outboard/alternator hookup for Hunter 23

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Ron Kramer

I purchased a 1988 H23 late last season. After skimming forum archives for an outboard replacement for the original Nissan 5hp, I purchased an 8hp Nissan with alternator. The Nissan 8hp offered relatively low weight (59 lbs), plus 6 amp outage for battery charging. After putting most of my spring time efforts into sanding and repainting hull, I realized after the fact that I had no sensible plan to run electrical cables from motor to battery. I contacted HunterMarine; they suggested the forum. Any ideas would be appreciated. thanks/Ron
 
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Brian

Hey Ron...very interested

I have an 87 h23 and just recently purchased the same Nissan 2stroke, 8hp, 12v charging, electric start motor...man I like the sound of that! Anyway mine came with the + and - battery hookups but after test mounting the motor I realize that there isn't enough slack in the hookups to make it all the way to the battery...that is the first issue I noticed; secondly the original motor mount looks a little flimsy so I plan on changing that for peace of mind... So, I said that to say this... as of right now my plan of attack is to upgrade to a better mount, drill through the transom to run the battery hookups and eventually extend them with butt connectors to the battery terminals. This is my plan in theory but as this forum has proved in the past, "there is sometimes a better way." I'm interested to see who has some ideas! Brian h23 kickin' back
 
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John

My solution

I read that charging systems on these outboards does not give enough amperage to charge your batteries. Last season I found a solution that has worked very well for me. I bought a 700W portable Honda generator that I hook up to my battery charger when anchored. The generator is only 26 lbs and is supper quiet. I simply strap the unit on the port side cockpit seat (exhause facing aft) and let her run. The fuel tank has enough fuel for 3-4 hrs of operation.
 
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John Baumgartner

another thought

I would recommend that you DON"T use a AGM or GEL-Cell battery as your starting battery, the voltage output of under 10HP outboards is dependent on engine RPM (they don't use a generator or altnator but a magnato) with just rectification and NO regulation, which could dammage either type of batteries. My 3cents worth
 
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crazy dave

Trollking motor plugs

I would suggest that you look at the trolling motor plugs. Get the one for installation on the transom with the male version and the female version for the cable coming from the motor. When you see it, you will understand the installation and ease of a quick disconnect. Crazy dave condon
 
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Ron Kramer

follow up from Nissan re: 8 hp w/ electrical

Thanks for the leads re: Nissan 8hp battery connect. I did contact Nissan tech at their Dallas office; was informed that engine was set with alternator and rectifier (AC to DC voltage), charging is non-regulated 1 1/2 - 6 amps at wide open throttle) not recommended for majority of gel cell batteries that accept 2 amps or less/ will work with deep cycle batteries unless extreme conditions, ie. full throttle for 8 hrs/greater....recommend heavier 4 or 6 gauge wire if running original connectors greater 10'. Brian, if you want to forward an update on your through transom connection, contact me at ronkramer@centurytel.net
 
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Bob Zanowicz

Been there done that...

I did the same thing last summer, as crazy dave recommended, but with a slight twist (no pun intended). I mounted the female on the transom and the male to the wire coming from the motor.Just use plenty of sealer! It makes all the difference when you take the motor off for service or at the end of each season. BTW my aged ('87)9.9 Johnson sailmaster that I have now I'm thinking of replacing with that particular Nissan 8 hp w/alternator. It sounds like a great motor for the money, even though it is a 2 stroke. Any thoughts? Bob
 
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Brian

Bob...Ron...

Bob, I'll let you know in a couple of weeks how the motor performs... Ron, I plan on mounting everything this weekend as long as the weather is agrees...I'd like to keep in touch to find out how your project pans out. Brian
 
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Ed Gardner

Thru-bolts already available

Brian, If you haven't already drilled new holes you already have the connectors you need. I added a Tohatsu 8hp with electric start last year. Went through the same thing about how to run battery cables. Then I realized those four bolts holding the motor mount to the transom already go through. I just replaced the lower pair with ones long enough to get the battery cables on the inside, with the cables from the motor on the outside held on with wing nuts. A couple of extra nuts and washers hold the bolts tight to the transom/motor mount. Add the rubber boots to the motor cables to prevent accidentally shorting across the plus and minus and you're in business. Ed
 
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