Newest info on HO Alternators?????

(biz) · (biz) **Join Date: Mar 2004** 02-28-2006, 10:31 AM

What is everyone doing for HO Alternators? I know some people used Battery Shack in the past but there were some issues with no screens (i.e no marinization) and diodes going out, etc.

I have a 51 amp and i want to upgrade and or get this one re-wound. I am leaning towards a new one and keeping the one i have as a backup.

I assume i need to upgrade the circuit breaker.

At 51 amps output i am on the edge... my amplifiers alone are pulling 30-35 amps and the gains are turned down. And yes, i am running multiple batteries and an isolator.

(tparider) · (tparider) **Join Date: Aug 2003** 02-28-2006, 2:29 PM

Ask grant...

(acurtis_ttu) · (acurtis_ttu) **Join Date: May 2004** 02-28-2006, 2:44 PM

definate upgrade, I've done tons of reasearch on this topic, unless you wanna spend tons of money on custom brackets, pulley's ect, only expect to have an alt that will produce around 135 amps (max). and yes, grant can get them for you. be prepared to drop $300-500 is my guess.

(biz) · (biz) **Join Date: Mar 2004** 02-28-2006, 2:56 PM

I am sure 135 amps will be fine, actually it would be overkill i think. I have been running my boat like this for 2 seasons without any problems.. i haven't killed any batteries YET.

I am thinking 80-100 amp would do the trick. I don't want to go too big and have to replace a lot of wiring.

I know that i am pushing the stock alt to its capacity right now.

(acurtis_ttu) · (acurtis_ttu) **Join Date: May 2004** 02-28-2006, 2:59 PM

I'd find a local alt shop to just rebuild yours. They may have to use a larger casing but it shouldn't cost more than $75.

Why do you think you need a bigger alt? What voltage are you at in idle? what is your voltage with the boat off?

(biz) · (biz) **Join Date: Mar 2004** 02-28-2006, 3:12 PM

I would like to go bigger in terms of Amps (alternator output) as a safety margin. Just with stereo amplifiers i am at 30-35 amps (consevatively), knock a little down from the ALT's stated output of 51 amps for inefficiency and factor in 5-10 amps just to power the boats vital electrical system, i think i am pushing it.

I'll check with a shop close by.

mgg 03-01-2006, 4:21 PM

Does anyone know what the rating is on 05 vlx with the monsoon motor? I am thinking of running 4 amps and will most likely need to upgrade. Thanks, Mike

(iagainsti) · (iagainsti) **Join Date: Apr 2004** 03-01-2006, 4:26 PM

Mike-the Monsoon is 90 amp

mgg 03-01-2006, 4:33 PM

That is what I thought. At what point do I need to upgrade. Is that alternator good enough? Thanks, Mike

(iagainsti) · (iagainsti) **Join Date: Apr 2004** 03-02-2006, 8:31 AM

Mike it depends on how you use your stereo. If you dont listen for long periods with the engine off then 90 amps will be fine. My last boat had a Batt Shack 160amp installed and I still ended up with 2 low batts by nights end. I do however sit for long periods of time cranking the stereo with engine off.

mgg 03-02-2006, 8:47 AM

Thanks For the info. I will look into upgrading just to be safe. How much did the Batt Shack Alt cost? Mike

(iagainsti) · (iagainsti) **Join Date: Apr 2004** 03-02-2006, 9:55 AM

I cant remember exactly but it was close to 5 bills. Not worth it IMO. Its not something I will do agian.

(phatboypimp) · (phatboypimp) **Join Date: Apr 2005** 03-02-2006, 10:05 AM

I would send Grant an email, we had mine rebuilt from 60amp to 110amp for $150 (from what I can remember). There is a place in San Jose that did it, but I don't remember the name. I know you can ship it to them and they have a pretty quick turn around.

(biz) · (biz) **Join Date: Mar 2004** 03-02-2006, 10:23 AM

Jason, did you upgrade any other electrical componenets? circuit breaker? wiring? etc?

(scooby76) · (scooby76) **Join Date: Apr 2002** 03-02-2006, 11:00 AM

I used Autolectric in Campbell CA. www.autolectrics.com

Easy to work with and knowledgeable.

(migitty) · (migitty) **Join Date: Aug 2001** 03-02-2006, 11:05 AM

I second Auto Electrics but I can't take the credit. I learned of them from a post by Grant. My alternator has been flawless since they re-did it. Good luck. I think it was around $300. That was an easy price to pay considering I had a $900 boat dealer quote for a 90 amp.

(phatboypimp) · (phatboypimp) **Join Date: Apr 2005** 03-02-2006, 11:36 AM

Autolectrics was where I went as well, was thinking San Jose but it is Santa Clara. Mine might have been more than $150 but it wasn't $300. I am not sure what they upgraded exactly, I just followed Grant's instructions, dropped it off and picked it up. Sorry I am not more help.