Re: Battery bank project

Nice project. I have a battery/power question. My alternator is shot. Has been for a while. I have very little need for power other than starting the engine and running the VHF so have gotten along fine without it. Last summer I even went all day (8 hours) on my auto-tiller and never ran out of juice. What do you all think about this idea. Go without an alternator (which would cost about $500 to fix) and I just use high quality batteries or even upgrade the capacity (currently two group 24 west marine generics) and perhaps get a nice solar charger. Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Chris Cal-31 Poulsbo, WA

Something only you can answer as it totally depends on how you use the boat. Long trips under power down the coast, weeks at anchor where you need to run the engine to charge the battery, not such a good idea. In and out of the slip always off one battery with a second as a spare in case your auto pilot drains the first battery and you need the second to start, sounds great. The other thing to consider is how do you charge the battery. If you have an isolated battery charger and no other shore power connection sounds fine. If you have, as most boats do, a shore power connection grounded to your DC ground then leaving the boat plugged in is going to eat the zinc quickly and you may end up doing more than $500 damage to your prop and perhaps other metal. Some people with such non isolated 110 systems just rely on the alternator to charge the batteries and never plug in. Good luck. Allen On Sat, Jan 5, 2013 at 8:42 AM, chris cole <sc… [at] yahoo.com> wrote: > ** > > > Nice project. > > I have a battery/power question. My alternator is shot. Has been for a > while. I have very little need for power other than starting the engine > and running the VHF so have gotten along fine without it. > > Last summer I even went all day (8 hours) on my auto-tiller and never ran > out of juice. > > What do you all think about this idea. > > Go without an alternator (which would cost about $500 to fix) and I just > use high quality batteries or even upgrade the capacity (currently two > group 24 west marine generics) and perhaps get a nice solar charger. > > Thanks in advance for your thoughts. > > Chris > Cal-31 > Poulsbo, WA > > > > >

$500 to repair your alternator? That sounds VERY high. Send me the exact specifics on your alternator, and I'll bet we can save you some $. You really need an alternator for your application, or you risk drastically shortening the service life of your batteries. *Joe DeMers - owner* Sound Marine Diesel LLC SoundMarineDiesel.com <http://www.soundmarinediesel.com/> *phone & fax (860) 666-2184* On 1/5/2013 11:42 AM, chris cole wrote: > > > Nice project. > I have a battery/power question. My alternator is shot. Has been for > a while. I have very little need for power other than starting the > engine and running the VHF so have gotten along fine without it. > Last summer I even went all day (8 hours) on my auto-tiller and never > ran out of juice. > What do you all think about this idea. > Go without an alternator (which would cost about $500 to fix) and I > just use high quality batteries or even upgrade the capacity > (currently two group 24 west marine generics) and perhaps get a nice > solar charger. > Thanks in advance for your thoughts. > Chris > Cal-31 > Poulsbo, WA > > > > > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com> > Version: 2013.0.2805 / Virus Database: 2637/6004 - Release Date: 01/02/13 > -- *Joe DeMers - owner* Sound Marine Diesel LLC SoundMarineDiesel.com <http://www.soundmarinediesel.com/> *phone & fax (860) 666-2184*

