Outboard Power Takeoff

IanH · 21 December 2012, 15:44

I just got my new Mariner outboard yesterday and I briefly asked the dealer what what the "Manual start models feature a 6 amp / 76 watt alternator to keep batteries properly charged" feature was thinking it was an error in the manual.

He explained that it was a small unregulated power takeoff on the harness that could be used for powering lights. It could not be used for charging batteries unless a regulator was fitted.

Could someone please explain a bit more about it and its uses.

Just thinking out loud, but I assume that an external regulator could be fitted (I assume that the Mariner unit would be very costly) and once done, I could fit a small sealed lead acid battery that could be kept charged whilst powering some future electrical device that I had not thought about?

Thanks

Turbodiesel · 21 December 2012, 16:04

There is a charging kit for your engine which will have the regulator/rectifier in it with all the bits you will need.
The power coming out at the min is unregulated so it just puts out power the higher the rpm the more power that comes out. The regulator will stop the battery from being overcharged and the rectifier will turn it from AC to DC to charge the battery as its AC power coming out from under the flywheel.
What engine did you buy i will have a look at the kit for you.

IanH · 21 December 2012, 17:01

Mariner 9.9 4 stroke.

Had not realised that it was AC. Thanks for pointing that out.

IanH · 16 January 2013, 19:10

Looking for advice on regulator

Tim M · 16 January 2013, 21:15

This is what you want: TRR3072 Mercury Mariner Outboard Engines Regulator Rectifier 6 Wire | eBay

I believe this will connect directly to the stator on your engine using the two currently unused yellow and black wires. At least that was how it was when I did this to a 40hp Merc a few weeks ago.

Tim M · 16 January 2013, 21:27

PS. Connect red and black wires to charge battery.

IanH · 17 January 2013, 07:47

Thanks

9D280 · 18 January 2013, 09:48

Hadn't noticed this before, but for what it;s worth I had a vaguely similar problem with the Merc. It's of an age when the rectifier was just that - an AC-DC converter. No regulation.

Only when I got a Voltmeter in the form of a display option on my "new" plotter, and nearly broke my jaw as it dropped - at 1500rpm the alternator was throwing out 19.7V, and it kept increasing from there..... (at least it explained my battery's health!

)

So, Having looksed around I finally settled on replacing it with a Reg / rect off a Honda 50Hp 4- stroke. (a combination of partly cost, but mostly availability!). If you have the crimp tools to change the plugs / terminals on the ends of the flyleads you could in theory use any suitably rated (i.e same or bigger amps capability than your alternator) reg/ rect unit off any outboard. )

The pain will be wiring it in, biggest PITA is mounting it. (but in your situation it could live by the battery & the wires from the engine "feed" AC - if you don't have an electric start, you donlt need a +12 gnd.)

If I get time tonight I'll post a pic of my lash...errr....I mean set-up!

(Which does work well, all joking aside)