Old outboard question

[Still Running]

I have a 1988 200 Yamaha outboard and seems charge only at 12 volts when at idle. If I rev it up it says the same. But if I drive the boat it goes up to around 14 volts. Does anyone no if this is normal for a stater engine of that age? My other boat has an alternator and it goes right to 14 volts when I start it. I think I remember other older engines I had did the same thing, but I’m not sure.
Thanks for the help.
Rick

[Maritime Matt]

The older outboards generally did not put out alot of amperage until the rpm's went up quite a bit. Your alternator equpped motor is just like your vehicle. Matt.

[wb]

yes normal
you may need to get it up to 1500-2000 rpms before you start seeing 13-14 volts

even more rpms if batteries are low and/or you have lights, FF, radio etc on.

I notice about 0.7 volts drop from my batteries to the voltmeter on the dash, its like about a 20'-25' wire run. Make sure you check it across the battery that will give you the true voltage

[Still Running]

  Thanks Guys!