You must either be charging your battery with shore power or taking your battery home to charge. Unless you only do weekend sailing on your boat, a solar install is going to be more expensive than even an overpriced repair of you alternator. I had a friend with an F27, sailed maybe once a month weekend trips, simple electrical needs, outboard with no alternator somewhere around a 30 -45 watt panel. He said his battery was always full, but he only had LED lighting, fathometer, and VHF. There are lots of articles on the web, but here are the basics. Find out how many amps everything in your boat draws and how long you keep it on in a day. i.e. 12 watt light, 12W/12V = 1 amp. 4 hours per day, 4 x 1=4 amp-hrs (by the way not amps/hr) You never want to discharge your battery more than 50%. Deeper discharges mean fewer cycles before the battery is dead, but if you multiply the number of available discharges by the amps out there is a maximum energy out of the battery over its lifetime at around 40% discharge. i.e. you find you use 50 amp-hrs per day, and you plan on having enough charging source to make that up every day, you need a 100 amp-hr battery. Solar panels are rated in watts. An estimate is assume they put out full power for 3-5 hours per day. There are graphs of N. America that show average insolation for regions of the country if you want a better guess. Solar panels can charge on overcast days, but probably not on heavy overcast days, so winter in Seattle you will need more. 150 watt panel divided by 12 volts is 12.5 amps times 4 hours is 50 amp-hrs. This will not bring you battery back to full charge, so about once a month you need a way to charge a flooded battery completely to avoid it dying from sulphation. AGMs need to be fully charged much more often. If you have more than around 2% of your battery capacity in charging source amps you will need a charge controller (solar paneleze for regulator). Another $30 to $300. You can play games like need 2 days of capacity, 50 amp-hrs/day x 2 = 100 amp-hrs, so 200 amp-hr battery, then figure 5 days to charge back up. John From: chris cole <sc… [at] yahoo.com> To: "Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com" <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> Sent: Saturday, January 5, 2013 8:42 AM Subject: [Cal_Boats] Re: Battery bank project Nice project. I have a battery/power question. My alternator is shot. Has been for a while. I have very little need for power other than starting the engine and running the VHF so have gotten along fine without it. Last summer I even went all day (8 hours) on my auto-tiller and never ran out of juice. What do you all think about this idea. Go without an alternator (which would cost about $500 to fix) and I just use high quality batteries or even upgrade the capacity (currently two group 24 west marine generics) and perhaps get a nice solar charger. Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Chris Cal-31 Poulsbo, WA

Chris, I have an OB Aux, but it has CDI/magneto so it can run all day, and all night if need be. Doesn't your ignition system run down your battery? I'd say, do some digging to find a better price for a alternator replacement, as Joe DeMeers recommended. If you don't think you'll need to run your engine for long, I guess you can put it off until the need arises. Jerry Sobel (still putting off my CDI charge coil replacement) From: chris cole <sc… [at] yahoo.com> To: "Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com" <Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com> Sent: Saturday, January 5, 2013 8:42 AM Subject: [Cal_Boats] Re: Battery bank project Nice project. I have a battery/power question. My alternator is shot. Has been for a while. I have very little need for power other than starting the engine and running the VHF so have gotten along fine without it. Last summer I even went all day (8 hours) on my auto-tiller and never ran out of juice. What do you all think about this idea. Go without an alternator (which would cost about $500 to fix) and I just use high quality batteries or even upgrade the capacity (currently two group 24 west marine generics) and perhaps get a nice solar charger. Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Chris Cal-31 Poulsbo, WA

Is this an alternator in an outboard engine? It sounds ludricous to even attemp to "repair" a regular belt driven alternator - even one designated as "marine", when there are a multitude used ones available for $100 or less. Yes, if it part of an outboard engine, you may need help as is being generously offered by Sound Marine Diesel LLC. --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Joe DeMers wrote: > > $500 to repair your alternator? That sounds VERY high. > > Send me the exact specifics on your alternator, and I'll bet we can save > you some $. > > You really need an alternator for your application, or you risk > drastically shortening the service life of your batteries. > > *Joe DeMers - owner* > > Sound Marine Diesel LLC > > SoundMarineDiesel.com > > *phone & fax (860) 666-2184* > > > > > On 1/5/2013 11:42 AM, chris cole wrote: > > > > > > Nice project. > > I have a battery/power question. My alternator is shot. Has been for > > a while. I have very little need for power other than starting the > > engine and running the VHF so have gotten along fine without it. > > Last summer I even went all day (8 hours) on my auto-tiller and never > > ran out of juice. > > What do you all think about this idea. > > Go without an alternator (which would cost about $500 to fix) and I > > just use high quality batteries or even upgrade the capacity > > (currently two group 24 west marine generics) and perhaps get a nice > > solar charger. > > Thanks in advance for your thoughts. > > Chris > > Cal-31 > > Poulsbo, WA > > > > > > > > > > No virus found in this message. > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > > Version: 2013.0.2805 / Virus Database: 2637/6004 - Release Date: 01/02/13 > > > > -- > > *Joe DeMers - owner* > > Sound Marine Diesel LLC > > SoundMarineDiesel.com > > *phone & fax (860) 666-2184* >

