Aftermarket alternator

[olsurfdog]

Hi!! I'm a new member/new C-Dory owner. Been soaking up this site for the last few weeks--lots to learn.

The boat I purchased is an'89 22 crusier. It has a'89 Johson 70. It also has a full load of electronics and Wallas. A two battery system with a trickle charger (needs a real 3-stage charger). The problem is the enigine only has a 6amp alternator. Must be enough to keep the motor running but I don't think much else, such as recharging a run down house batttery. Is there such a thing as a aftermarket alternator that puts more than the stock one? The only other thing I can see is to get a generator to use with the new charger ( thats coming) or be sure that every night ends at a marina!

Purchased the Mildred E (current name) in Port Angeles. Not sure of her new name but her new home is Carmel, CA. I'm a first time power boat owner but a long time rag sailor. Looking foward to cruising and exploring new placesand being a member of this great club!!
Michael

[Sea Wolf]

olsurfdog-

Welcome aboard to the C-Brat Ship!

Great to hear from another new member!

It's probably simpler to just stick with the 6-amp alternator in the Johnson, and buy a 1000 or 2000 Watt quiet inverter-type generator like a Honda or Yamaha, and a good three-stage, two-bank charger for the boat's batteries.

You'll need both of these in the long run, and trying to raise the amperage of the alternator on the Johnson would be difficult, since it's mostly a stationary unit under the flywheel activated by the magnet in the flywheel, not a belt-driven unit such as found on larger motors.

Have fun, good luck, and welcome aboard!

Joe.

[hardee]

olsufrdog,
Welcome to the C-Brats, the worlds biggest nicest family. Lot's to see and do, learn and share here. Glad to see that the Mildred E went to a good home. I can assure you that Terry is missing her already.

I have a couple of photos of the Mildred E in her old home waters at John Wayne Marina, in my album. Follow the link to the album page, and go to the bottom of the page, middle two pix.

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=C-Dorys-weve-seen&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

Enjoy and travel safe,

Harvey
SleepyC

[Larry H]

olsurfdog,

The 89 Johnson does not use any of the alternator output to run the engine. The ignition is powered by a separate coil under the flywheel.

The alternator output is not regulated and if no electricity is being used while the motor is running, the voltage will rise above 12 volts and can get as high as 16-18 volts. This high voltage can damage electronics. These motors should have a volt meter so the operator can monitor the voltage. If the voltage gets too high, turn on the running lights or other load to reduce the voltage.

I had the same motor as a 91 model and I found that the alternator could not keep up with the running lights, VHF, and crt depthfinder all operated at once.

There is no economical way to increase the alternator output.

My advise, run what you have, charge the bats as needed from shore power or a generator, and save your $$ for a newer engine. A solar panel with a 2 to 4 amp output would help a lot.

Oh, and welcome to the pub!!

Retired Johnson/Evinrude mechanic.

[olsurfdog]

Thanks guys for the info, I've got a lot to learn. I'm excited about that and being part of this great community.

I guess my next purchase will be a new charger ( a good one) and soon a new generator. I have a new kicker on the way and no end of projects to get started!

Harvey, thank you for the pictures. Terry took good care of her-she has obviously had a good life. Now I'll do my best.

Michael

[Captains Cat]

Welcome to the Brats Michael! We used to live there, had a rental home high in Carmel Highlands and later bought one in Marina when I went to USNPGS. Had an old sailboat in Montery Marina too, long before C-Dory days back in 1967-70! That's a great spot to boat.

Enjoy your boat!

Charlie

[Matt Gurnsey]

There is an upgrade for the charging system on that motor. It is the E-Tec 75 and replaced the engire engine / charging system.

[T.R. Bauer]

I really wouldn't worry about it too much. I have a 35 year old 4 cylinder 140 hp evinrude on the back of my old fishing boat in Spokane and it runs (all at once) the VHF, the fishfinder, the GPS, and the stereo just fine. In fact, all that stuff is almost always on so it has been well tested. I doubt it puts out any more amps than your 70 does and I never have had to charge the battery except for the times I was an idiot and left everything on when putting the boat on the trailer at the dock. However, the Wallas drinks amps when starting up so you may want to run the engine and turn everything else off upone fire up for the first ten minutes or so. Other than that, I wouldn't worry, but I would monitor everything at first just to be on the safe side as a precaution.

[SEA3PO]

I think I would go buy a nice solar charger and mount it on the cabin ....problem solved... will keep the batteries topped off..

Joel
SEA3PO