Alternator Charging

Your engine alternator can be the fastest way to recharge a house bank, if the charging system is up to the job. This section brings together high-output marine alternators from Balmar, external smart regulators from Balmar and others, Sterling alternator-to-battery chargers, and accessories such as serpentine pulley kits, temperature sensors and surge protectors.

How to upgrade alternator charging

• Alternator: size output to the house bank and engine belt capacity.
• Regulation: an external multi-stage regulator matched to battery chemistry.
• Lithium: protect the alternator with temperature sensing or a DC-DC charger.
• Belt drive: serpentine conversion for high-output units.

Where should I start?

Read our alternator and regulator guide, then see marine alternators.

Can I keep my stock alternator?

Often yes, with an external regulator or an alternator-to-battery charger.

Why upgrade alternator charging?

A stock alternator with an internal regulator often stops charging hard long before the house bank is full. A high-output alternator with a smart regulator recharges faster during the engine hours you already run, and protects the alternator from overheating.

Start with the marine alternator itself, then add a regulator and temperature sensors.