Paul, sometimes replacing the brushes can be straight forward (if that is the cause). The used alternators will probably need that anyway. Cheers Charlie From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of dutchessc22 Sent: Sunday, January 06, 2013 11:45 AM To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: [External] [Cal_Boats] Alternator repair [ was Re: Battery bank project Is this an alternator in an outboard engine? It sounds ludricous to even attemp to "repair" a regular belt driven alternator - even one designated as "marine", when there are a multitude used ones available for $100 or less. Yes, if it part of an outboard engine, you may need help as is being generously offered by Sound Marine Diesel LLC. --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Joe DeMers wrote: > > $500 to repair your alternator? That sounds VERY high. > > Send me the exact specifics on your alternator, and I'll bet we can > save you some $. > > You really need an alternator for your application, or you risk > drastically shortening the service life of your batteries. > > *Joe DeMers - owner* > > Sound Marine Diesel LLC > > SoundMarineDiesel.com > > *phone & fax (860) 666-2184* > > > > > On 1/5/2013 11:42 AM, chris cole wrote: > > > > > > Nice project. > > I have a battery/power question. My alternator is shot. Has been > > for a while. I have very little need for power other than starting > > the engine and running the VHF so have gotten along fine without it. > > Last summer I even went all day (8 hours) on my auto-tiller and > > never ran out of juice. > > What do you all think about this idea. > > Go without an alternator (which would cost about $500 to fix) and I > > just use high quality batteries or even upgrade the capacity > > (currently two group 24 west marine generics) and perhaps get a nice > > solar charger. > > Thanks in advance for your thoughts. > > Chris > > Cal-31 > > Poulsbo, WA > > > > > > > > > > No virus found in this message. > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > > Version: 2013.0.2805 / Virus Database: 2637/6004 - Release Date: > > 01/02/13 > > > > -- > > *Joe DeMers - owner* > > Sound Marine Diesel LLC > > SoundMarineDiesel.com > > *phone & fax (860) 666-2184* > ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links

Joe Did you receive my email about spare parts? I've received no response. Reggie To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com From: je… [at] mindspring.com Date: Sat, 5 Jan 2013 12:26:56 -0500 Subject: [Cal_Boats] Alternator repair [ was Re: Battery bank project $500 to repair your alternator? That sounds VERY high. Send me the exact specifics on your alternator, and I'll bet we can save you some $. You really need an alternator for your application, or you risk drastically shortening the service life of your batteries. Joe DeMers - owner Sound Marine Diesel LLCSoundMarineDiesel.com phone & fax (860) 666-2184 On 1/5/2013 11:42 AM, chris cole wrote: Nice project. I have a battery/power question. My alternator is shot. Has been for a while. I have very little need for power other than starting the engine and running the VHF so have gotten along fine without it. Last summer I even went all day (8 hours) on my auto-tiller and never ran out of juice. What do you all think about this idea. Go without an alternator (which would cost about $500 to fix) and I just use high quality batteries or even upgrade the capacity (currently two group 24 west marine generics) and perhaps get a nice solar charger. Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Chris Cal-31 Poulsbo, WA No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.2805 / Virus Database: 2637/6004 - Release Date: 01/02/13 -- Joe DeMers - owner Sound Marine Diesel LLCSoundMarineDiesel.com phone & fax (860) 666-2184

