a little help

[gparadise]

I recently acquired a 14ft boat with a 1970 Evinrude 40 hp lark (40073A is the model number). The motor fires right up. I know the motor won't fully charge the battery so about halfway through the seaon I'll have to charge the battery. I want to put a marine radio with 4-5.25" speakers, a 12volt cigarette lighter, and possibly a navigation. I'm thinking a standalone battery to run these things but my question is, how would I keep it charged? Or would you suggest doing something else to run these devices?

 

[Watermann]

Re: a little help

All of us who use deep cycle marine batteries to power our trolling motors just recharge them after use. I don't see why you can't run a a separate deep cycle battery for your accessories and just throw it on the charger over night when you get back.

 

[lindy46]

Re: a little help

Or connect a small solar panel charger. I use one on my pontoon boat and don't charge the battery all summer.

 

[gparadise]

Re: a little help

Thanks guys. I'm new to this boating thing. I was told that as long as my magneto has a rectifier that I should be ok with that set up on the single battery with it running, I would just have to charge it when I get back. Does that mean if I stop and drop anchor with the radio and stuff on that I have to leave the motor running? And how would I know if the magneto has a rectifier?

 

[watchman926]

Re: a little help

Most motors don't charge when the motor is idling. You would have to be moving through the water. Most of us that fish, don't use enough motoring to charge the battery, especially if you start and stop the engine a lot while slowly moving around. I would think that the solar panel idea would be best. A deep cycle battery will turn a large outboard over for a long time before dying. I woul think that it would run your products for days before needing recharged.