I am new to bass boat's and have a question about the batteries. I have a 1976 70hp johnson motor with 2 batteries, the first battery is a reguler 12v car battery "I think", for cranking. The other is a 12v trolling motor battey. My question is how can I tell if I have a alternator on the boat to charge the cranking battery or do I have to charge the cranking battery before each trip out? Where would the alternater on the boat be, on the motor?

thanks don

Put a volt meter on the battery and watch the voltage after starting.  It will drop a little while starting but then it should rapidly get above 13 volts if you have an alternator.  If it stays below 12.8 volts you don't, or it is not working.

hello Don,

I have a 1979 70hp merc 2- stroke and I also wondered about that to. I found out by watching your battery gauge on the dash and seeing what Ann is saying about the volts get above 13 then your in good shape.

I also wanted to ask you, how is that 70 treating you? does it run good? I found out where I live There's really nobody thats wants to work on that old of an outboard and plus being a 2-stroke:(. I need to maintain that motor till I can afford a decent 4-stroke (California )