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Can i add an alternator to a j15 4S pull start

C

cemiiii

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"to charge my trolling motor b

"to charge my trolling motor battery?
if it can be done, is this cost/benefit prohibitive?"
 
"Chris, you don't state th

"Chris, you don't state the model or year, however, the 15 horse 4 stroke models came as either rope or electric start.

So, if you stop in at a OMC/BRP dealer they can tell what you would need to add.

At the very least I would assume that you would have to install a "battery charging coil", a rectifier and some wiring to the battery. If you are handy it would require you to pull the flywheel to install the coil, if not, count on at least an hours labour.

The cost could quickly add up. You have to weigh that against the potental gain/lack of hassle in charging your battery.

The charging coils on most smaller motors produce somewhere between about 5-10 amps, which varies depending on the rpm of the motor. And the charge provided is obviously dependant on how long the motor is running.

If you use your 15 horse just to "get you out there" and then rely on the trolling motor, it may not run long enough to achieve a decent charge to your battery.

I did install a charging stator/rectifier on my 15 Mariner. I got the parts cheap (under 50 bucks) and have found it useful, not for day trips, but say on extended long weekends where it can provide a "top up" charge to my battery - which saves loading/lugging a battery charger.

However, I simply use a regular starting battery to power my electronics and nav lights. If you use a deep cycle you need to keep in mind that is best left to nearly fully discharge so it doesn't build up a memory and shorten it's life.

Unless you spend alot of time boating in remote locations, you may be better served investing in an onboard charger (or something similar) and simply plugging in your boat at the end of the day...."
 
"thanks for the reply, motor i

"thanks for the reply, motor is '98 4s 15hp rope. as suspected, i'm probably just better off getting a second deep cycle battery and leaving it in the vehicle and swap out when needed. boat is a little small to carry both. chris"
 
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