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

[Bruce Heyman]

Dave,
Thanks to the previous owner I didn't have to do this job.  However, I would  
offer that the Balmer external charger allows for the monitoring the  
temperature of that batteries and or the altinator.  When a temperature  
threshold is hit my understanding of the algoritum is that it halves the  
output.  I would think tis would go a long way to prevnting the early  
dimiese of your standard charger.
Bruce
Somerset 671 SoCal

Bruce Heyman
(949) 289-8400
BruceHeyman at cox.net

-----Original message-----
From: Utility Email <kswanson123 at comcast.net>
To: C320IA List Server <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Cc: David Swanson <davidbswanson at comcast.net>
Sent: Thu, Feb 10, 2011 23:50:27 GMT+00:00
Subject: [C320-list] Multi Stage Voltage Regulator for Stock Alternator	 
Possible?

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