Post a message

Muskie Discussion Forums

Search | Statistics | User Listing

You are logged in as a guest. ( logon | register )

Posting a reply to: Re: Minn Kota DC alternator?

Muskie Fishing -> Muskie Boats and Motors

Guest name

Subject

Message

Emoticons

[QUOTE]Captain - 6/4/2015  8:02 AM

[QUOTE]M Ruff - 6/3/2015  9:46 PM
I understand the dependence on size of engine a"alternator" AMP out put (ie 25 mp).
Does this also then depend on the engine rpms being high to generate that amperage of 25 at high rpm as opposed to 1/3 throttle. 
If so would short runs from spot to spot or travel at 1/2 - 3/4 throttle negate the need for these units or do you think they would still be worth it.
[/QUOTE] Most larger motors these days have alternators the generate in excess of 40 AMPs peak and the close of all of that is available just over idle speed. I can speak from experience with my Stealth DC unit that when idling (and once the cranking battery has reached desired voltage) that I do not see significant charging being done to the trolling batteries. This is easy to tell by having the digital gauge. If the batteries read roughly 25 volts (in a 24 volt system) they are at a steady state, but when that number is climbing into the upper 25 to 27.8 volts then they are being charged by the DC charger.
So, I guess in a wordy way if all you do is short little bursts from spot to spot and you use your trolling motors extensively while fishing a spot you will see little benefit from a DC charger regardless of what brand they are. It may help a bit, but it may not be enough to avoid needing to plug in at the end of the day.
My experience after using one for an entire season and spending a week on LOW proved that with runs between spots of a couple miles was more than sufficient to achieve sufficient replenishment of the amperage used during the trolling motors usage.
I am a big fan of these types of systems, but for someone who fishes small lakes I don't think they would really see the benefit as much as someone who fishes large lakes.[/QUOTE]

HTML: Yes
Anonymous: Yes
MBBS Code: Yes

Disable HTML
Post anonymously
Enable emoticons

You are replying to:

Captain

Posted 6/4/2015 8:02 AM (#771269 - in reply to #771237)
Subject: Re: Minn Kota DC alternator?

Posts: 437

M Ruff - 6/3/2015 9:46 PM
I understand the dependence on size of engine a"alternator" AMP out put (ie 25 mp).
Does this also then depend on the engine rpms being high to generate that amperage of 25 at high rpm as opposed to 1/3 throttle.
If so would short runs from spot to spot or travel at 1/2 - 3/4 throttle negate the need for these units or do you think they would still be worth it.

Most larger motors these days have alternators the generate in excess of 40 AMPs peak and the close of all of that is available just over idle speed. I can speak from experience with my Stealth DC unit that when idling (and once the cranking battery has reached desired voltage) that I do not see significant charging being done to the trolling batteries. This is easy to tell by having the digital gauge. If the batteries read roughly 25 volts (in a 24 volt system) they are at a steady state, but when that number is climbing into the upper 25 to 27.8 volts then they are being charged by the DC charger.
So, I guess in a wordy way if all you do is short little bursts from spot to spot and you use your trolling motors extensively while fishing a spot you will see little benefit from a DC charger regardless of what brand they are. It may help a bit, but it may not be enough to avoid needing to plug in at the end of the day.
My experience after using one for an entire season and spending a week on LOW proved that with runs between spots of a couple miles was more than sufficient to achieve sufficient replenishment of the amperage used during the trolling motors usage.
I am a big fan of these types of systems, but for someone who fishes small lakes I don't think they would really see the benefit as much as someone who fishes large lakes.