High Output Alternators & Serpentine belts

[Jim Picerno]

I am a new owner of an Ericson 38-200. The boat is 1200 miles away and on the hard, and even though I can’t get on the boat, I’ve started to think about upgrading some of the various systems. The boat’s electrical system is extremely rudimentary. It consists of 2 FLA house batteries, and a single FLA starter battery. There is a battery charger (not sure of the brand), but no inverter. And it appears to have the stock alternator which I believe is rated at 52a. There is no solar, or wind power so charging is either from shore power, or the stock alternator. Which brings me to my question which is about battery charging. Is anyone using a high out alternator with a serpentine pulley kit? If so what engine? Which alternator and regulator are you using? And finally how has it worked for you? TIA for your comments.

 

[Kenneth K]

There was a list of Critical Upgrades circulating around a few years back on a Catalina Owner's website. Much of it was pertinent to Ericsons with Universal engines, so many people here used the list as well.

The common electrical items were:
1. Removing the Ammeter (and thus, the alternator output/charging) from the engine panel, and
2. Removing the trailer plugs from the engine wiring harness and replacing with terminal bars.

Unless those modifications have been made on your boat, the combination of either of those items with a high-output alternator can create a real fire hazard.

I'd probably add battery fusing to the list, too, since Ericson didn't put fuses on our battery cables.

CRITICAL UPGRADES - DO THESE OR ELSE!!!

CRITICAL UPGRADES - DO THESE OR ELSE!!!

c34.org

 

[David Grimm]

 

[Pete the Cat]

Let us know your charge rate and results. Seems like your estimates of time are really optimistic, but I am not familiar with the charge profile of lion batteries and would like to learn.

 

[Christian Williams]

Congrats on the purchase. When you get a moment, put your new boat specs in the Signature line. Username/Signature.

Many 38s have the Universal 5432 or M40. A Search of "alternator" will turn up many reports.

I think most of us more or less agree that an upgrade to Balmar 100 or equivalent is easy, and will not require upgraded belt system. This gets to be a long discussion, but the potential issue is belt slippage because of increased alternator demand, which depends on battery charge level--and there are workarounds.

I have three 100 amp hour AGMS, one there only as a reserve (and never used, but kept charged). Any modern marine charger is fine. If you're on a dock with power always connected, 20 amps is adequate. A more powerful charger just charges faster, which is seldom a need for most of us from a shore charger.

In my usage of the boat there is no need for solar or a wind generator, simply because if on a cruise I use the Balmar to occasionally recharge. Needs are different if on a mooring or cruising for weeks without shore power. Adding solar in my opinion needs justification beyond trend.

We have a master list of popular boat issues, here. The blogs have a lot of useful projects in great detail, although it may require patience to find them.

 

[Loren Beach]

I am a new owner of an Ericson 38-200. The boat is 1200 miles away and on the hard, and even though I can’t get on the boat, I’ve started to think about upgrading some of the various systems.

Welcome Aboard!


Pour yourself a cup of coffee or eggnog, and wander thru 20 years of site archives. Try lots of search phrases. The Blog section is easier to roam just because it's much smaller in bytes. Also, note that nearly all the Ericson's (and Olson's) from a similar era will have many of the same parts and pieces in all their systems. One example is that in my club moorage there is an E-38-200 and an E-34 with the same electrical distribution panel as my Olson. Many similar water system parts, too. Winches? Blocks? Yup.
EY was using very good production techniques on al of these, also.
When you are puzzled, just ask a question. Sometimes another owner will reference an existing thread that speaks to your needs. And do not be concerned about adding on to an older thread. Legacy boat systems always usually benefit from evolving technology.