Merc 16-amp charging system for lake use? Experiences?

[BLUElixir]

Can a 16-amp Merc charging system maintain the charge in a battery during recreational lake use? By recreational lake use I mean just gauges, trim/tilt, starting, occasional navigation light use, and running the engine. Maybe 8-10 starts per day. Can the 16-amp system keep a battery charged when used this way or do you always have to charge your battery when you get home?

If it won't keep the battery charged, would it be better for the batteries if you used deep cycle batteries?

Thanks,
Adam

[Jimbob]

If your running a carbed motor you should be OK. But a efi system sucks alot of juice from the battery as does starting the motor does. But still an occasional 5000rpm plus jaunt across the lake proable wouldn't hurt things. Plus an old battery doesn't take or hold a charge as well as a new one.
Just my 2cents worth, which is proable only worth 1cent!
By the way, love ya'lls Lake Beaver, been there a number of times!

[gaineso]

Just get a GOOD cranking battery. Deep cycles don't like the current draw of a starter motor.

Probably wouldn't hurt to hook a 6 amp charger the night before you go out.

I don't run anything on the cranking battery except the big motor. 16 amp charge and it works like a dream. I still check the charge if I let the boat sit for more than a week. Charge the trolling battery every time I get back.

[Sorry Dog]

Well right now I got a 0 amp charging system (carb motor) but I just charge before going and haven't had a problem yet. Besides - pulling that starter rope will put hair on your chest.

[ImbadBob]

My 260 has no problems with 16 amp system. If it sit more than a week or so I put a trickle charger on it [auto cut off]. I run the radio and other stuff off the "trolling battery" . The trolling motor spends 98 % of it's time in the garage. I think the 40 amp flywheel is too heavy, bearing and crank stress. Get a16 amp aluminum flywheel. Bob

[crazy horse]

Hey Sorry Dog, Been there man! Thats not the only place pull startin a V6, Will put hair.

[Liqui-Fly]

I have had no problems with my 260 but I do trickel charge like bad Bob after running for a couple of days.

David

[Ziemer]

We run usually every Sunday, and are out from around 11:00 to 6:00 with multiple starts and multiple 7000+ RPM runs. I usually have to charge the battery overnight once every 3-4 weeks. I'm figuring I'd have to charge it more often if I had any additional accessories, i.e. radio (especially one with a big amp)

[Talon2.5]

my 16 amp is good to go with tilt and hydraulic jackplate and multiple starts all day, carbed motor

[randy 77zt]

i have a 96 2.5 efi with trim and never have a problem.do not have a radio or other things to draw power.ran my running lights 2 hours still no problem.some of the new 280 hp 2.5 that are on merc website show a belt driven alternator.

[us1]

It can keep it going as long as you don’t do a lot of idling.