Neil,

 

I went down this rabbit hole awhile back. There’s some useful info on the marinehowto site, a couple of alternator-specific articles and a section in the article below covering “do I really need a high performance alternator”.    Rod, who runs the site is knowledgeable and thorough.  

 

https://marinehowto.com/automotive-alternators-vs-deep-cycle-batteries/

 

Now the opinion part:   For my use-case, with a 2gm20 yanmar, the balmar alternator/smart reg didn’t really hit the mark.   As pointed out by joe, these setups are not cheap vs a stock-type unit.     My takeaway was that with sufficient engine power, a larger house bank supporting heavy electricity use,  (likely involving air conditioning or 120v ac appliances and an inverter) and a situation where charging was more critical (like long distance cruising) these big alternators/smart regulators come into their own.

 

Dave – 33-2

 

 

Sent from Mail for Windows

 

From: Joe Della Barba via CnC-List
Sent: September 15, 2021 6:30 AM
To: Stus-List
Cc: Neil Gallagher; [email protected]
Subject: Stus-List Re: A4 Alternator

 

Note you will need one of these to fit a Balmar, 10si clone, or other alternator that isn’t a stock Motorola onto an A4:

https://moyermarine.com/product/alternator-support-arm-late-model-ovel_03_222/

 

Balmar does make alternators that fit, but be prepared to spend $$$$$ if you buy one new. Moyer sells a couple of them too. What kind of batteries are you charging?

 

 

Joe Della Barba

Coquina C&C 35 MK I

Kent Island MD USA

 

 

 

From: Neil Gallagher via CnC-List <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2021 8:24 PM
To: Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List <[email protected]>
Cc: Neil Gallagher <[email protected]>
Subject: Stus-List Re: A4 Alternator

 

Joe,

Thanks, that's good info.

Neil Gallagher
Weatherly 35-1
Glen Cove, NY

On 9/14/2021 6:48 PM, Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List wrote:

The 60 amp Balmar I have fit the mounts just fine.

Here is a thread about installing it.

Balmar Alternator Installation and Test - Moyer Marine Atomic 4 Community - Home of the Afourians (moyermarineforum.com)

 

I only paid around $60 for it if I recall correctly. A new Balmar is very expensive and probably not worth putting on an A4. Due to the pulley ratios you are not likely to get more than 50-60 amps out of any alternator you put on there.

 

 

Joe Della Barba

Coquina

C&C 35 MK I

 

From: Neil Gallagher via CnC-List <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2021 6:31 PM
To: Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List <[email protected]>
Cc: Neil Gallagher <[email protected]>
Subject: Stus-List Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: anyone gone lithium?

 

Joe,

Also a bit of thread creep, but I'm in the process of rebuilding or replacing my alternator on the A4.  Does the Balmar fit on the engine without significant modifications?

Neil Gallagher
Weatherly 35-1
Glen Cove NY



Thanks to all of the subscribers that contributed to the list to help with the costs involved.  If you want to show your support to the list - use PayPal to send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

 

 

Thanks to all of the subscribers that contributed to the list to help with the 
costs involved.  If you want to show your support to the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

Reply via email to