1979 50hp mercury how to tell if it has a charging system?

[Northern_joe]

We own an older 1979 50hp mercury outboard. It has electric start but i'm not sure if it has a charging system.
Is there a way to tell if the engine has it?
The boat was owned by an older gentleman. We bought it 2 years ago. I usually charge the battery in the spring time then again half way through the summer. We just use the electric start nothing else.

This is the serial number i got off the motor
7141013
after doing a search, i cam up with 1979 MERCURY 50 EL

 

[Alumarine]

Welcome.

If it has electric start it has a charging system.
If you only charge it once a summer then it's probably working.

Get a multi meter or voltmeter and check the battery voltage with the engine off.
Then start the motor and see if the voltage increases to about 13-14 volts.
If it does, it's charging.