TRAVIS:
Yes, the trolling needs to work in reverse because the blades are for power use and not for power harvesting.
First the blades are too small, you need blades with diameters at least 2 times the blades that you bought with the motor.
Second the angle of attack of the blades needs to be about one half to double the RPM.
You need to double the RPM to raise the voltage to 14 volts to charge the battery-- remember to place a Schottky power diode in series to avoid discharging the battery if the power(voltage) generated is lower.
THIS SETUP IF no ducting as shown below -- though the blades should be with lower angle of attack.
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Third the Funnel should should be long enough to give a head, every foot will add about 0.433 psi and add around 1 watt per liter/sec that the generator see.
The Funnel diameter needs to be with a larger diameter than the blades diameter and the water available should fill the duct completely for maximum power.
Some have used collapse-able flexible plastic tubing, 12 inch diameter to generate around 1 or 1.5 meter head placing around 50 or so l/s to attain around 100 to 200 watts power out. ( the type used to connect the exit air of a dryer to the outside, but larger in diameter).
It takes around one hour of work to do the job if you have a good place.
Also, plastic heavy 10 or 20 mills thick rolls of tubing ( 10-12 inch diameter), to bring the water from higher up -- like the rolls of plastic to make bags for fruits and vegetables by THICK WALLS -- they are available -- I still have a roll of 8 inch diameter about 75 feet long.
Rings were made to open the mouth and the exit to attach to the Turbine -- careful installation to avoid rupture and making sure that not more than 2 meters head = 6.5 feet head.
Presently designed unit you have that have just 6.5 volts can be converted to generate 12 Volts to charge the battery -- what is your electronic experience -- to build circuits ?.
I can help you with the circuit.
Connect directly with me at nadno37-at-comcast-dot-net
Regards & Good Luck
Nando