too much voltage?

[Ferson206]

In recently purchased '89 SeaRay 160 w/ 100hp outboard, dash voltage gauge shows 17.5 to 18 volts when I'm running around 3000rpm. Seems unusually high based on my experience with other vehicles, but this is my first outboard. Should I be concerned, and if so what to troubleshoot?

 

[Scott Danforth]

some outboards have a voltage regulator, some do not.

 

[Ferson206]

Thanks. Does this mean not to worry about it?

 

[dingbat]

Unusual to have a 100 Hp outboard with an unregulated charging system.

What year and model is your motor?

If your reading true voltage, some electronics will take issue with it being so high

 

[Ferson206]

It's a 1989 SeaRay (mercury) 4 cylinder, 100 hp.

 

[dingbat]

It's a 1989 SeaRay (mercury) 4 cylinder, 100 hp.parts

The parts list shows a voltage regulator on that motor.

Voltage Regulator Assembly 815279A2