I did some more research on this... the small RayMarine ST1000/2000 autopilots can draw up to 5aH but steering a small boat probably only draw 1-2 aH, especially with the sails down and low tiller effort. A lighting coil on a 2-3hp outboard probably produces around 3aH, which is AC around 10-20v depending on RPM. With a rectifier to convert to DC this can be used to charge a 12v battery that will also stabilize the voltage level, however a voltage regulator would protect from overcharging. It would probably work- you would likely have just enough current for running modern LED nav lights plus the autopilot. For my old Yamaha 2hp it costs about $40 to get a lighting coil. One can probably be added to almost any small outboard, it uses the flywheel as an alternator in the same way the magneto does to make spark. Sincerely, Tyler ----- Original Message ----- From: "casioqv" <casioqv@usermail.com> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Friday, November 5, 2021 7:24:51 PM Subject: M_Boats: Re: Outboard generator Some small outboards can take an optional lighting coil or charge coil, it's an installable option on my 80s Yamaha 2hp. It produces a really small amount of current, designed to run nav lights, but might work with an autopilot depending on it's current needs. Sincerely, Tyler -----Original Message----- From: Dave <scoobscobie@gmail.com> To: For <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Friday, 5 November 2021 9:35 AM PDT Subject: M_Boats: Re: Outboard generator I'm not aware of any outboard that is of appropriate size for an M15 that has an alternator. Alternators usually found as option for motors 5HP or greater. Some 4HP motors have identical powerhead (aka block) as a 5 and 6 HP so an alternator can be added by the owner. Also, the alternator doesn't start putting out any significant power until the motor is turning higher RPMs ... meaning the M15 is being overpowered (trying to climb the bow wave and dragging the transom deep in the water. A M15 has absolutely no need for a motor greater than a Honda 2/2.3hp. larger motors are bad for boat trim, aka sailing ability, because of excessive weight hanging aft of the transom. :: Dave Scobie :: M6'8" #650 :: Baba 30 #233 DEJA VU :: SV SWALLOW - sv-swallow.com :: former owner M17 #375 SWEET PEA - m17-375.com :: former owner M15 #288 SCRED - m15namedscred.wordpress.com <<-- new site! On Thu, Nov 4, 2021, 11:32 PM Jim Sadler <jimsadler@jascopacific.com> wrote:
Looking for small OB that will power my tiller pilot Capt Jim M15
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