Tohatsu Charging

[DocMB]

I have a 2019 6hp Tohatsu Sail Pro with the optional battery charging option. I have the original wires (battery cable) running from the alternator to charge the battery. Can I run those wires directly to my deep cycle battery, or do I need some type of electronic protection/regulator to protect the battery or alternator. Thanks in advance!

 

[Jacktar]

Direct to battery, motor alternator has a voltage regulator on it.

 

[DocMB]

Thanks very much. I hoped that was the case, but couldn't find it anywhere, in their literature or otherwise.

 

[Leeward Rail]

Yes, you can connect the sailpro output directly to a battery. That is what it was designed for.

Keep in mind that the tohatsu sailpro's power output is very low. It only puts out it's rating at full throttle.

We didn't run the motor much, and even then, at half throttle or less...

Our 100 watt solar panel was a much better option.

So much so, that I eventually stopped bothering to connect the sailpro output when I remounted the motor each spring.

 

[Davidasailor26]

Best to use a fuse on the battery end of the positive cable, to protect the cable from any shorts.

 

[ambler]

I had the same experience as Leeward Rail. I just run the Tohatsu 6 for 15-20 min at less than half throttle to get out and in the marina. I does practically nothing for charging the battery. The solar panel is much better.

 

[dlochner]

The output from the output varies with the motor speed, the primary purpose is to recharge the battery after starting with an electric start and powering navigation lights. I think they put out around 5 amps at max RPM.

 

[Grotto]

I’m wired for both, Solar and motor during sailing the solar keeps up with charts and radio, motor charging if no wind or Uber cloudy. 5amp is a really small charge from the motor but I only draw around 3amp even with autopilot on.

 

[Jacktar]

Yep really depends on much load you pull from your battery when not charging however. I only draw nav and running lights all led and radio on receive and depth finder. Not much load and running motor in and out of harbor briefly keeps all up to 12.4 on average.

 

[DocMB]

Thanks to everyone for all the great advice! Always learning something here.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I had a 4hp Tohatsu from '94. It did not have a regulator from the factory. It was putting out an AC signal.

I have zero issues charging my two batteries with a 100w Renogy solar panel and a couple of Morningstar SunSaver6 PWM controllers. 50w is enough for most day sailors. A rigid panel and a controller from a good brand (such as Morningstar, not Renogy) is suggested. MainSail has an article or two about solar.