[C320-list] High Efficiency Alternator

[John Frost]

I think the safety standards require that every wire attached to the battery
be fused as close as possible to the battery, but no more than something
like 18" from it. The idea is to minimize the amount of wire subject to an
un fused short of the big honker battery. Of course the generator is also a
source of energy as you point out, but I would be less concerned about the
damage it could do. Not sure if codes call for a fuse there. (I have them if
you need me to check)

By the way, it was great to meet a few of you at the annual meeting. Nice to
put faces to boats.


Happy Sailing!

John
2007 C320MKII
Hull 1118 "KOKOMO"
Guntersville, AL


-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Robert
Seastream
Sent: Sunday, October 10, 2010 2:24 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] High Efficiency Alternator

I put the fuse nearest the batteries or 'load' end, making changeout  
easier should it blow.  Either end should do, only one fuse is  
needed.  Remember, the more 'breaks' in the line, the more (however  
slight) resistance is added to the circuit.  This is very important  
given the relatively low voltage yet potentially high currents we're  
talking about.  Again, this fuse is essentially a safeguard against a  
'dead short', meant to avert a catastrophic failure which could result  
in a fire, loss of boat, or worse.

Bob

On Oct 10, 2010, at 10:42 AM, Bruce Heyman wrote:

> Bob,
> I like that solution for protecting the alternator and eliminating  
> having to
> move the switch to charge the batteries.  Do you have to put a high  
> amp fuse
> on both ends, one near the alternator and one near the batteries?
> Bruce
> Somerset 671 Dana Point
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Robert
> Seastream
> Sent: Sunday, October 10, 2010 7:08 AM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] High Efficiency Alternator
>
> 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
>
>