Most alternators fitted to diesel engines are set up for vehicle charging , that is to replace the power used cranking over your engine. Thats all very well if a cranking battery is all you have, most cruising boats have deepcycle batterys too that need to be charged on a regular basis to keep all ships systems powered. Normal auto alternators pump in the amps wqhich reduce as voltage goes up so deepcycle batterys take ages to charge, if ever properly this way.
External smart regulators were introduced to control this and take charge, if you see what I mean! Many years ago on our first yacht I had continual problems with keeping up with enough power until I fitted a TWC regulator, this coupled with a 100amp marine alternator we fitted in the Caribbean ensured all our charging issues were over.
Question: I have a Yanmar 30YM30 with 80 amp alternator on our new boat, what external regulation can anyone recommend for the Hitachi 80amp alternator?
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