8 hp or less with a charging system ?

[Rumpelstiltskin]

Lakes where I fish limit the horsepower to 8 or less.I have a trolling motor, but I would like a small outboard that has a charging system that would keep my battery up. Electric start , not necessary,but ok. Just wondering if any of the engines in this HP range had charging systems,or if one could be installed ?
Thanks for any information, Ron

 

[racerone]

Battery charging kits are available for many 4 / 6 / 8 hp model Johnson and Evinrude models.----Not sure if they can keep a battery charged on a trolling motor as they are only 6 amp units at full throttle.

 

[oldboat1]

I've never installed a system, but believe parts are available. There are 8hp motors with charging systems, however -- a Yachtwin model in Evinrudes (8hp version) or the Sailmaster in the Johnson line. They would come with long shafts, so you would either need to use it that way or convert it to a shorter shaft. The output is not great (about 5amps, I think, at fairly high rpms). You might be better off running a small gas trolling motor (say, 3-4 hp), and using a shore charger for your fish finder battery.

 

[Rumpelstiltskin]

Thanks for the tip. Sounds like it might work out ok if I just keep the battery topped off.

 

[Rumpelstiltskin]

Don't think a long shaft would be a problem for my boat, I think I have seen an Ad for a Sailmaster recently. I'll check it out. Thanks.

 

[oldboat1]

Good luck -- could be a good motor for you. (I have a 9.9 Yachtwin).

 

[ondarvr]

The 6 and 8 HP 2 stroke Mercs can have a charging system installed for a fairly low price, I did it to my 8HP Merc.

I have Johnson and Evinrudes too, three 6hp Johnsons and a 9.9 Evinrude, I like the Mercs better.

 

[oldboat1]

no experience with the modern mercs -- considered a new 9.9 earlier this year, though, XL shaft with elec start and tilt and trim, high thrust. Very nice. Little Merc would be worth looking into.