Cool idea! Belt driven anything is problematic. I carry a spare alternator
because eventually the tight belt tention required with a high output
alternator will wear out the bearings. Hopefully it is the bearings in the
alternator rather than those in the water pump or crankshaft that go.
My bother-in-law just gave me a huge alternator. 175A dual belt. I
asked him for one I could use to simulate a wind generator for development
work. This thing is a monster! It must weigh 30 lbs! Selectable voltage
and everything.

Are you saying the the hydraulic motor on the B&G run continuously?
Is there an advantage to that? Mine just runs when the rudder moves
and is thus pretty kind to the bats.

Doug, k3qt
s/v Callista

"Larry W4CSC" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 14 Nov 2003 22:59:42 -0500, "Doug Dotson"
wrote:

My intent is to do everything from solar and wind only for the most
part. Our shorepower charger is currently 110A and we generally
use the genset to power it while pulling down the cold plates at anchor.
Alternator on the engine is 160A. I wish it was large frame with 2 belts
but unfortunately I don't have the space to mount the larger unit. 12A
for the autopilot doesn't seem too bad if it only runs when moving
the rudder. Mine has a standby of an amp or two but can peak out
at 22A when moving the rudder quickly or against alot of helm.

Doug

That's how the B&G works. You can faintly hear the motor running from
the helm when it has to move the rudder. Smooth as glass, it is.

Most impressive array of power sources. I had to replace the starter
in my 6.2L diesel in the stepvan and opted for a geardriven starter to
ease the shock on the ring gear at the electric shop's advise. While
I was in there I asked about this HUGE alternator that was on his
bench. It is a gear-driven, engine oil cooled (oil flows through it)
off an inter-city bus beast. I think he said 380A.......Oh, to drool
over....and NO FANBELTS to squeal....(c;



Larry W4CSC

"Very funny, Scotty! Now, BEAM ME MY CLOTHES! KIRK OUT!"