[C320-list] Alternator upgrade

[Greg Flanagan]

Just a note. My alternator is 60A so expect ~30A actual output. During this summer cruising ~45 days I have so far  found my alternator is shut down as redundant most of the time. I only motor in the daylight and as necessary (a shortage of wind), and the batteries are fully charged or being charged at maximum from my solar system. I have 2 X 220Ah house batteries and 1 starter battery. My solar array is 360W. At one time I thought about upgrading the alternator to 120A, as found on the new version of my 3YM30. Not now.

Cheers,

Greg
Hoop Dancer #1076
Sidney BC

> On Aug 25, 2020, at 1:25 PM, kskis at aol.com wrote:
> 
> 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.