All Beta engine users,
I am in the process of installing a Beta in my Vega (and I am setting new
record for the length of time to do it - so far almost 9 months from when
the truck delivered it to my garage). I am sure you all know this, but I
have always found with other boats, that the engines are marinized
industrial engines. The Beta being a Kubota that Beta Marine turns into a
marine engine. I teach and write navigation courses, so I always have tons
of electronic gizmos and computers on board and thus consume more than a
normal amount of power.
OK, most of the engines that come standard have basically an automotive
alternator and built-in regulator - I can find nothing in the Beta specs to
lead me to believe otherwise. The regulator usually is "linear, automotive"
rather then the 3-stage regulator that deep-cycle batteries prefer (besides
being far more efficient). I assume the Beta is no different. According to
the specs the alternator is rated at 40 amps, that is, I suppose reasonable,
but I'd prefer to double that. I know the Beta can handle the extra load and
strain on the bearings.
Have any or you installed a larger alternator and step regulator on your
Betas (such as a small Balmar 80 amp)? If so , did you just replace the
existing alternator, or did you build another bracket and use the PTO with
an added pulley and drive belt? If you used the existing alternator, have
any of you cracked the case and wired a step alternator in place of the
built-in regulator?
Thanks,
Chris
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I am in the process of installing a Beta in my Vega (and I am setting new
record for the length of time to do it - so far almost 9 months from when
the truck delivered it to my garage). I am sure you all know this, but I
have always found with other boats, that the engines are marinized
industrial engines. The Beta being a Kubota that Beta Marine turns into a
marine engine. I teach and write navigation courses, so I always have tons
of electronic gizmos and computers on board and thus consume more than a
normal amount of power.
OK, most of the engines that come standard have basically an automotive
alternator and built-in regulator - I can find nothing in the Beta specs to
lead me to believe otherwise. The regulator usually is "linear, automotive"
rather then the 3-stage regulator that deep-cycle batteries prefer (besides
being far more efficient). I assume the Beta is no different. According to
the specs the alternator is rated at 40 amps, that is, I suppose reasonable,
but I'd prefer to double that. I know the Beta can handle the extra load and
strain on the bearings.
Have any or you installed a larger alternator and step regulator on your
Betas (such as a small Balmar 80 amp)? If so , did you just replace the
existing alternator, or did you build another bracket and use the PTO with
an added pulley and drive belt? If you used the existing alternator, have
any of you cracked the case and wired a step alternator in place of the
built-in regulator?
Thanks,
Chris
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]