[C38] Alternators

[D McC]

Somewhere in the past I recall that the major difference between 'Marine' and 'Automotive' alternators is that the Marine units are ignition protected to prevent starting fires. They are also (usually) powder coated to help prevent surface corrosion and to look pretty. The real reason to use a marine rated alternator is for insurance issues. If You have a fire on board (even if it is not electrical) and it is determined that your alternator is not marine rated, then all bets are off and your underwriter will happily write you off to avoid paying on the policy and collect the bonus for avoiding the payment! 
  
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Common Sense is a rare gift from the Gods.
Most people have only technical training!

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The gods do not deduct from man's allotted span those hours spent in sailing.

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When in doubt, try the vice You haven't tried before!


--- On Sun, 11/6/11, Larry Malmberg <Larrypi at roadrunner.com> wrote:

> From: Larry Malmberg <Larrypi at roadrunner.com>
> Subject: [C38] Alternators
> To: "'Catalina 38 Listserve'" <listserve at catalina38.org>
> Date: Sunday, November 6, 2011, 6:20 AM
> Marine vs. Automotive; what says the
> list?  And, I have discovered that
> there is a difference between the two, well at least I have
> been told there
> is.  It has something to do with the grounding,
> apparently automotive
> alternators ground to their case and marine alternators
> ground someplace
> else.  Having experienced charging problems on the way
> back from HI this
> year I am now acutely aware of my dependency upon the
> electrical system of
> Hassle.
> 
> I had wanted to utilize the KISS principal but then, I
> think it got out of
> hand LOL, laptops, water makers, inverter, sat phones,
> radar, chart plotter,
> instruments,  well the list goes on.  What is, if
> there is one, the most
> effective charging and regulating system out there?  I
> need opinions based
> upon your usage.  FYI I have four AGL 110 amp house
> batteries and one small
> AGL start battery.  Currently using a Balmar regulator
> and a converted
> automotive 90amp alternator.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Best regards,
> 
> Larry Malmberg
> 
> 7231 Boulder Avenue Suite 507
> Highland, CA 92346 PI 15211
> Telephone  909-208-1847
> FAX       
>    909-991-7568
> 
> E Mail  Larrypi at roadrunner.com
> 
> 
> 
>  
> Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss
> slowly, Love truly,
> Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made
> you smile..
>  
> "The American Indians found out what happens when  you
> don't control
> immigration"
> 
> 
> "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of
> arriving safely in
> a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in
> broadside,
> thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly
> proclaiming; WOW-- What a
> Ride!"
> 
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