Next Gen charging house batteries

[Burlington]

We have the standard factory installed Next Gen generator on our 2018 Ranger 29.
When the house batteries go low, will this generator re-charge the house batteries or is it necessary to run the boat engine?

 

[knotflying]

The first thing is not to let the batteries get low. Batteries getting low shortens their life. Using the generator to charge batteries is inefficient but does help. The engine alternator puts out much more amps for charging. With that said, it really isn't good to just keep the engine idling to charge batteries. Traveling with engine under load is the best of both worlds. A solar panel will help keep discharge at bay, but that is a function of how much daylight you have and how much battery power you are using. The long and short of it is to manage your power usage while anchored. We are usually good for three days while anchored and then move on and by the time we get to the next stop we are all charged up.