Hi Reggie - sorry about my slow response, I've been fighting bronchitis for some time , but finally feel well enough to work. I will get back to you later today. *Joe DeMers - owner* Sound Marine Diesel LLC SoundMarineDiesel.com <http://www.soundmarinediesel.com/> *phone & fax (860) 666-2184* On 1/6/2013 7:56 PM, r good wrote: > > > Joe > Did you receive my email about spare parts? I've received no response. > Reggie > > To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com > From: je… [at] mindspring.com > Date: Sat, 5 Jan 2013 12:26:56 -0500 > Subject: [Cal_Boats] Alternator repair [ was Re: Battery bank project > > $500 to repair your alternator? That sounds VERY high. > > Send me the exact specifics on your alternator, and I'll bet we can > save you some $. > > You really need an alternator for your application, or you risk > drastically shortening the service life of your batteries. > > *Joe DeMers - owner * > Sound Marine Diesel LLC > SoundMarineDiesel.com <http://www.soundmarinediesel.com/> *phone & fax > (860) 666-2184 * > > > > On 1/5/2013 11:42 AM, chris cole wrote: > > Nice project. > I have a battery/power question. My alternator is shot. Has been > for a while. I have very little need for power other than > starting the engine and running the VHF so have gotten along fine > without it. > Last summer I even went all day (8 hours) on my auto-tiller and > never ran out of juice. > What do you all think about this idea. > Go without an alternator (which would cost about $500 to fix) and > I just use high quality batteries or even upgrade the capacity > (currently two group 24 west marine generics) and perhaps get a > nice solar charger. > Thanks in advance for your thoughts. > Chris > Cal-31 > Poulsbo, WA > > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/> > Version: 2013.0.2805 / Virus Database: 2637/6004 - Release Date: > 01/02/13 > > > -- > *Joe DeMers - owner * > Sound Marine Diesel LLC > SoundMarineDiesel.com <http://www.soundmarinediesel.com/> *phone & fax > (860) 666-2184 * > > > > > > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com> > Version: 2013.0.2805 / Virus Database: 2637/6009 - Release Date: 01/04/13 > -- *Joe DeMers - owner* Sound Marine Diesel LLC SoundMarineDiesel.com <http://www.soundmarinediesel.com/> *phone & fax (860) 666-2184*

Thank you all. Some more detail might help: Cal 31 has an inboard diesel. Mine is the original volvo MD6A from 1979. Raw water cooled. Works fine. My sailing at this time is mostly day sailing and some overnights. Almost never at anchor. I stick to marinas. Puget Sound is chock full of them and the kids and I like marinas. no big plans for long trips at this time. I plug in most every day. Been doing so for 10 years now with this boat and no problems with disappearing props or other corrosion. Not sure why not. With this old Volvo, I am always reluctant to invest $$ due to its age. I am just waiting for it to quit but it just keeps on chugging along so it may be a while. Never can tell. I have thought about looking for a used alt but thought I would just see how this discussion goes first I don't know what it is but the conventional wisdom does not work on my boat. If so, my old volvo raw water cooled diesel would have been gone long ago. When I bought it 10 years ago they told me it was already past it's expected life and it has never let me down. (knocking on wood now) Thought I would consider unconventional for my power needs. Best wishes, Chris --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, "Husar, Charlie [USA] (ASE)" wrote: > > Paul, sometimes replacing the brushes can be straight forward (if that is the cause). The used alternators will probably need that anyway. > > Cheers > Charlie > > -----Original Message----- > From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of dutchessc22 > Sent: Sunday, January 06, 2013 11:45 AM > To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com > Subject: [External] [Cal_Boats] Alternator repair [ was Re: Battery bank project > > Is this an alternator in an outboard engine? It sounds ludricous to even attemp to "repair" a regular belt driven alternator - even one designated as "marine", when there are a multitude used ones available for $100 or less. > > Yes, if it part of an outboard engine, you may need help as is being generously offered by Sound Marine Diesel LLC. > > --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Joe DeMers wrote: > > > > $500 to repair your alternator? That sounds VERY high. > > > > Send me the exact specifics on your alternator, and I'll bet we can > > save you some $. > > > > You really need an alternator for your application, or you risk > > drastically shortening the service life of your batteries. > > > > *Joe DeMers - owner* > > > > Sound Marine Diesel LLC > > > > SoundMarineDiesel.com > > > > *phone & fax (860) 666-2184* > > > > > > > > > > On 1/5/2013 11:42 AM, chris cole wrote: > > > > > > > > > Nice project. > > > I have a battery/power question. My alternator is shot. Has been > > > for a while. I have very little need for power other than starting > > > the engine and running the VHF so have gotten along fine without it. > > > Last summer I even went all day (8 hours) on my auto-tiller and > > > never ran out of juice. > > > What do you all think about this idea. > > > Go without an alternator (which would cost about $500 to fix) and I > > > just use high quality batteries or even upgrade the capacity > > > (currently two group 24 west marine generics) and perhaps get a nice > > > solar charger. > > > Thanks in advance for your thoughts. > > > Chris > > > Cal-31 > > > Poulsbo, WA > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > No virus found in this message. > > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > > > Version: 2013.0.2805 / Virus Database: 2637/6004 - Release Date: > > > 01/02/13 > > > > > > > -- > > > > *Joe DeMers - owner* > > > > Sound Marine Diesel LLC > > > > SoundMarineDiesel.com > > > > *phone & fax (860) 666-2184* > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Yahoo! Groups Links >

