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 What is a stator?
A stator is basically a generator on earlier model outboards, or an alternator on later models. The purpose of the stator is to supply the energy needed to operate the ignition system on an outboard boat motor. It also contains charge coils which provides a charge current for the batteries. A stator works by a series of magnets in the flywheel passing over the coils on the stator. This produces an alternating electrical current. Older model outboards had stators for the sole purpose of battery charging through the regulator and the ignition systems were driven from the battery itself. Stators come in various outputs from 6 amp to 40 amp. People commonly have the misconception in thinking that a small amp stator will fully charge the cranking battery. This is not true at all. The stator on an outboard only reaches its rated output at wide open throttle. This means that with lower output stators, the charge output through the regulator/rectifier at idle or low rpm is very minimal. If you idle the motor for long periods of time, such as excessive trolling, and/or run accessories that really hog the current, the battery will actually discharge rather than charge and could very well leave you stranded. It is advised that with any motor containing a stator with less than 16 amp output, that a battery charger be used to bring the battery to full charge before going out on the water. Why didn't they use higher amp output stators on smaller motors you may ask? The power required for the flywheel/stator to generate that much output would drastically reduce the motor's capability to power the boat. For example, if a manufacturer tried to put a 40 amp stator on a 30 or 40 horsepower outboard, it could reduce the horsepower at the prop by 30 to 50 percent. It would be very similar to putting a big pitch prop on a little motor and trying to push a really heavy boat. The motor would lug down, overheat, and probably seize up if you held it at wide open throttle long enough.
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