[Rhodes22-list] Motors with electric start

[David Rasberry]

Rob,

The motor charger will not fully recharge a deeply discharged battery. You
need to back it up with the shore charger once a month or so to insure a
full charge and protect the battery from premature failure due to sulfation
build up. The advantage of a solar charger is that it works any time there
is some sunlight. As an example, a typical deep cycle group 27 battery will
be rated at around 85 amp hours. You have to put about 120% of discharge
amperage back into the battery to bring it to full charge. If you discharge
to 50% capacity, the typical 3 amp charger provided on small outboards will
have to run for 20 hours or so to fully recharge the battery. An 80% charged
battery will show a room temperature voltage of about 12.8v, which is higher
than most batteries at my marina ever see.  12.2 volts is approx. 50%
discharge, 10.5 volts is fully discharged. If voltage ever drops below 12
volts, you need to give it 10 to 20 hours on a 10 amp two or three stage
automatic charger to fully charge and equalize all cells. After charging,
check and top off the water, and let it cool down a few hours. Finish
voltage will be between 12.9 and 13.2 for a healthy battery.


-----Original Message-----
From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
[mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org]On Behalf Of Rob Lowe
Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2003 5:54 AM
To: The Rhodes 22 mail list
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Motors with electric start


Bill,
Thanks so much!  This was exactly what information I was looking for.  Our
boat has a single battery, no solar panels, and just a voltage meter for
monitoring battery charge.  It sounds like hooking up the Tohatsu 8 to that
battery will work.  No need for separate starting battery and the motor will
keep the battery charged (assuming you run it enough, and if it does go
dead, use the pull starter).

Down the road (once I pay for a new @#$#$% motor), perhaps add second
battery (to run the blender) and a solar panel to keep up the charge on
both.

Do you really need the Link 10?  They're a bit pricey.  Thanks!

Rob
S/V Getaway


----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Effros" <bill at effros.com>
To: "The Rhodes 22 mail list" <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Monday, June 02, 2003 8:38 PM
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Motors with electric start


Rob,

I have the electric start Tohatsu 8.  Love it.

I have 2 batteries, linked, on board.  One would be sufficient.  Don't waste
time or money on a separate "starter" battery.  There is this rope "thingy"
on top of the electric start Tohatsu.  You'll never need to use it, but I
tried it once--you pull on it, and the motor starts.  Ask Rummy.  Then your
motor will put electricity back into the battery and you'll be able to run
lights and things even if your battery goes "dead".

The motor starts so easily you almost always put more electricity back into
the battery than you withdrew by starting.

I have 2 batteries, the Tohatsu, and 2 solar panels installed by GB.  No
regulator.  No problem.  My boat sits on a mooring all summer, in a yard all
winter.  (I'm in Greenwich, CT.)  I never remove the batteries.  I have
never used shore power to recharge them.  The batteries lasted for 5 years
without a single problem.  I will replace them this year.

I have, and recommend, a Link 10 meter.  It lets me know the exact condition
of the batteries at all times.  I use it every time I come on board.  It has
saved me a fortune in unneeded extra batteries, regulators, special
circuits, etc.  Also I don't yell at people who are using what turns out to
be insignificant amounts of electricity, of which I have more than enough.

Bill Effros




----- Original Message -----
From: Rob Lowe
To: The Rhodes 22 mail list
Sent: Monday, June 02, 2003 11:33 AM
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Motors with electric start


I'm getting to the point where a new motor might have to be purchased.  Took
the drains out of the gearbox of the old one and a nice, grey material oozed
out (homogenized oil and water, I assume).  That plus the inoperative
reverse and the failure to start problem is pushing me towards a new one.  I
was quoted $450 to extend a short shaft into a long shaft.  I've looked at
the used ones on the various web sites but didn't see anything I really
cared for.


I'm looking at the 8Hp Tohatsu/Nissan.  Question, I'm thinking about the
electric start feature.  Not so much for starting the motor, but I have no
charging system on the boat as it is.  I was looking at adding a flexible
mount solar charger, but the cost of those is about what the electric start
additional would be.  Any one have an electric start option?  How about
batteries, wiring, over charge protection, etc.  I've got a battery on board
now, but it has to be charged though an external charger.  I would also like
to add more electrical devices in the future (like inverter for a blender,
got to keep up with Rummy).  Any advice is appreciated!

Rob
S/V Getaway
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