charging with my sailmaster etc

[kgs113]

Two questions. First I would like to recharge my battery with my Johnson 9.9 sailmaster. It has an electric start and I am hoping that it can be used to recharge the battery when it use. Second question is what gauge wire do I need to run from the battery to the motor for starting/charging? The boat is a Cal 25 and the battery sits in the keel. I estimate about a 12 to 14 foot run for the power. The boat will be used as a weekender with occasional overnights.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: charging with my sailmaster etc

not knowing the model, but most sailmaster with electric start charge the starting battery.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: charging with my sailmaster etc

4 amps is the figure from an old brochure for the Evinrude Yachtwins. I have the Yachtwin 6.(manual start) You only get that sort of figure when running at high revs.

This site will calculate a wire size for you but it's in metres and mm? so you will have to briefly wrench yourself into the 21st century.

Without even looking at that I'd suggest 10amp cable but remember for marine use it should be tinned.

I disregard the minute amount of power I get from the engine, it only runs for a few minutes on a good day anyway, and have fitted a small solar panel to keep my battery charged.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: charging with my sailmaster etc

I agree, the engine does not run very long anyway and you only get full power at full power which is rare as an aux. On my old yachtwin 8hp with a charger I just ran some standard 14 gauge to the battery (sorry, non tinned but not in a salt environment) and as VicS said, get a small solar charger, it kept my battery charged for a small bilge pump also as I had a small leak and it kept it afloat.