- Joined
- Apr 15, 2008
- Messages
- 13,731
- Location
- California Delta
- Vessel Name
- FlyWright
- Vessel Make
- 1977 Marshall Californian 34 LRC
Well, today was the day that I've been dreading and looking forward to for a couple of years, ever since I bought my buddy's 120A Balmar alternator. He had operated his sailboat with a 4.108 Perkins for about a year with the Balmar before needing to replace his engine. After installing his new engne, he found there was not enough room for the Balmar, so I inherited it at friend pricing.
I sat on this Balmar for a couple of years dreading the installation since I know nothing about alternators and, after reading the instructions, knew that this was clearly "out of my wheelhouse." I bought the external regulator and, like I often do, contemplated the job as I procrastinated. Some of my wires didn't seem to match up with the connections on the Balmar alternator and regulator. Finally I decided to hire a professional to assist with the job.
Steve of CNI Marine Services showed up today for the job. He's a great guy to work with on engine and electrical issues. Together we agreed on a methodical plan of attack. After 2 1/2 hours in the ER, and a call to Balmar Tech Support, we had the job finished and working as expected! I now have plenty of juice for my 660AH house bank while underway to compliment my recently installed Iota 55A shore charger.
Until now, with stock alternators and a 30A charger, I've always felt "electrically challenged" after 3-4 days on the hook. My little charger, which had been malfunctioning for a year or so without my knowledge until I installed the SOC meter, just couldn't seem to keep up with my increasingly amp-hungry little boat. I finally feel like I'm now really ready for some extended stays on anchor. Bring on the summer California Delta anchorages! I'm ready for some summer fun on the hook!!
I sat on this Balmar for a couple of years dreading the installation since I know nothing about alternators and, after reading the instructions, knew that this was clearly "out of my wheelhouse." I bought the external regulator and, like I often do, contemplated the job as I procrastinated. Some of my wires didn't seem to match up with the connections on the Balmar alternator and regulator. Finally I decided to hire a professional to assist with the job.
Steve of CNI Marine Services showed up today for the job. He's a great guy to work with on engine and electrical issues. Together we agreed on a methodical plan of attack. After 2 1/2 hours in the ER, and a call to Balmar Tech Support, we had the job finished and working as expected! I now have plenty of juice for my 660AH house bank while underway to compliment my recently installed Iota 55A shore charger.
Until now, with stock alternators and a 30A charger, I've always felt "electrically challenged" after 3-4 days on the hook. My little charger, which had been malfunctioning for a year or so without my knowledge until I installed the SOC meter, just couldn't seem to keep up with my increasingly amp-hungry little boat. I finally feel like I'm now really ready for some extended stays on anchor. Bring on the summer California Delta anchorages! I'm ready for some summer fun on the hook!!