Hey, that's a great post, thanks.
Me too
I am looking at doing something very similar, replacing my old Atomic with an outboard. I know there are some tradeoffs but overall I am thinking the outboard is preferable. For mounting I am looking to design a custom add on to the back to make the transcom vertical and install a rail mounted bracket. With this I can install a small winch and raise the motor straight up out of the water. For control I am probably going to go with a product called powertiller. It mounts on the tiller and goes to the ourboard remote so you can easily control the engine from the cockpit. I am also toying with the idea of keeping the prop and shaft in and hooking an alternator up to this for charging. As I am sailing I can use that energy to keep the batteries topped off. Kind of a built in towable generator. With the custom mount on the back I also plan on putting a mount for a large propane cylinder. Keeps this outboard so I don't have to worry about gas leakage. Just my thoughts and good luck.
I am looking at doing something very similar, replacing my old Atomic with an outboard. I know there are some tradeoffs but overall I am thinking the outboard is preferable. For mounting I am looking to design a custom add on to the back to make the transcom vertical and install a rail mounted bracket. With this I can install a small winch and raise the motor straight up out of the water. For control I am probably going to go with a product called powertiller. It mounts on the tiller and goes to the ourboard remote so you can easily control the engine from the cockpit. I am also toying with the idea of keeping the prop and shaft in and hooking an alternator up to this for charging. As I am sailing I can use that energy to keep the batteries topped off. Kind of a built in towable generator. With the custom mount on the back I also plan on putting a mount for a large propane cylinder. Keeps this outboard so I don't have to worry about gas leakage. Just my thoughts and good luck.
Why Kaput?
WHY is your inboard kaput? and how much would it cost to replace? If it's an A4, Moyer Marine would have everything you need to fix it, plus you'd have a "real" alternator to support your electrical system. Trade off in the prices would seem to be the solution. Stu
WHY is your inboard kaput? and how much would it cost to replace? If it's an A4, Moyer Marine would have everything you need to fix it, plus you'd have a "real" alternator to support your electrical system. Trade off in the prices would seem to be the solution. Stu
Why Kaput? II
Why Kaput, because everyone's reaction: for instance after I asked my marina three times to fix my engine (Brewer's Marine to be exact) and after I gave them $2500.00 for the winter they ignored me! Kaput because a private Yanmar technician told me he could repair it for $2000.00 but I had to winch it out myself! Kaput because another technician said, "It's too difficult to get at", hence there goes up the white flag and the flag of Outboardia, a country located aft of stern.
Why Kaput, because everyone's reaction: for instance after I asked my marina three times to fix my engine (Brewer's Marine to be exact) and after I gave them $2500.00 for the winter they ignored me! Kaput because a private Yanmar technician told me he could repair it for $2000.00 but I had to winch it out myself! Kaput because another technician said, "It's too difficult to get at", hence there goes up the white flag and the flag of Outboardia, a country located aft of stern.
OK plan, but....
I would remove the old inboard to save weight. You could part it out--take it out in pieces to make it easier. And don't forget to plug or glass over the shaft hole.
I would remove the old inboard to save weight. You could part it out--take it out in pieces to make it easier. And don't forget to plug or glass over the shaft hole.
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