Delco & Prestolite
Alternators

The Right Alternator for your Marine Engine

Delco Style 65 Amp Standard Alternator

Suitable for Connecting Tachometer - 3 Pin Plug

This standard unit has a built in voltage regulator. It is also be supplied with the molded 3 pin connector plug as shown.

• The White lead terminal dedicated to the Tachometer connects to the TAD Gray lead
• Yellow lead for excitation connects to a TAD blue with white stripe. It also incorporates external diode for added reliability
• The Red lead connects directly to the Alternator's Main Output Terminal

Prestolite 65 Amp Standard Alternator

The Prestolite standard alternator is commonly found on Westerbeke and Ford Lehman engines. This unit also replaces Motorola alternators.

Important !

The above standard alternators are Delco Alternators of the type typically supplied with the older range of Perkins engines, as well as many others. The Prestolite will replace Motorola style and was commonly used on Ford Lehman and older Westerbeke Engines. It is important to understand the capability and difference between these standard alternators and a High output alternator such as Balmar. The demand for more DC current to run modern on board electronics has risen over the years. This requires alternators that can handle that higher demand for DC current, something Balmar has specialized in for many years. The information from Balmar below should help you understand the function, and the reason for the price difference between the Standard Alternators shown above and High Output alternators.

Serpentine Belt Systems

It is important that your engine’s belt system has the capacity to handle the increased load of a High output alternator. TAD offers several Serpentine Belt Kits designed for use with High Output alternators, click here to view kits. Contact TAD to discuss pricing, belt sizing and capacity.

What Makes Balmar Alternators & Regulators So Special?

In order to really understand the difference between Balmar charging equipment and the average alternator and regulator, it's important to understand our goal in designing and building a Balmar alternator. In an automotive application, the alternator's function is to keep a starting battery happy while supplying power to electrical/electronic operations needed to operate the vehicle (i.e., headlights, cassette deck, vanity mirror lights, etc.). In this environment, a simple, internally-regulated alternator is usually more than sufficient to get the job done.

In the marine environment, the alternator and regulator must support a much greater battery capacity to fulfill engine and house battery loads. The alternator and regulator must also be able to charge effectively at lower rpms and live in an inhospitable environment. In addition, the alternator and regulator may sit for long periods between uses (surprisingly, one of the toughest aspects of alternator life). At the same time, this system must meet the expectations of boaters that want to have their batteries charged within the least amount of engine run time. To meet those challenging conditions, a high-output marine alternator begins with high amperage diodes, larger, higher-quality bearings, and a durable frame, that's protected against potential corrosion damage. Balmar applies a durable powder coat finish to protect the alternator from rust and corrosion.

Another thing that sets a Balmar alternator apart from the rest is the technology we use to create our rotors and stator windings. The rotor/stator combination is the primary factor in controlling the amount of top-end output, low-end output and cut-in level (how slowly the alternator can turn and still make useable amperage). The rotor and stator combinations in Balmar alternators are custom wound and calibrated to maximize output, not just at top end, but also at the low end of engine rpm. But, that's just half the story ... Balmar has been one of the industry leaders in creating intelligent voltage regulation that enables us to meet the needs of newer battery types, and the added load that modern electronics and inverter technology demand. Intelligent regulation, like that provided by our Max Charge and ARS-4 regulators, matches the output of the alternator to the specific needs of your batteries (AGM, gel, Optima, deep-cycle flooded, etc.) so batteries charge faster based on the needs of their unique constructions, and we can most effectively utilize the added capabilities that our alternators provide. And we've done it in a way that doesn't require the end user to be an engineer to get the most out of their charging systems.

In addition, many of our voltage regulators are equipped with the ability to monitor both battery and alternator temperature, and respond by increasing or decreasing voltage levels to maximize both safety and performance. In the event of a condition that poses danger to the system or the vessel, the regulator has the ability to discontinue charging completely.

Do I really need a high output marine alternator on my boat?

If your vessel's DC system is limited to a standard flooded starting battery that supplies minimal house loads, your engine's standard alternator will probably be sufficient. On the other hand, if your vessel features multiple battery banks, substantial house loads and/or inverter loads, or battery technologies like AGM, gel or deep cycle flooded batteries, you will see a radical improvement in your vessel's charging performance with the introduction of smart regulation and a high-output alternator.

In addition, high quality marine alternators also benefit your vessel in the fact that they are built to handle the environmental conditions specific to marine applications. Larger bearings, custom wound stators with larger gauge wire, higher amperage diodes, as well as a powder coat protected case all work together to ensure longer alternator life.