outboard alt kit/rectifier questions

[pogosmoke]

I recently bought a 25 cc and it has a 9.8 2006 4stroke. I would like to upgrade the electrical system from a single battery charge at dock system to something more capable to handle small tv/laptop/ more lighting/ possibly a small heater. I can purchase a alt kit and a rectifier kit for the outboard for about $150 could I hook this to maybe a 3 12v parallels battery bank with an inverter and have a good capable self charging electrical system? Or should I just by a Honda gen? Which would cost a lot more.

[NautiG]

Pogo,

You gotta do the math as to how many amp hours you will be consuming and producing. I googled the alt kits you mentioned. The one I saw looked like it put out about 7 amps. That would probably be enough to help power a laptop or small flat screen tv. As to the lights and heater, I would convert to led lights and a propane heater.

You don't say how you use your boat. If it's just weekend trips, I'd go for the kit. If it's a liveaboard, I'd spring for the honda generator. Also, have you checked that your outboard doesn't already charge the battery and doesn't need an add on kit?

Scott
Gemini Catamaran Split Decision

[tommays]

The outboard will put some back in BUT is not going to be able to keep up with big loads and even the generator would have to run a LONG time

Normally you would do and energy budget and make the house bank big enough to last your weekend needs and recharge back at the dock

[pogosmoke]

It would just be for weekends. So if I have say 4 deep cell golf cart batteries fully charged and the kit for the outboard do you think I would have enough juice for a night or two? On the propane heater these are safe for enclosed areas? No carbon monoxide issues?

[JimsCAL]

Forget the electric heater idea. Propane or alcohol or some other fuel is the way to go. A bank of four golf cart batteries is too large for an outbard charging system. A single group 27 or 31 deep cycle should be plenty for running a few lights, small TV and laptop for a weekend. If you can start with a fully charged battery, the outboard kit will help keep the battery reasonably charged. For longer trips, note it will take a number of hours to bring it up to full charge if signficantly discharged.

[donradclife]

make your own for less than $5-- my tohatsu has the coils already installed, and their $300 charging kit is essentially one of these:

25A, 50V Full-Wave Bridge Rectifiers - RadioShack.com