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

[Bruce Stanley]

I replaced my new 55 Amp Hitachi Alt with an 80AMP (2nd hand) Alt when the
boat was new.
The exchange was $200 + the new 55AMP.
I was ripped off price wise .... nearly 5 years later and the 80AMP is still
performing.

Bruce S
Sydney/C320#1084

On Fri, Feb 11, 2011 at 10:50 AM, Utility Email <kswanson123 at comcast.net>wrote:

> 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
>
>