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Nodder
United Kingdom
11 Posts |
 Posted - 18 Apr 2013 : 13:16:43
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After further investigation it would seem that outboards are not as good as first thought because they don't charge leisure batteries, they can't put back any charge that is being used.
So my question is how far can you go on a journey before you need to connect to land power for a recharge of you leisure battery, I guess you must have solar panels and a wind generator to help supplement the slowly depleting battery but it seems you cannot have a week or two away on your boat without worrying about your batteries. |
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Revolvor
United Kingdom
75 Posts |
Posted - 18 Apr 2013 : 13:55:45
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Outboards CAN charge a leisure battery. A new 10 HP Honda has a 12 amp charging coil. I assume other manufacturers can supply similar. Solar panels will help, but unless you are spending mega-bucks, and have a large roof, you will be unlikely to charge at more than a few amps - if the sun is out! It also depend what you want power for. LED cabin lights take very little power, but if you want to run a TV, or an inverter for 240 volts then your battery will not last so long.
John
Roads? Where we're going we don't need roads! |
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df
United Kingdom
5994 Posts |
Posted - 18 Apr 2013 : 17:54:19
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My mariner had 6 amp charging coil (rating is usually flat out so expect less)and kept 2x 110ah batteries going for 2 week trips as long as plenty of hours running each day, fridge was permanently on, a modern outboard is fine for charging as long you use power sparingly.
If the battery leads are too long you will never get the batteries anywhere near fully charged, I moved the regulator much closer to the batteries on my norman 25 and it worked much better.
Older 2 stroke outboards often only have an ac lighting coil and won't do much.
NBAS--The communal colostomy bag of the boating community.
Visit leomagill.co.uk |
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adi-n-chez
United Kingdom
1980 Posts |
Posted - 18 Apr 2013 : 19:17:41
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We have a BF15 (6 amps charge) a 110AH Leisure & a 75AH Starter on a combi switch system.
Some outboards dont have a charging system of course but most of these are all but useless for a Norman.
Cant remember using the starter much - Usually its just on the leisure.
We have 2 weeks out every yr plus countless weekends (Some moored for 1-1 1/2 days after a 6hr cruise) TV is run off a 150W Inverter (Not the best I know) plus lights / phone & laptop charging.
Never had to pull start yet !!!
We do cruise more than most I guess  - A solar is a good idea for keeping batteries topped up (Dont be like my Dad tho who neglected the fact his diode was blown & spent nightimes running down his batts!)
Adi
Sewer Tubes ? I'd rather have a D**ncr*ft (Only Kidding) |
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newcommer
United Kingdom
63 Posts |
Posted - 18 Apr 2013 : 19:53:41
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Hi
We have a Mariner 15 hp with a 10 amp charge rate combined with 10w photo cell charging 2* 60 amp hr batteries this runs fridge, lights and starting we have never had a discharged battery except when I left the bilge pump on. plus we can raise the outboard and moor in shallow places where other boats are unable to moor. I hope this helps .
Pete
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Edited by - newcommer on 18 Apr 2013 19:54:54 |
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Nodder
United Kingdom
11 Posts |
Posted - 18 Apr 2013 : 21:01:09
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| Thanks everyone, lots of good info there I was wondering how people got on with charging with only an outboard. So it is possible to go away for one or two weeks without needing a land charger, that's put my mind at ease. |
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Ollie Ollman
United Kingdom
196 Posts |
Posted - 22 Apr 2013 : 19:08:51
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Easily possible from an outboard. I've run a Tohatsu 15 Hp with a 10 amp charging coil for three weeks with 3 x 100 AH batteries,used a 12 V fridge all the time the engine is running - and switched off when we moored up - it stays cold overnight. Have hot & cold pumped running water and shower drain pump. Also watched a DVD most nights on a laptop through a small inverter, and always isolated 1 battery over-night to prevent the pull start faff in the morning. Get one of these if your really worried and then fit a 2 way switch to check batteries as often as you like! My leisure batteries (2 of) would reduce to about 30% overnight but after 5 - 6 hours running would be fine.
http://www.asap-supplies.com/marine/faria-chesapeake-ss-stainless-black-gauges-and-instruments/faria-battery-condition-gauge-chesapeake-ss-black-13726
regards
Ollie |
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outboard v inboard
