[C320-list] High Output Alternator

[Greg Flanagan]

Hi Neil,

I added solar panels years ago. My first is a fixed panel (140W) running from port to starboard as far aft as possible over the Bimini. It is on additional bars running from the the Bimini supports. Then I added 2 flexible panels running with the boat, 1 each fixed to the canvas on the port and starboard sides of the Bimini. These are 100W each—total 340W.  I also changed out all of the lights with LEDs including the anchor light. I run the fridge all season and do not plug in to shore power all season. I have 2 AGM 8D house batteries—440AH when new. I do have a starter battery connected to the house battery with an echo charger. I have a Balmar Smart gauge to measure battery capacity. 
The important information: I have more power than I can use and also have plenty to charge the battery for my Torqeedo outboard. My alternator output has become quite irrelevant. Although years ago I thought I should upgrade it (before solar), I long ago gave up that notion. 

Note AGM batteries have a maximum useful range of 50% so I have about 100AH of usable power. A lithium battery will provide near 100%, therefore a smaller battery is possible. This season I the most have gone down in capacity overnight Is 77% (I only got the LED anchor light this spring where amps went from 4-5 down to .4amp).

Hope this helps,

Greg 
Hoop Dancer #1076
Sidney, BC 

> On Sep 2, 2022, at 10:47 AM, kskis at aol.com wrote:
> 
> Hello:  Having read many prior posts and project pages, I'd like to get any opinions and experience with upgrading to a high output alternator for my Harmony #963 with 2004 Yanmar 3gm30-f.  Harmony has been a marina maiden her whole life so battery charging/capacity has been more than adequate for short trips and day sailing.  We now want her to be able to do 1-2 week cruising as well as life on a mooring.  My 2 Lifeline AGM's (total 420AH/useable 210AH when new) are 5 years old and have been very lightly used (as the rest of Harmony!).  I want to upgrade charging capacity now to maximize use of these existing agms and prepare for replacing probably with lithium.  Balmar (and a supplier) recommended XT-DF-170-J10 Alternator (170 amps) with serpentine pulley kit and Max Charge MC-618 regulator.  Knowing this is overkill/pricey choice now but will have me avoid another alternator upgrade when the current batteries need replacing.  My understanding is the Max Charge can "turn down" amps to match the charging profile on my agm's then back up again when switching to lithium.
> Considering Battery monitor as well as 300 watts of solar panels on bimini to top off charging on mooring.
> Currently I don't have a start battery and looking to keep my agms each on their own switch 1 & 2
> I am searching for someone to do the work.
> 
> Any advice would be appreciated.
> Neil KornblattHarmony #963
> 
> 
>