When you think of “power” in the context of today’s outboard engines, you might think in terms of horsepower or torque. But there’s another kind of outboard power, one that ranks increasingly important to saltwater fishing: electrical charging power from the engine alternator.
Today’s fishing machines come packed with electrical equipment, including multiple livewell pumps, marine electronics, electric trolling motors, bow thrusters, air-conditioning systems, gyrostabilizers, jack plates, shallow-water anchors, anchor windlasses, and chiller plates, as well as audio systems and galley amenities, such as microwaves, electric grills, refrigerators, freezers and more. All told, they create extraordinarily high electrical demands, and that’s why outboard brands such as Mercury, Suzuki and Yamaha have ramped up alternator output on their outboards, particularly with the bigger models.
CHARGING ON THE FLY
Between trips, onboard…
