[C320-list] In Boom Furler Now Electrics Upgrade

[warren updike]

Brian, it is most important to insure that the mounting points of the new
alternator are exactly the same as the OEM alternator, even to the distance
between them and the radius of the adjustment swing. This may not be a
problem with a Yanmar as I understand they use the US auto standard mount.
On my Perkins, the new alternator was larger and radius was different
requiring the adjustment bracket to be re-engineered: a super pain, and
costly if you are paying someone to do it.

Another interesting point, the Perkins has a 3/8" belt and should not be
used to drive more than an 80A alternator. I believe the Yanmar has a 1/2"
belt which should be good to 125A. The mfgr. will be able provide the
details. Using the regulator features, the alternator output may be
controlled so you don't over stress the belt and pulleys, not to mention the
HP diverted from the shaft.

One other thing I did was to replace the 1-All-2 switch with a Blue Sea
"e-series" dual switch. It independently switches the house and starting
circuits at the same time. The only positions are "On" and "Off." The "Both"
position is an option I chose. I'm really happy with this switch: no more
decisions, It's either on or off.

I've added one new test to my Spring commissioning list. I check the voltage
drop on both pos and neg feeds from the alternator to the battery. Because
of the amount of current pulled by the starter it is very important that all
of the intervening connections be clean and of minimal resistance.

More power = less worry.

Warren & Pattie Updike
Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay



-----Original Message-----
From: Amirault Family - S&B [mailto:amiraults at sympatico.ca] 
Sent: Friday, October 24, 2008 7:20 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] In Boom Furler Now Electrics Upgrade

All:

 

The crew reviewed the responses to my query on how to spend a modest amount
of "found money", and is convinced that improved liveability is the correct
answer. Although the idea came from here, she really thinks that more amps
available more often would be the best bang for the bucks and would leave
her happier; and so an electrics upgrade it is.

 

Bear currently has the original electrics, with the addition of a separate
starting battery under the port settee. During 2007 all of the batteries
were replaced. The house bank is now four 6volt AGM batteries wired in
parallel and series to yield a single 440 AH bank. The starting battery is a
separate 12volt AGM unit.

 

To have more power available at a sail club where shore power is not offered
at the slips will require an increase in our ability to generate amps off
the engine. To this end consideration is being given to acquiring a Xantrex
XC5012 multi-bank charger (to replace the original Pro Mariner unit) for
those days when we can get to the service dock and for a future on bigger
water where the slips are shore power enabled. To make AC available the
choice is a Xantrex Prosine 1800 inverter. These will be connected to a Link
Monitor 2000 and the batteries will be temperature monitored. 

 

The rub is in an upgraded alternator and voltage regulator. Balmar appears
to be a rugged and reliable choice, but my reading suggests that above a
certain output level I have to upgrade to a different pulley and belt size
for the engine. A further concern is that there is limited space underneath
the engine cover and whatever I acquire must needs fit within the confines
of the engine space.

 

The local self-taught marine electrician willing to aid in this effort (for
a fee) wants to be certain that there will be no installation surprises with
the hardware I eventually select. Would members having already done an
alternator upgrade sound off with their experiences, recommendations, and
assessment of their satisfaction with their results.

 

There is no hurry. I will not be making any buys until after attending the
Toronto Boat Show in January 2009. The installation will not be done until
after launch this coming May (I haul out on Saturday, weather permitting). 

 

Brian Amirault

Waltzing Bear, too