Alternator for a 376

[Russell]

Since we are on a mooring we are forever using the engin to charge the batteries. Has anyone increased their alternator size? If so how big can you go? Any other alternatives worth exploring? wind? solar?RussellAllie Kat

 

[Mike Alge]

alternator

Russel You do not mention any thing about your battery capacity and perhaps there in lies the problem. maybe you need to use larger batteries and size the alternator to match. The alternator should have an output of approx. 1/4 to 1/3 of the capacity of the batteries. A battery capacity of 400 amps. would require an alternator of 100 to 140 amps output. As for other means of charging ,they would all work but you would have to decide the cost vs. benefits of each system. I would most likely lean to the solar panels only because they are quiet and require less maintenance.

 

[Justin Wolfe]

Us too

Russell,My wife & I live aboard on a mooring ball, so we are very sensitive to electricity needs. Here's what we've done.We have a 3GM30. I think you have the next size larger Yanmar. We installed a Balmar 75 alternator and a Balmar 3-stage regulator. We have 165 watts of solar panels, and 440 amphours of battery capacity. This setup works perfectly for us. We only need to run our engine 1-2 hours a week and we have 12V refrigeration running continuously. If I were to do it over again I would get a Balmar 100 alternator. This will still work with your single pulley system so the change over is very simple. Mechanically, it is simply a matter of removing the old alternator and installing the new one. Electrically, you have to do a bit of reconnecting, because the larger alternators require an external regulator, while your old Hitachi? has an internal regulator.If you don't have a Link 10 or similar you might consider that as well as it is a tremendous help in determining exactly how many amps you are using and how many you need to put back in.

 

[Don Alexander]

Larger Alternator

Russell,Before buying a new alternator make sure to check the available clearance to the side of the engine box.On my 376 the alternator is in contact with the sound insulation and this becomes badly torn when opening and closing the box. I have the standard 55 amp Hitachi alternator.If you change and it is a success please report back as I would like to change up too.

 

[Paul Bednarzyk]

Alternators

I just went through all this on my 380. My new battery capacity for the house bank is 450 amp hours. About the largest alternator we can use without going to two pulleys and belts is 100 amp. After much consideration I went with the 80 amp Hitachi, mostly because I fell into a deal that was too good to pass up, and kept the standard 55 amp as a backup. One of the best upgrades was a link 2000 (not 2000R). Now I know how much of the battery capacity I have used. Plus it controls both the charger and inverter. So far I haven't had any problems with the new alternator rubbing on the engine insulation. One word of caution, when putting in a high output alternator, you must also upgrade the wiring to the starter because of the higher amperage. I hope this helps.Paul BednarzykS/V Knot Again