retro fitting an alternator

IBWET · 22 July 2008, 17:26

Has anyone set up the aux to supply power to charge the batt ? I think the possibilities of finding the main battery flat after say an overnighter a little concerning and I'd like to have an answer before I need it.

The 6hp aux I've got can be fitted retrospectively with an 12V 6amp alternator, just keen to know if anyone has done it. trying to turn over a 3ltr with a rope would be beyond me..even after my weetabix.

Poly · 22 July 2008, 18:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by IBWET

Has anyone set up the aux to supply power to charge the batt ? I think the possibilities of finding the main battery flat after say an overnighter a little concerning and I'd like to have an answer before I need it.

The 6hp aux I've got can be fitted retrospectively with an 12V 6amp alternator, just keen to know if anyone has done it. trying to turn over a 3ltr with a rope would be beyond me..even after my weetabix.

If your battery if heavily depleted then my gut feeling is it will take a hell of a long time to recharge at 6 Ah - like all day. Does the aux put out 6 A at all revs or only at WOT. Of course as you probably don't know how effective it has been you will try to turn the key after 30 minutes undoing all the work that has been done!

Have you tried turning it over with a rope - I haven't done it on an engine your size - but was told its easier than you expect.

Chris · 22 July 2008, 18:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by IBWET

Has anyone set up the aux to supply power to charge the batt ? I think the possibilities of finding the main battery flat after say an overnighter a little concerning and I'd like to have an answer before I need it.

The 6hp aux I've got can be fitted retrospectively with an 12V 6amp alternator, just keen to know if anyone has done it. trying to turn over a 3ltr with a rope would be beyond me..even after my weetabix.

Why not just fit a second battery to power all the electronics, bilge etc?

IBWET · 22 July 2008, 20:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

If your battery if heavily depleted then my gut feeling is it will take a hell of a long time to recharge at 6 Ah - like all day. Does the aux put out 6 A at all revs or only at WOT. Of course as you probably don't know how effective it has been you will try to turn the key after 30 minutes undoing all the work that has been done!

Have you tried turning it over with a rope - I haven't done it on an engine your size - but was told its easier than you expect.

I've been all over the net, , no one (including the manufacturer) expands on the fact that it will charge at 6 ah-so don't know.

I just like the fact that I could do something regarding a flat battery with the equipment I've got . The main engine starts easily,but I take your point re time.

The main engine has no facility for starting it with a rope(it was an attempt at humour)...you would need to see it.

IBWET · 22 July 2008, 20:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

Why not just fit a second battery to power all the electronics, bilge etc?

Yep,

that would solve the issue, but it means carrying a second large heavy battery..thats without considering the space it would take up. If a system could be installed say with a Water tight connection concealed on the transom. then the aux could be getting you home while charging the main battery. Apart from the cost of the retro alternator (no doubt an arm and a leg) for the suz 6hp,all the other items are already bought and on the boat .

bedajim · 23 July 2008, 05:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by IBWET

Yep,

that would solve the issue, but it means carrying a second large heavy battery..thats without considering the space it would take up. If a system could be installed say with a Water tight connection concealed on the transom. then the aux could be getting you home while charging the main battery. Apart from the cost of the retro alternator (no doubt an arm and a leg) for the suz 6hp,all the other items are already bought and on the boat .

You could get a booster pack used for jumping cars etc
I've got one that lives in the truck in case it has a flat battery when I get back with the boat, it also has a compressor, lighter socket and a 240v socket, I'll post a link later

Welshie47 · 23 July 2008, 07:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by bedajim

You could get a booster pack used for jumping cars etc
I've got one that lives in the truck in case it has a flat battery when I get back with the boat, it also has a compressor, lighter socket and a 240v socket, I'll post a link later

I saw those booster packs in sparesworld when i went to buy a battery charger, how do they work mate? do you need to plug them into an electric supply?..

Poly · 23 July 2008, 08:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welshie47

I saw those booster packs in sparesworld when i went to buy a battery charger, how do they work mate? do you need to plug them into an electric supply?..

Basically they are a small battery with fairly high output (mine is 21Ah, but can deliver >400 Amps) that has a set of jump leads already attached - and as Jim says often come with a compressor, lamp, 12V cigarette lighter style socket etc built in. They are normally supplied with a small mains trickle charger for you to keep them topped up - but no they don't need to be plugged in to use it to jump start.

Welshie47 · 23 July 2008, 10:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

Basically they are a small battery with fairly high output (mine is 21Ah, but can deliver >400 Amps) that has a set of jump leads already attached - and as Jim says often come with a compressor, lamp, 12V cigarette lighter style socket etc built in. They are normally supplied with a small mains trickle charger for you to keep them topped up - but no they don't need to be plugged in to use it to jump start.

Excellent, i`ll invest in one of them.

I normally launch off a beach, and i`ve always had the fear of the jeep not starting when i`m down by the water and the tide comming in..lol

bedajim · 23 July 2008, 11:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by bedajim

You could get a booster pack used for jumping cars etc
I've got one that lives in the truck in case it has a flat battery when I get back with the boat, it also has a compressor, lighter socket and a 240v socket, I'll post a link later

Hi

This is mine think it was about £100.00

http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/189/p/1/pt/5/product.asp

Andy JC · 25 July 2008, 14:52

I've had a Xantrex one for a few years now.

It's well made and has lasted well. I can leave it in the car unused for 6 months or so and it will still have a full charge when I come to use it again. It's bailed me out on more than one occasion!

Has an inverter which has come in handy at times.

Availability doesn't seem too good in the UK, think I bought mine from ebay for around £80

kwil · 25 July 2008, 15:46

Originally Posted by IBWET View Post

Quote:

Has anyone set up the aux to supply power to charge the batt ? I think the possibilities of finding the main battery flat after say an overnighter a little concerning and I'd like to have an answer before I need it.

I have my aux setup to do this, but I also have 2 batteries, one for engine start and one to power lights and instruments. The aux only charges the services battery, unless that happens to be fully charged then it will add the engine battery. Attached is a diagram that may explain better than words.

Keith