The Admiral requires a hairdryer when we cruise. I already have the Honda 2000 generator.
My concern is overheating of the alternator while trying to charge a 400 Ah bank with the stock 50 Amp alternator underway.
Cheers,
chris
Your batts can theoretically accept about 100 amps in bulk but if not discharging deeply you won't likely run your alt long enough to cook it before hitting the 75-80% threshold where the batteries begin really limiting the accepted current. On trick to use, if concerned about over heating the alt, is to limit the revs on the engine until you see the current drop on the battery monitor. This will take the alt off its "ceiling" and let it cool off.
External regulators are never a bad idea, especially in hot climates, but I would spend money on solar and a battery monitor fist if you don't already have them, then 90A alt, then regulator. The Leece-Neville 8MR can be converted anytime so you can buy it and run it stock then if you feel you want the benefits of an external reg, like temp sensing, you can always upgrade in stages.
Our bank is 375 Ah (plus starter) on a stock 50A Mitsubishi alt. The difference is we rarely discharge below 70% SOC, were very energy efficient, and she rarely puts out her 45-48 hot amps for long enough to do any damage before we hit the acceptance wall.
In order for external regulation to be the most beneficial you need to know;
Do I want or need alt and or battery temp sensing
Do I motor long enough for float to even kick in
Do I want to program my regulator to maximize the charge times most efficiently
Why am I looking to upgrade to external regulation and what do I expect
Do I have GEL Cells or AGM batteries
I've run my 50A alt for "several years" and it is fine so what "improvement " am I looking for.
Will I sleep well if I don't do this upgrade?
Will my wife kill me if I spend any more money on this boat...
