Chrysler Sailors Forum

Has anyone here ever installed an alternator on a small Mercury outboard?

I have a 2003 15 hp 2 stroke Merc outboard for my dinghy and am thinking of running lights on the dink.

What I invision is starting the outboard, plugging in a 12V feed to a bow and stern light. No battery involved, no starter, no radio, etc etc. Just simple running lights that light when engine is on and go out when engine is off.

Yeah I know all about the flashlights but that is not what I'm looking for.

So the question, if you've done it, is it easy or is it best to have it done?
Seems pretty pricey to have such work done around here. Does anyone have instructions for this?

Thanks for any input!

Scott

On the Newport I used an Automotive jump start box it would run bow and stern lights all night and I put a lighter plug on wires for lights then on the way home I plugged the 12V adapter into the power outlet in truck to recharge or on boat if you are on Destiny.

All great ideas here!

My idea is to keep things as simple as possible. I'm trying to avoid any extra stuff on the dink like batteries, etc. With todays hardware I should be able to install a generator/alternator in the outboard that can provide a reasonably steady 14.5 volts or so. Given that I could have a simple connector hanging off the motor that provides DC for battery charging or better yet simple lights.

My 8hp outboard has one and I use it for just that. It runs the lights and VHF radio on Lady Jo when the battery goes dead. Yes it can charge the battery but at 5 amps it would take many hours so I do not want to rely on it for that.

I presume it just may be best to bite the wallet and have it installed.
I may call that place you suggest Alan.

Scott

Pint the dinghy with florescent paint..................