Boats without alternators

[Dawsonh4]

Curious if anyone can tell me how boats without alternators charge their batteries?

Also wondering if there is a way to charge deep cycle batteries while at sea?

 

[BrianPetersen]

Can you give me an example (link, etc) of the type of engine that you are talking about, which does not have an alternator?

I would expect many outboard motors to use the same type of alternator that motorcycles generally use: Permanent magnets built into the flywheel, surrounding a stator which is connected to a voltage regulator that is designed for this purpose, with the whole assembly being built into, or bolted directly onto, the crankcase. It's still an alternator ... just not the separate pulley-driven type that you may be accustomed to from automotive use.

 

[dgallup]

They don't. I have several boats without alternators. They also don't have batteries. But I see many sailing vessels with solar systems to charge batteries.

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The Help for this program was created in Windows Help format, which depends on a feature that isn't included in this version of Windows.

 

[BrianPetersen]

Right, if there's no electric-start (uses a pull-cord) and it has magneto ignition, there's no electrical system, so no need for a charging system. Same as your average lawnmower or chainsaw or weed wacker.

 

[MadisonCameron]

Boats without generators can charge their batteries using solar panels or wind generators installed on board. These energy sources convert sunlight or wind into electrical energy, which is then used to charge batteries. To charge deep-cycle batteries while sailing, you can use specialized chargers that connect to the built-in power supply system on the boat.