Outboard engine and solar power charging

[THamel]

Hi!

I hope someone out there can help me answer this question. Here it comes:

I have a Suzuki DT6 outboard engines which the previous owner has used to charge the single onboard battery (60Ah lead acid). The outboard engine gives about 6Amp (80W) of DC charging power. The engines altenator wires are wired directly to the boats battery. There is no charge controller. I have now ordered a Uni-Solar 11W solar panel to povide more constant charging power. That has started to make me think about the whole system on-board.

1. Do I need a charge controller for the outboard engine? If yes, can someone recommend any?

2. I assume I need a charge controller for the solar panel. I know the panel has diodes, so flow from the battery to the panels is blocked. But what about current from the panels and battery to the engine?

In any case, if someone has experience with the Suzuki DT6 please let me know.

Thanks!

Tim