[C320-list] Batteries -- some thoughts

[Warren Updike]

Wow! The traffic on this "Batteries" thread is interesting. One might get the impression that batteries are an important issue.

Re. lead-acid gassing, I presume the "codes" mentioned are ABYC codes. Comments made re. small likelihood of a danger are probably on target. For those who might be concerned, Yandina Marine Electronics https://www.yandina.com/NewCatalog.htm makes a ventilation controller that will manage the venting of a battery compartment. 

As for comparing battery types, Nigel Calder has done an exhaustive investigation of battery types in terms of cost, performance, +/-. He concludes that the least cost configuration is with lead-acid type. I think this was published in editions of Sail magazine. Also, the site marinehowto.com/category/electrical/ has a number of articles on batteries. The same author writes as "Maine Sail" on sailboatowners.com. See his " AGM Batteries - Making The Choice," article in the Forums section.

Re. question of upgrading pulley/belt, the Perkins M30 has a 55amp Lucas alt. and 3/8" belt. I think I've seen that the more recent Yanmars are 1/2" belt/pulley. Balmar recommended a maximum alternator of 70-100A on a 3/8" belt. I have a 100A alt that is restrained by the regulator to 80A (my choice.) Rarely does it ever reach 60A and spends most time in bulk mode at about 40A. All that is the choice of the battery.

Re. Alternator upgrade on Perkins M30. Perkins was a British product and the Lucas Alt. is NOT to US auto alternator mount standards. I think, perhaps, the Yanmars are US standard mounts. Mark Seyler is correct, upgrading the Perkins alternator requires alterations to the lower mount and the adjusting arm on top. For anyone planning this on a Perkins, I have an article and pictures that might help. 

For any Kent Is. boaters that may be lurking on this list, Howdy Cap.

Warren and Pattie Updike
1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62
Middle River, MD (Chesapeake Bay)