Hi Chris, Don't have any specific info for your boat but I have replaced a few alternators over the years. I suggest the following: take your old alternator to an automotive alternator repair shop. There aren't really many alternator manufacturers, and there is nothing magic about any of them. The main parameters for an alternator are: 1. Rotation direction 2. Size (mechanical and electrical) - new one needs to physically fit the space, not overload the engine. Fifty to 100 Amp is typical. 3. Mount dimensions. This can be tricky, but a rebuild shop can help id what you can use. Neets to fit bracket and align with drive pulley. Note that the primary mode of alternator failure is blown diodes - they can be replaced for modest money, bearings too. For an hours work and a drive to a repair shop you can get a real answer and actual price. I think you will be surprised how inexpensive it is. Ted Wrobel Cal 33 Celebration Newport, RI _____ From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Some guy Sent: Monday, January 07, 2013 10:31 AM To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: [External] [Cal_Boats] Alternator repair [ was Re: Battery bank project Thank you all. Some more detail might help: Cal 31 has an inboard diesel. Mine is the original volvo MD6A from 1979. Raw water cooled. Works fine. My sailing at this time is mostly day sailing and some overnights. Almost never at anchor. I stick to marinas. Puget Sound is chock full of them and the kids and I like marinas. no big plans for long trips at this time. I plug in most every day. Been doing so for 10 years now with this boat and no problems with disappearing props or other corrosion. Not sure why not. With this old Volvo, I am always reluctant to invest $$ due to its age. I am just waiting for it to quit but it just keeps on chugging along so it may be a while. Never can tell. I have thought about looking for a used alt but thought I would just see how this discussion goes first I don't know what it is but the conventional wisdom does not work on my boat. If so, my old volvo raw water cooled diesel would have been gone long ago. When I bought it 10 years ago they told me it was already past it's expected life and it has never let me down. (knocking on wood now) Thought I would consider unconventional for my power needs. Best wishes, Chris --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com <mailto:Cal_Boats%40yahoogroups.com> , "Husar, Charlie [USA] (ASE)" wrote: > > Paul, sometimes replacing the brushes can be straight forward (if that is the cause). The used alternators will probably need that anyway. > > Cheers > Charlie > > -----Original Message----- > From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com <mailto:Cal_Boats%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com <mailto:Cal_Boats%40yahoogroups.com> ] On Behalf Of dutchessc22 > Sent: Sunday, January 06, 2013 11:45 AM > To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com <mailto:Cal_Boats%40yahoogroups.com> > Subject: [External] [Cal_Boats] Alternator repair [ was Re: Battery bank project > > Is this an alternator in an outboard engine? It sounds ludricous to even attemp to "repair" a regular belt driven alternator - even one designated as "marine", when there are a multitude used ones available for $100 or less. > > Yes, if it part of an outboard engine, you may need help as is being generously offered by Sound Marine Diesel LLC. > > --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com <mailto:Cal_Boats%40yahoogroups.com> , Joe DeMers wrote: > > > > $500 to repair your alternator? That sounds VERY high. > > > > Send me the exact specifics on your alternator, and I'll bet we can > > save you some $. > > > > You really need an alternator for your application, or you risk > > drastically shortening the service life of your batteries. > > > > *Joe DeMers - owner* > > > > Sound Marine Diesel LLC > > > > SoundMarineDiesel.com > > > > *phone & fax (860) 666-2184* > > > > > > > > > > On 1/5/2013 11:42 AM, chris cole wrote: > > > > > > > > > Nice project. > > > I have a battery/power question. My alternator is shot. Has been > > > for a while. I have very little need for power other than starting > > > the engine and running the VHF so have gotten along fine without it. > > > Last summer I even went all day (8 hours) on my auto-tiller and > > > never ran out of juice. > > > What do you all think about this idea. > > > Go without an alternator (which would cost about $500 to fix) and I > > > just use high quality batteries or even upgrade the capacity > > > (currently two group 24 west marine generics) and perhaps get a nice > > > solar charger. > > > Thanks in advance for your thoughts. > > > Chris > > > Cal-31 > > > Poulsbo, WA > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > No virus found in this message. > > > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > > > Version: 2013.0.2805 / Virus Database: 2637/6004 - Release Date: > > > 01/02/13 > > > > > > > -- > > > > *Joe DeMers - owner* > > > > Sound Marine Diesel LLC > > > > SoundMarineDiesel.com > > > > *phone & fax (860) 666-2184* > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Yahoo! Groups Links > _____ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1430 / Virus Database: 2637/5515 - Release Date: 01/07/13

