We have a 88 stock 454. The normal reading on the volt gauge is right at 12. Sometimes it drops a bit below, and sometimes it is a tad ablout 12. Do we have a problem? We had our mechanic down at the boat the other day and he said everything seems to be charging fine. Any thoughts?

You need to check the voltage right at the batteries with a good voltmeter (VOM) (DVM) etc. It should read between 13 and 14 volts. Then, witht he engine running at a high idle, turn on your blower, bilge pump running lights etc. and check the voltage again to make sure it stays up there.

You need to do what Formula31 said and check it at the battery. If you go just by the gauge, reading 12 volts, you have a problem. But, if you have 13+ at the battery running then the gauge is wrong and reading low.

Could be the gauge or could be the wiring going to the gauge.

I had 12 on my guages and 13.5 on the back of ignitions switches . Found and oxidized connection behind the instrument panel Cleaned and tightened and now matches the batteries in the back