[C320-list] Alternator upgrade

[kskis at aol.com]

Hello all.  I am considering an alternator upgrade for my Yanmar 3gm30f orignal equipment with (2) Lifeline 4DA AGM batteries 5 years old.  Considering also adding a starting battery and Balmar SG200 Battery Monitor.  Later on add some solar panels to my bimini.   I find it currently takes much too long to get a full charge (maybe the alternator isn't fully functional now) and I want to make sure I can run my fridge when cruising for 2-4 days at a time.  I was recommended a Balmar 120Amp Series 6 with K6 serpentine kit but it seems like overkill and I worry about depending on a voltage regulator to reduce the extra load on the engine (as well as the amperage being more than I'll ever use). Any thoughts out there?  Has anyone done this kind of conversion with success?  Thanks.  Neil Kornblatt  Harmony #973  2004.