On 1/7/2013 10:31 AM, Some guy wrote: > > Thank you all. > > Some more detail might help: > > Cal 31 has an inboard diesel. Mine is the original volvo MD6A from 1979. ****** You probably have an MD7A, judging from the build date. The MD7A has an alternator, the MD6A has a starter / generator. > Raw water cooled. Works fine. > > My sailing at this time is mostly day sailing and some overnights. Almost never at anchor. I stick to marinas. Puget Sound is chock full of them and the kids and I like marinas. no big plans for long trips at this time. > > I plug in most every day. Been doing so for 10 years now with this boat and no problems with disappearing props or other corrosion. Not sure why not. > > With this old Volvo, I am always reluctant to invest $$ due to its age. I am just waiting for it to quit but it just keeps on chugging along so it may be a while. Never can tell. > > I have thought about looking for a used alt but thought I would just see how this discussion goes first ******* We have an exact replacement used alternator from an MD7A, please contact me off list for details. *Joe DeMers - owner* Sound Marine Diesel LLC SoundMarineDiesel.com <http://www.soundmarinediesel.com/> *phone & fax (860) 666-2184* > I don't know what it is but the conventional wisdom does not work on my boat. If so, my old volvo raw water cooled diesel would have been gone long ago. When I bought it 10 years ago they told me it was already past it's expected life and it has never let me down. (knocking on wood now) > > Thought I would consider unconventional for my power needs. > > Best wishes, > > Chris > > > --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, "Husar, Charlie [USA] (ASE)" wrote: >> Paul, sometimes replacing the brushes can be straight forward (if that is the cause). The used alternators will probably need that anyway. >> >> Cheers >> Charlie >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of dutchessc22 >> Sent: Sunday, January 06, 2013 11:45 AM >> To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com >> Subject: [External] [Cal_Boats] Alternator repair [ was Re: Battery bank project >> >> Is this an alternator in an outboard engine? It sounds ludricous to even attemp to "repair" a regular belt driven alternator - even one designated as "marine", when there are a multitude used ones available for $100 or less. >> >> Yes, if it part of an outboard engine, you may need help as is being generously offered by Sound Marine Diesel LLC. >> >> --- In Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com, Joe DeMers wrote: >>> $500 to repair your alternator? That sounds VERY high. >>> >>> Send me the exact specifics on your alternator, and I'll bet we can >>> save you some $. >>> >>> You really need an alternator for your application, or you risk >>> drastically shortening the service life of your batteries. >>> >>> *Joe DeMers - owner* >>> >>> Sound Marine Diesel LLC >>> >>> SoundMarineDiesel.com >>> >>> *phone& fax (860) 666-2184* >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On 1/5/2013 11:42 AM, chris cole wrote: >>>> >>>> Nice project. >>>> I have a battery/power question. My alternator is shot. Has been >>>> for a while. I have very little need for power other than starting >>>> the engine and running the VHF so have gotten along fine without it. >>>> Last summer I even went all day (8 hours) on my auto-tiller and >>>> never ran out of juice. >>>> What do you all think about this idea. >>>> Go without an alternator (which would cost about $500 to fix) and I >>>> just use high quality batteries or even upgrade the capacity >>>> (currently two group 24 west marine generics) and perhaps get a nice >>>> solar charger. >>>> Thanks in advance for your thoughts. >>>> Chris >>>> Cal-31 >>>> Poulsbo, WA >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> No virus found in this message. >>>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >>>> Version: 2013.0.2805 / Virus Database: 2637/6004 - Release Date: >>>> 01/02/13 >>>> >>> -- >>> >>> *Joe DeMers - owner* >>> >>> Sound Marine Diesel LLC >>> >>> SoundMarineDiesel.com >>> >>> *phone& fax (860) 666-2184* >>> >> >> >> >> ------------------------------------ >> >> Yahoo! Groups Links >> > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > ----- > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 2013.0.2805 / Virus Database: 2637/6009 - Release Date: 01/04/13 > > -- *Joe DeMers - owner* Sound Marine Diesel LLC SoundMarineDiesel.com <http://www.soundmarinediesel.com/> *phone & fax (860) 666-2184*

