advice please ? alternator replacement

[cutt]

Has anyone replaced their alternator on their cape dory 28 ?

It has a volvo penat 7A/B What alternator model and manufacturer
did you use ?

What external regulator or did you use one at all ?

Really appreciate any help

Thanks



cutt@netcom.com

[Chris]

I recently replaced the original Motorola alternator/regulator on my Universal M-30 with a Delco "Single Wire" alternator. The single wire system requires a tap be added which the tachometer wire is attached to. The new Delco system required a bit of muscle to get to fit on the old bracket but it works GREAT!!!!. The gentelman at my alternator shop said the original would have been fine on a power boat where the motor was operated frequently or if no additional electronics had been added. He said that the original was very underpowered (requires and extended period to recharge) for a sailboat. The new unit was well worth the $90.00 as I can quickly recharge my system even while operating the refrigeration, radar and instrumentation.

Has anyone replaced their alternator on their cape dory 28 ?

It has a volvo penat 7A/B What alternator model and manufacturer
did you use ?

What external regulator or did you use one at all ?

Really appreciate any help

Thanks

[Jeff Barnes]

In my opinion, the best solution is to replace your alternator with a 60 or 70 amp Balmar or equivalent with an external three stage regulator. The higher power alternator will ensure rapid charging and the three stage regulator will help prolong battery life, particularly in "float" mode. Most, if not all alternators with internal regulaytors are not multi-satge and therefore compromise battery charging. Both Balmar and Heart Inetrface manufacture three stage external regulators.

Regards