Voltmeter vs. ammeter

[SeaRide]

Why doesn't SR equip their boats with ammeters instead of voltmeters. Wouldn't this be a better indicator of the general health and output of the alternator? Are diesel powered SRs equipped with ammeters?

Just curious.

 

[SeaRide]

Moderators/admins. Please move this post to the engine section. Sorry about that.

 

[First Born]

:thumbsup:

 

[midway]

You actually need both to get the full picture of the charging system, most everyone uses only volt meter and in automotive idiot lights, heavy truck is about the only place I have seen both or just ampmeter. It takes voltage to push amperage, that is why the volt meter reads lower when you first start up and higher as you run and the regulator cuts back on amperage. I would like to have both but I think the reason they do not use both is most people would not know how to read them.

 

[SeaRide]

Thanks Midway. All true. An alternators output is measured in amps. So it would be nice to have a gauge for this function.