[C320-list] Multi Stage Voltage Regulator for Stock Alternator Possible?

[Utility Email]

I have a stock 55 watt Hitachi alternator in my 320. I am interested in installing a separate 3 stage aftermarket (Balmar or similar) voltage regulator while disconnecting the integral stock voltage regulator to get more charging efficiency out of the stock alternator. 

As many of you may know, the 3 stage voltage regulator and related wiring are not inexpensive ($200 to $300). I am trying to avoid the high cost of swapping out a perfectly good (albeit inefficient) stock alternator/regulator for a new $800 Balmar (or similar) assembly. 

I have heard that if I do this, I will likely burn out my stock alternator because the 3 stage voltage regulator will make the Hitachi alternator "work too hard."  Is this true?  I imagine that the stock alternator would have more load for a longer time for the bulk charging phase compared to stock, but I guess that I am questioning whether this would significantly decrease the life of the stock alternator.  I am also guessing that if I ask the Balmar folks, they would say it would significantly decrease the life of the Hitachi alternator because they want to sell me one of their heavy duty Balmar alternators.  Once the bulk charging phase is completed, it seems like the alternator load with an aftermarket multistage regulator would be similar to the stock regulator.  So my questions:

1.  Has anyone upgraded their Yanmar 3YM30 engine mounted alternator to perform efficient multistage charging without dropping $1000 to $1400 on a new Balmar alternator and regulator?  

2.  How far off base am I?  Or is it possibly practical to just upgrade the stock voltage regulator on our boats to improve engine driven charging efficiency?

Any and all advice and experience with this would be helpful. 

Thanks!

Dave Swanson
S/V Emily Ann
2007 C310 MK II, No. 1107
Mukilteo, WA