Battery Charging Rate

[R Cara]

I have 91 Force outboard wth 2 confirmed good batteries. They work fine but it seems eventually they will need a charge (maybe every 2-3 trips). Am I using too much power for the charging system to compensate and properly charge? (CD player,2 way,lights etc)Can I check the charging system with a voltmeter the same as a car? Am I looking for the same result? 13 or 14 volts+ at higher rpms? I use my 1,2 All switch and usually save battery#2 for reserve.<br />Thanks, I appreciate your time.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Battery Charging Rate

With regards to charge rates.....this is a generic approach.....<br /><br />1% of CCA or 7% of Amp/hour for slow charging....charge battery until three consecutive hydrometer checks(1 hour in between) does not show an increase in specific gravity.<br /><br />In a nutshell...<br />1% of CCA or 7% of Amp/hour for 12 - 48 hours.

 

[R Cara]

Re: Battery Charging Rate

Thanks Schem<br />

 

[Trent]

Re: Battery Charging Rate

Dont know if your doing this..Switch the battery switch to all when running so it will charge all of the batteries.. Then when not running switch to one battery for accessories. Then switch to all for cranking and running to charge the batteries again.

 

[novacane]

Re: Battery Charging Rate

im installing a amp meter in my boat as thats where its at no flow no chargie i addtion to the factory volt meater cd player<br />draws just and a couple amps providing it isnt 1 of those hi output units lites 1 or two amps so i wont think you should be in to the neg amp flow at cruise speed with these items on board good luck

 

[R Cara]

Re: Battery Charging Rate

Thanks for the info.<br />I appreciate it.

 

[masondr]

Re: Battery Charging Rate

Don't know if this is correct or not, but re switching to "all" when running, my used boat came with a riveted on metal tag saying this could damage charging system.

 

[R Cara]

Re: Battery Charging Rate

?

 

[Trent]

Re: Battery Charging Rate

Dave it depends on the switch you buy. Some are made to switch while running. But I still do not. It can fry alternators if you have the wrong type of switch.

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Battery Charging Rate

Boat of a lesser god..[elaborate on the name?] the charging system on these motors will put out about 11 amp at WOT...at trolling speed its more like 2-3 amps....depending on use, what is happening to you is not uncommon....if you check AT THE BATTERY with a voltmeter anything under 13.5 volts means you are not putting any thing back in.......

 

[R Cara]

Re: Battery Charging Rate

Thanks Oddd1<br />That answers my question perfectly. I am new to the boating world and got intimidated when I heard Stator instead of Altenator. I guess DC volts are DC volts no matter what is charging them.<br />My name is making fun of my boat,which really isnt all that bad.<br />Best Regards