Kaboat too long for 25 cruiser

thataway · Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 1:41 pm Post subject:

The item to be concerned about is the power to push the inflatable against a heavy wind. I suspect that your boat may have less of a wind profile than a usual 8 foot inflatable, but any inflatable had a windage problem. Be sure and take that into account when you are heading out.

The Honda gensets only charge at about 8 amps--somewhat less as the battery gets close to full--so it can take some time to recharge the battery. An inverter and 15 amp charger (considerabe expense) might be a better "Solution" if the engine is running, and you have spare amps...but with most outboard alternator/charging system outputs, you will have limited amperage output--it will be interesting to see how much current the inverter/charger draw. Better yet, might be to make a setup so you can charge it directly off the main engine alternator--some, such as Yahama and Suzuki have a secondary charging circuit which would work well.

Aurelia · Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2009 12:49 am Post subject:

I have an inline amp meter and plan to check the draw on my charger in it's various modes to see if the generator/inverter can handle it. I would not plan to use the direct DC charge function of the generator because of the amp limitations you mention and long running requirement. I will however carry that 12v honda harness as a backup. We run twin honda 90s so we have a bit more charging ability than many and may bring that into play.

The wind is my only real concern but we will be using it wisely and I can always lock the motor throttle/steering and put the oars into action for supplementary thrust and that would help a bit for a short distance. I can average 25 miles a day in a sea kayak so I should be able to do a couple in the dinghy!