What Are The Benefits Of High Output Marine Alternators?

Whether you cruise the big blue sea a lot, or every now and then, you may want to consider a high output marine alternator and experience the difference. You will be amazed at how much high output alternators can make a difference with your boat. They extend the life of your engine and they can generate power faster. And it can be incredibly convenient.

They allow you significant advantages when you are away from the dock. You no longer have to stressfully manage all of the power needs involved, including lighting, AC appliances, various electronics, a watermaker, and numerous other things that require power. With a high output alternator, there can be enough power for them all.

First, it’s important to understand what standard alternators are. Engines inevitably come with them, and most people believe that the power generated by a standard alternator is the most that can be achieved on their boat. Little do they know that that’s far from the case.

Alternators that come with your boat are mass produced, understandably adapted from the car industry with only minor modifications made for use on marine vessels, but automobiles and boats are different. Cars are primarily used entirely for transport, while boating is a pastime that involves setting out into the water with the intention of being out on the water for extended periods of time. A large percentage of power boaters or multihull sailors need more than the minimal amount of power generated by a standard alternator.

When the engine is on, boats need to produce a significant amount of power whish is especially true for those spending a lot of time at anchor.

High output alternators are not merely alternators that have more amperage. They are considered precision alternators, which means they can perform reliably in harsh conditions. This is another important distinction which separates the marine industry from the auto industry. They also have heavier wire windings, higher output capabilities at lower engine RPMs, and improved tolerances of the internal components.

Standard alternators are not made to run at high capacity for any amount of time in hot environments, while high output alternators are created to withstand these types of conditions and more.

Safety precautions

Although there are many benefits to updating your alternator, and at the same time the regulator and serpentine kit, there are a number of considerations to make when going down this road. Below are listed a number of things to think through.

1. Do not expect that replacing your standard alternator with a high amp, high output alternator to be a simple “bolt in” replacement. It is a great investment, but like with many replacements, they take some general investigation to figure out how to exchange one thing with something different. My company Electromaax ensures we help you with this process along the way.
2. You need to protect yourself and your boat. Even when functioning normally, an alternator has the ability to produce a powerful arc, which in turn can melt a piece of cable, even thick cable. Fusing needs to be handled properly, correctly installed and operated ventilation fans, proper temperature sensing voltage for regulators and controllers are all just a few extra considerations.
3. There is such a thing as existing alternators rebuilt so as to produce higher outputs. Be wary. Although this can provide satisfactory results, plenty of times that is not the case. Do your homework and unless you are quite sure of it being safe and resulting in amperage that is worth it, you likely want to stay clear of this option.
4. To make sure that the maximum alternator output is achieved, you need to check the ratio between the primary engine drive pulley (the crankshaft pulley) and the alternator drive pulley. This is to ensure that the engine RPM is what you are expecting to get and to make sure that alternator over-speeding doesn’t occur at higher speeds.
5. If you are expecting a true higher amp alternator, then expect the unit to mount differently. This means that it will require a different, specially-made fabricated conversion mounting bracket.
6. Is your boat still under warranty? Most likely replacing the standard marine alternator with something other than an alternator made by the boat’s original manufacturer will void the engine warranty as well as the electrical system’s warranty. It may also make it impossible to get service by the original service provider. There are factors that come into play that determine these things: was it built after 1990, does it rely on computer circuits, etc. But the ability of the diagnostic equipment to work properly is affected by changes done to the electrical system.

Although this isn’t ideal, it is just one of the cost benefits that need to be factored in. It can still certainly be worth it in the long run, but it is one of the drawbacks.

At the end of the day, only you can make the right decisions when it comes to your boat and the investments you make in it. Doing the proper research is key. But there is a reason so many have made the investment in high output alternators. Along with the benefits and concerns above, they also boast a patented internal regulator, ignition protection for diesel or gas engines, as well as dual internal fans that have the benefit of enhanced cooling for the engine.

Once taking this all into account, boat enthusiast after boat enthusiast have done the homework, shopped around at the options, and benefitted greatly from the high-power perks of installing a high output alternator. Upgrading your alternator is a serious investment, but once you take the plunge, you’ll be happy you did and the performance of your engine will be greatly noticed.