I would just use the stock alternator that you have already although having
said that if it came with a 4/108 then its a pretty old one and you would
get a much better charging rate out of a much newer car alternator.

Using gel batteries could be a problem as I dont think they need to be
charged to the same voltage as normal wet batteries because they cannot deal
with the gassing that occurs with normal batteries when fully charged.
Others here may know more about gel batteries

Tony uk


wrote in message
...
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. .

This got my attention.

An older sailboat ('79) I just purchased, has two West Marine SeaVolt
gel batteries and what appears to be the stock alternator that came with
the Perkins 4-108. I see no external regulator.

Should I replace this old alternator? If so, can I use an automobile
regulator? I was pricing exactly what you panned - marine alternators
like Balmar with external regulators and echo chargers linking house to
starting battery.

It certainly would be far cheaper if I could use a car alternator.

TIA for any info.

"Tony" wrote in
:

Using gel batteries could be a problem

I like the way there's no way in hell to tell what their actual condition
is....well, until you're at sea and things start getting dimmer and
dimmer..

Nope....I want a battery I can put my hydrometer into and measure its
gravity...cell by cell...so I can check each cell to see what condition it
is....thanks.

Gelcells and AGMs are fine for any application where it doesn't really
matter....camcorders, kiddie kars....There's AGM batteries in my Powerboard
for scooting around the neighborhood and down the LONG docks at city
marina. I can walk if I have to...(c;

--
Larry

In article ,
wrote:

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. .

This got my attention.

An older sailboat ('79) I just purchased, has two West Marine SeaVolt
gel batteries and what appears to be the stock alternator that came
with the Perkins 4-108. I see no external regulator.

Should I replace this old alternator?

I wouldn't

If so, can I use an automobile regulator?

I wouldn't, due to incredibly high humidity in the engine compartment.

I was pricing exactly what you panned - marine alternators like
Balmar with external regulators and echo chargers linking house to
starting battery.

It certainly would be far cheaper if I could use a car alternator.

We added a small (12w) solar panel. While on our weekends and 2+ week
annual vacations, we hardly ever need to charge with the engine. During
the week, the panel tops the in-use battery full-up. When we drained the
in-use battery to 10v one night, the panel pulled in enough power to get
us started by 11. (probably earlier, that was just when I got around to
turning the key.)

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/