[C320-list] High Efficiency Alternator

[Robert Seastream]

Chris:

I didn't take note of the OEM cable gauge, so must revise my  
statement.  The OEM cables are likely the same, if not a heavier  
gauge, than the cables I used.  This is because they're somewhat  
longer (having to route to the battery switch enroute to the  
batteries) than my new cables, and have to be 'broken' and terminated  
in lugs (adding resistance to the run) to be attached to the switch  
terminals.  My cables from the alternator bypass the switch entirely,  
running direct to the (paralleled) 4D batteries.  An advantage of  
running alternator cables directly to the battery is that it's  
impossible to damage the alternator (via an 'open' circuit) by  
accidently turning the battery switch to 'off'.

Bob

On Oct 10, 2010, at 8:43 AM, Chris Burti wrote:

> Bob, Jeff,
>
> What is the OEM wiring gauge in the run from the alternator to the
> batteries and what did you move up to?
>
> Pat,
> If you make this upgrade, give me a call. I will try to make time to
> give you a hand and we can take some photographs and do a writeup for
> the website and Mainsheet.
>
> On Sat, Oct 9, 2010 at 5:56 PM, Robert Seastream
> <robert.seastream at comcast.net> wrote:
>> I went with a 125 amp alternator and Balmar three stage regulator/ 
>> controller
>> package to charge my paralleled twin 4D wet cells on batt 1, plus  
>> an 'echo'
>> charger to charge a dedicated AGM start battery on batt 2.  It was  
>> the
>> largest package available at the time that would fit the Yanmar  
>> 3GM30F
>> alternator mount (for a 'drop in' installation) AND be driven by a  
>> single
>> belt.  I made cables that run directly from the alternator to the  
>> wet cells
>> (through a 150 amp fuse), because I knew the stock wiring wasn't  
>> heavy
>> enough for the upgraded alternator output.  I also replaced the  
>> stock Yanmar
>> alternator belt with a heavier duty Gates 'cogged' belt (part number
>> available on request), figuring the new package would eat the OEM  
>> belt for
>> lunch.  The difference is, what used to take about four hours now  
>> takes
>> under two hours to replace the same amount of discharge.  That time  
>> could be
>> less with an AGM house bank.  BTW, the max rating of the stock  
>> alternator is
>> 55 amps; you'll be lucky to get about half that once it heats up to  
>> normal
>> 'engine room' temps of about 170 degrees F.  Credit to Jeff Hare for
>> providing the above procedure.  I understand basic electricity &
>> electronics, but he thought through the process first, thus saving  
>> those
>> that might follow much time.
>>
>> Bob Seastream
>> Intuition # 906
>>
>>
>> On Oct 9, 2010, at 3:41 PM, Dick Walker wrote:
>>
>>> I Installed the BALMAR alternator and a Balmar Controller.  Great  
>>> Gear.
>>>  80
>>> amps.
>>>
>>> Purchased at http://www.pyacht.com/balmar.htm
>>>
>>> Good price and service.
>>>
>>>
>>> Dick Walker
>>> WindWalkerII #687
>>> 619.435.8986
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
>>> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Pat  
>>> Kenefick
>>> Sent: Saturday, October 09, 2010 4:20 AM
>>> To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
>>> Subject: [C320-list] High Efficiency Alternator
>>>
>>> I wish to install a high eff. alternator in my 320 ; we have the  
>>> Yammer 27
>>> HP engine; what is the suggested highest amp. output that people  
>>> have
>>> installed without going to 2 pulleys etc. I know I will have to  
>>> put in a
>>> regulator; I am thinking 80 amp; I have 2 - 4d batteries. Reason for
>>> changing is we plan to head South for the winter and will be on a  
>>> mooring
>>> and hook for long periods.
>>> Thank you
>>> Pat Kenefick
>>> "Cynthia Gale"
>>> Bath, NC
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: <c320-list-request at lists.catalina320.com>
>>> To: <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
>>> Sent: Friday, October 08, 2010 3:00 PM
>>> Subject: C320-list Digest, Vol 915, Issue 1
>>>
>>>
>
>
> -- 
> Chris Burti Farmville, NC