Electric Start But No Charging System?

[Papa gone fishing]

You know, the more I'm working on this engine the more I'm thinking it's a bit of a Frankenstein, pieced together over the years.
The engine is a 1961 FDL-15 18HP Johnson.
Typically I would go to boatinfo and check the service manual, but they are down for the time being, so I'll ask knowledgeable folks here.
As indicated by the topic heading this engine is equipped with an electric starter along with the recoil but I find no indication of any charging components.
No alternator under the flywheel or external generator that I can see.
No voltage regulator or even a rectifier.
Was it common practice back in the day to add an electric start motor and not include a charging system, or is this yet another add on by a previous owner that was done half way?
Thanks.

 

[RCO]

A charging system was never offered on the 18 to my knowledge. Most older omc motors with magneto ignition did not have a charging system. The ignition is self energizing, and boats back then didn't have the electrical demand we have today. Just using the battery to start the motor they will go months without needing to be charged.

 

[boobie]

Yes you could have electric start but a generator was optional .

 

[oldboat1]

kit for the 35s, but on your own with the 18s -- but didn't need anything. It wasn't too remarkable to have electric start without a charging system, though. My 55hp Chrysler ('72, I believe) was electric start without an alternator.

 

[racerone]

Battery charging was not available on the 18 hp in 1961.----Folks were delighted with electric start.-----Very few asked for or needed battery charging so nobody built a system !!

 

[boobie]

Do you mean I couldn't put a generator on a 1961 motor ???

 

[Papa gone fishing]

Wow! You all were quick! Thank you!
Good to know that this part of the electrical system is good to go.
I never really questioned it in the past because I run a electric trolling motor while fishing, so charging the battery at the end of the day is standard practice.
It was during other repairs that I realized the lack of a charging system.
But as the old saying goes, "If it isn't broke - don't fix it."
Thanks again.

 

[racerone]

It was not available for a 1961 model 18 HP from the factory.-----Today folks fit alternators on them from those wee Japanese cars.

 

[boobie]

Oh, Ha,Ha,Ha. Ya sure !!!!