On 1/7/2013 10:59 AM, Ted Wrobel wrote: > > > Hi Chris, > Don't have any specific info for your boat but I have replaced a few > alternators over the years. > I suggest the following: take your old alternator to an automotive > alternator repair shop. > There aren't really many alternator manufacturers, and there is > nothing magic about any of them. One magic thing, at least for gasoline engines, is having a "marinized" unit, which doesn't just mean doubling the price. It means that the unit is ignition protected--enclosed to prevent sparks from igniting vapors. It's not so much a problem with cars, which have open engine compartments, but is for boats, which don't. Chris Campbell >

Hi Chris, Yes, I'm aware of the marinized requirement for gas engines. Didn't mention it for your situation as I thought you had a diesel. The basic difference is the addition of fine-mesh screens over all openings to prohibit flame propagation. Ted _____ From: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com [mailto:Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chris Campbell Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2013 12:03 PM To: Ca… [at] yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [External] [Cal_Boats] Alternator repair [ was Re: Battery bank project On 1/7/2013 10:59 AM, Ted Wrobel wrote: Hi Chris, Don't have any specific info for your boat but I have replaced a few alternators over the years. I suggest the following: take your old alternator to an automotive alternator repair shop. There aren't really many alternator manufacturers, and there is nothing magic about any of them. One magic thing, at least for gasoline engines, is having a "marinized" unit, which doesn't just mean doubling the price. It means that the unit is ignition protected--enclosed to prevent sparks from igniting vapors. It's not so much a problem with cars, which have open engine compartments, but is for boats, which don't. Chris Campbell _____ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1430 / Virus Database: 2637/5518 - Release Date: 01/08/13