"Capt John" wrote

Everything you attach to the engine reduces the HP output. How much,
good question. But having an alternator that is far bigger than your
needs is a waste. Additionally, to make use of that power you need to
get it to the battery banks. If the wire between the alternator and
battery is too small to handle the current, or the wire between the
battery and load center (electrical pannel) is too small, it could burn
up under a heavy load if it's not fused properly. Your probably going
to end up cooking something, lets hope it's not the boat while your on
it. Also, if it's not CG approved, and you have a fire because of it,
your insurance company is going to walk away, it's your problem. I'd
stick with the normal marine alternator if I was you.


No real problem there. Because if the higher efficiency the HP charts say
it will take less power than the 200A Leese Neville that is in there now. I
have 4/0 to the 850AH bank and the inverter and 2/0 to the breaker panel.
At idle speed it will theoretically put out up to 240 amps which will cover
the 225A the battery bank needs in bulk mode with a little left over for
house loads.

The alternator is an Eco Tech 305. Apparently they are becoming popular
with the commercial fishing boats in the NW. The regulator is set for 14.4
volts so while it may take a little longer in bulk mode it will be just
right for absorption. I just need to figure a way to turn it off when
motoring through a couple of days of no wind. Not a good idea to hold a
fully charged battery at 14.4V for very long.

Go2Marine has them on their site listed at $2K. The city is asking $375. I
think I am going to take them up on it. :-)


--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com