I don't think you will need to add a regulator

Posted By: Roger, Potter 19, Seattle
Date: 2/11/02 9:05a.m.

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In Response To: How to connect outboard alternator to charge battery... (Doug C.)

I don't know if your Honda has a voltage regulator. Yamaha 10 hp motors do, but many small outboards do not. Someone else here will probably know what your Honda has. Regardless, if you have a 24 size battery or larger, then I don't think you need to add a voltage regulator. But, then we had a huge discussion of battery charging a month ago, and not everyone agreed with me. Anyway, the reason I think you don't need a regulator is that a 5 amp alternator is not that large. And, the 5 amp output is probably at 12 volts, or something like that. If the motor does not have a regulator, the output of the alternator will less than 5 amps at the 13.5 to 14.2 volts that the battery should charge at. A fully charged 24 series battery can generally dissipate 1 to 2 amps without harm. If it concerns you though, put a volt meter on the battery when the motor is running at full speed. If the voltage does not exceed 14.4 volts (14.1 volts if you have a gel battery), then your battery will be OK without any additional regulators or "charge controllers".

Messages In This Thread

How to connect outboard alternator to charge battery... -- Doug C. -- 2/11/02 8:26a.m.

 I don't think you will need to add a regulator  -- Roger, Potter 19, Seattle -- 2/11/02 9:05a.m.

Regulated? Maybe yes, maybe no -- Don,Lancer25, Rkfd,Il -- 2/11/02 9:34a.m.

It is a 1983 model -- Doug C. -- 2/11/02 9:49a.m.

Re: It is a 1983 model -- Don,Lancer25, Rkfd,Il -- 2/11/02 10:50a.m.

We had a similar setup on our 15hp. We didn't use a regulator. -- Jeff G. Indiana, US Yacht 21 -- 2/11/02 10:29a.m.

Depends on the engine.. -- Tim C, F31 -- 2/11/02 4:30p.m.

It is a stator sytem which is only completed -- Stephan L -- 2/11/02 11:29a.m.

Re: It is a stator sytem which is only completed -- Russ -- 2/11/02 7:42p.m.

Thanks all, I think I have enough info to be dangerous now.. -- Doug C., Windrose 24, Chandler, AZ. -- 2/12/02 8:16a.m.

Depends on what else you have hooked up. -- Tim C, F31 -- 2/11/02 12:36p.m.

But .... But ... But -- Roger, Potter 19, Seattle -- 2/11/02 1:40p.m.

Re: But .... But ... But -- Tim C, F31 -- 2/11/02 4:26p.m.

Mine had thispic) -- Roger, Potter 19, Seattle -- 2/12/02 9:24a.m.

Re: Mine had this: -- Tim C, F31 -- 2/12/02 10:51a.m.

Voltage is a concern as a present I am running a Chairman group 24 gel cell -- Doug C. -- 2/11/02 1:41p.m.

Re: How to connect outboard alternator to charge battery... -- Peter -- 2/11/02 5:52p.m.

WOW, what a can of worms -- Russ -- 2/11/02 7:37p.m.

Say Russ, Can you explain the charging systems... -- Dougcan, YS24, "Tinker" Lk WA & Puget Sound -- 2/11/02 7:56p.m.

Re: Say Russ, Can you explain the charging systems... -- Russ -- 2/12/02 5:49a.m.

Re: How to connect outboard alternator to charge battery... -- Klaus, N.I.S. 26, Perth, Australia -- 2/11/02 9:29p.m.

I'll hook it up tonight. Keep the fire extinguishers handy. -- Doug C., Windrose 24, Chandler, AZ. -- 2/12/02 8:21a.m.