Home › Forum › Ask A Member › Hello. First Post… › Re: Hello. First Post…

#24686
billw
Participant

    US Member

    Boy, that boat is some nice! What nice work! It’s going to be a lot of fun!

    I agree with everyone else that small outboard alternators leave something to be desired. For that matter, many bigger outboards do not have the alternator to power ship’s service loads, other than maybe running lights. I think that, if I were going to do what you’re going to do, I would get one of those little portable, stowable, 120 volt generators and then wire in a 20 amp battery charger, made for permanent marine installation, the type that bass boat guys use to charge their electric trolling motor batteries. You could have an engine battery and a ship’s service battery (or multiple SS batteries) with a VSR as Pappy suggests, but also have the ability to charge both banks with the 120 volt charger. You could also plug into shore power and charge them, when docked. Being in FL and GA, you’re going to want to run 12 volt fans in the pilot house, I bet; so you need power.

    This is just my opinion; but there is some serious windage on that boat. If you could slip your mind into ’80s outboards, I’d suggest something from the 20/25/30/35 OMC engine family. They are very reliable work horses, salt water-capable and fairly simple to work on, compared to modern engines. Their displacement will allow you to turn into the wind with no problems and will breathe very easy at cruising speed. They often have electric start and battery charging, albeit minimal, adapt easily to remote controls and repair parts are plentiful.

    Have fun!!

    Long live American manufacturing!