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When charging- Engine on Forward or Neutral?

2K views 8 replies 6 participants last post by  jackdale 
#1 ·
On an offshore trip we had to charge the battery twice a day for an hour with the alternator on the engine. The captain ran the engine with the gear on neutral.
It was on a leisure sail to Bermuda, not a race. The boat was moving nicely on a broad reach.
Is there any good reason not to charge on a forward drive?
 
#3 ·
Some need at least 1000 to kick in the charging system. Why not use that rpm for a little additional speed? We run the watermaker at the same time.
 
#8 ·
Just to round-out this discussion, at anchor I charge with the transmission in reverse. It keeps a load on the diesel. I keep a good watch during this process.

Regards,
Brad
 
#9 ·
I set my anchor with at least 1500 rpm in reverse. If my anchor drags while charging, it is not properly set.
 
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