Rotating batteries? Alternators? huh?

**markrinker** · 10-12-2012, 08:31 AM

The starboard pair of batteries provide all 'house' power function on my 410DA. Late this season they were showing signs of their 3yr age, and dead after nights on the hook with minimal draw other than fridge and minimal lighting use.

So, as a test I rotated the cables (thanks SeaRay for providing lots of extra length) and switched my port and starboard pair in about 15 minutes with a small crescent wrench and not one battery lifted or moved from its position.

Last weekends were no issue - the fresh pair from the port side powered lights and fridge overnight without issue. Starting on the port side with the 'beat up' set of batteries was no problem. Maybe I'll get another season or two out of the batteries I have.

This winter, I will replace all original belts on the engines as a preventative measure. My first observation of wear was lots of black belt dust on and around that starboard alternator - the one that gets all the workout when starting up the boat and bringing up the flattened pair on the starboard (house) side.

So...hang with me here...my plan is also to rotate the alternators from side to side as well. Why? Because there is alot more wear and tear on the starboard side than on the port side, just like the batteries.

Just a thought for your winter project list.

**RollerCoastr** · 10-12-2012, 08:41 AM

I always let the generator recharge the house bank. I want coffee, toast and hot water in the morning anyway.

**northern** · 10-12-2012, 08:57 AM

Interesting idea. I have had to replace two sets of house start batteries as they were getting weak. They would load test at just good. We go to places that a dead battery would result in a large fee to get a boost and most times we do not see an other boat for days. Not too sure about changing alternators. If you feel it may fail might be good idea to replace it with a new one and keep the old one as a spare.

**Air O'Nautical** · 10-12-2012, 10:24 AM

Sounds like a great idea to me....remember when we used to rotate car tires to maximize wear.

**Phlorida** · 10-12-2012, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by Air O'Nautical

Sounds like a great idea to me....remember when we used to rotate car tires to maximize wear.

My dealer rotates my tires at every oil change. You don't still do that?

**Air O'Nautical** · 10-12-2012, 10:58 AM

The tires on my last few cars are directional and cant be rotated.
Guess some are different.

**Phlorida** · 10-12-2012, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by Air O'Nautical

The tires on my last few cars are directional and cant be rotated.
Guess some are different.

The tires on my Lexus are standard all-season tires and they do a typical rotation. The tires on my wife's BMW are directional and they move them front to back on the same side.

**sbw1** · 10-12-2012, 05:29 PM

I wonder about the alternator idea. Maybe some bearing wear on the one side. You may end doing added damage to something else should it freeze up. Don't know, just wondering if it's a good idea.

**Wylie_Tunes** · 10-26-2012, 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by markrinker

The starboard pair of batteries provide all 'house' power function on my 410DA. Late this season they were showing signs of their 3yr age, and dead after nights on the hook with minimal draw other than fridge and minimal lighting use.

So, as a test I rotated the cables (thanks SeaRay for providing lots of extra length) and switched my port and starboard pair in about 15 minutes with a small crescent wrench and not one battery lifted or moved from its position.

Last weekends were no issue - the fresh pair from the port side powered lights and fridge overnight without issue. Starting on the port side with the 'beat up' set of batteries was no problem. Maybe I'll get another season or two out of the batteries I have.

This winter, I will replace all original belts on the engines as a preventative measure. My first observation of wear was lots of black belt dust on and around that starboard alternator - the one that gets all the workout when starting up the boat and bringing up the flattened pair on the starboard (house) side.

So...hang with me here...my plan is also to rotate the alternators from side to side as well. Why? Because there is alot more wear and tear on the starboard side than on the port side, just like the batteries.

Just a thought for your winter project list.

Mark,

I am not familiar with exactly how your house/cranking/alt setup is, so I am curious about a couple things, especially the alternators appearing to have different degrees of wear.

Do you typically run both engines, thus they have about the same hours?

Does the house bank receive charge from either engine, regardless of which is running. if this automatic or do you have to switch this manually?

Thanks,

**KayKook** · 10-30-2012, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by Wylie_Tunes

Mark,

I am not familiar with exactly how your house/cranking/alt setup is, so I am curious about a couple things, especially the alternators appearing to have different degrees of wear.

Do you typically run both engines, thus they have about the same hours?

Does the house bank receive charge from either engine, regardless of which is running. if this automatic or do you have to switch this manually?

Thanks,

Man, you sure get around Mike. Business a little slow this time of year? Or just "helping out a fellow boater" ??