"Tony" wrote in
:

I have upgraded several of these installations on boats and have found
that the best way is to find a more modern car alternator that is self
contained that has the same mounting fittings and throw all the
seperate relays and control boxes away



I agree a modern, self-contained car alternator is a much better
alternative than this money ripoff boat nonsense with the $300 regulators.
Batteries are just too simple...float 'em and they work great.

But, alas, a car alternator doesn't have to worry about fumes in the bilge
so it's not explosion proof. Marine alternators are supposed to
be...right? I hope so. Even on a diesel powered boat like this there is
the possibility of propane gas, gasoline fumes from the dingy engine and
gas storage, etc., so it might be safe to use a car alternator in the boat.

Sure would be much cheaper, though...(c;

--
Larry