Alternator project
Specs.
1984 C36 Tall Rig
Universal 25
The skinny. I am the 3rd owner (I believe) of the vessel. I took ownership in 2008. I’ve had gremlins in the charging system and it’s time to address. The prior original owner, I am told, was a mechanic, and made a number of changes to the system. Leece-Neville 70amp alternator, ARS-3 regulator, with a by-pass switch to turn off the alternator when needed. The original voltmeter was simply disconnected.
Today: I want to install a new alternator & regulator. I also have the new wire harness kit and voltmeter from Catalina. I want to run new wires from the engine to the alternator and engine control panel. The old alternator when in operation would severely tax the engine. Also, the old wires, were starting to melt. Hence, time for the fix before it was too late.
Question for the forum:
I am a weekend sailor. I do not plan extended cruising in this boat. I have basically no alternator for the past 4 years and used shore power charger to charge the batteries. Now, after many years’ I’d like to replace the alternator. However, I do not want anything overkill. My engine is old and would like to limit the load on the engine. I’d like to return to basic OEM or the like. I have some systems on the boat that do use more power on the batteries, chart plotter, depth sounder, refrigeration, lights, fans, radio, etc. I do not plan to EVER us a microwave, coffee maker or TV when crusing or sailing.
What is the appropriate size alternator? After reading the thread on the 90amp upgrade I thought this would be an appropriate course. I ordered the same alternator, kit, Balmer ARS-5 Regulator. And started the project this weekend. Then I thought, as I realized that the pulley was not included with the alternator, and hence did not have that exact pulley, do I really need that much charging with a 90amp? Would a 72 amp or even the old westerbeke 50 amp do the job?
Your thoughts appreciated. I have reviewed many alternator upgrades on this forum and greatly appreciate the many who’ve helped addressed this situation before.
Nick
Muy Vale
Chesapeake Bay
General opinion seems to be that if you're just weekend sailing, the stock 55 amp internally regulated alternator will be just fine. Batteries will probably not go below 50% state of charge and then they'll sit on the charger at the dock. Refrigeration will be your biggest draw, but you'd still be fine for weekends and such.
I have a 100 amp alternator with external regulator, battery monitor, pair of 4D gel cells and separate engine starting battery. Now being retired I spend several days away from the dock. The batteries are over 10 years old and still perform like new, so I certainly have no complaints with that investment. But if I was still just doing weekends, the stock system would be fine. Adding a dedicated starting battery, so I could treat the pair of 4D's as the house bank made a big difference, since I had more capacity, while not having to worry about being able to start the engine.
Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay
Thank you! This makes sense, as a weekend sailor I just need something basic.
After some cross reference from the orginal OEM, ASE Supply helped me track down the proper alternator.
Thank you for shopping at ASE Supply Outlet Store! If you have any questions about your order, please call us at 1-800-289-2737
ASE Supply
2321 NE Argyle Suite C
Portland, Oregon 97211
Visit us again at [url]http://www.ase-supply.com/[/url]
Here is a link to the specifications.
[url]http://www.spidermarine.com/ShowItem/104466%20New%20Motorola,%20Leece%20...
I have the Balmar alternator installed. Works fine...but....Balmar will tell you to program the regulator to reduce the output to about 70 Amps so as to not tax the pully/belt. I can consistantly count on getting a recharge of one days normal use in about and hour and a half of cruising.
The Balmar would be an expensive choice for "day use" output.
Neil Roach
"Crewless"
1992 36, Mark I
Hull # 1174
Seattle
I just went through the same thing and went with ASE for a 51 amp.
[url]http://www.c36ia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1706[/url]
Jack
Solstice
Hull #1598
1996 MKII/TR/FK - M35AC - 3 Blade MaxProp
Lake Texoma
www.texomasailing.org