On Sun, 05 Oct 2003 17:43:41 GMT, "A.C." wrote:

75 Evinrude 20hp.

Has a generator that puts out 12vAC, and 7 point something amps. (Can't
find the book right now)
It works, and powers the lights. But not when the motor's not running. ;-)
Looking at putting in a small battery.

My question...why does it put out 12v AC? Was it too expensive to gear it
up to pump out 12.6vDC and be able to charge a battery?

Sounds to me that the rectifiers (usually in a sealed metal
block with small cooling fins easily fond by following the wires) are fried.
Usually caused by hooking the battery up backwards. On some units can be caused
by running the engine without a battery hooked up, but no usually the case with
an outboard. Have you asked an Evinrude dealer why?