Tohatsu Charging

DocMB

.
Nov 12, 2006
5
- - Ft. Monroe, Va
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!
 

DocMB

.
Nov 12, 2006
5
- - Ft. Monroe, Va
Thanks very much. I hoped that was the case, but couldn't find it anywhere, in their literature or otherwise.
 
Mar 20, 2015
3,227
C&C 30 Mk1 Winnipeg
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.
 
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ambler

.
Dec 7, 2013
61
catalina 22 11619 Watauga Lake, TN
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.
 
Jan 11, 2014
12,833
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
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

.
Feb 18, 2018
280
Catalina 22 Wilmington
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.
 
Sep 14, 2014
1,278
Catalina 22 Pensacola, Florida
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.
 
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DocMB

.
Nov 12, 2006
5
- - Ft. Monroe, Va
Thanks to everyone for all the great advice! Always learning something here.
 
Sep 24, 2018
3,340
Catalina 30 MKIII Chicago
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.