Most outboards engines have a way run them a bit faster in neutral. It won't take much --
1200-1500 RPM.

"Midlant" wrote in message ...

"Peter Bennett" wrote in message news.com...
If you have a voltmeter, you can easily check by measuring the battery
voltage - with the engine stopped, the voltage will be 12.6 - 13
volts. With the engine running fast enough to charge, the voltage
will rise, probably to a little over 14 volts.

I may do that next time I head out. Kind of hard holding two leads on the battery while the boat is cooking along at a good speed
wand bouncing with the waves. If I had a passenger that would be easy. I could tape or secure the leads to the posts.....

I asked as I was curious if anyone knew the design of them as to whether it's just enough to charge or they're designed to meet
all your needs while out running.
John