Anybody Upgrade Westerbeke 40 with a Serpentine Belt?

[jpendoley]

transAtlantic Diesel sells an upgrade  kit for $575 or so. My engine bay was covered in belt dust when I removed the engine for rebuilding and it squealed at 2100 RPMS. I have a 450 Amp hour bank of T105s.  Alternator is unidentified and there is a Xantrex smart regulator. I also have two big solar panels on an MMPT controller.  It will never be easier to install than now...what say the group? Is aserpentine upgrade a goodupgrade for the Westerbeke 40/4-108?
Jim

[SVJourney]

If the engine is already out, and you want 100+amps from your alternator, then absolutely.

[jpendoley]

Wayne, It's as much about reducing belt dust and slippage  as it is about getting more amps out of the alternator.-though that will be nice.  While I have your attention though, can you tell me how you fittedan ol pan under the W40?  I'm planning on painting the engine bay tomorrow and would like to make a pan to collect any leaking oil (which of course there will never be after I finish the rebuild:)). Its tight in there under the sump....

[SVJourney]

Alt:  If I were to do it again, I would use a 65 Amp alt and use the ~$1500 of serpentine, Balmar and regulator for alternate power system such as extra solar(if you can fit it) Wind (if you can stand the noise), tow behind (for passage only) or a stand alone generator.  Any more amps only saves so much as the bulk charge of a 440 amp hr bank only runs higher than 60amps fer an hour or so.  But if you have the alt and reg already, yeah, a single belt is not fun.

I had a fabricator come out while the engine was out to custom make a close fitting pan outa thin stainless.  If I were to do it again, I think it would be easier just to dam the area with glass to make an engine sump.  I just HATED having oil in my bilge.

[Sandy]

a number of hydro generators around now too.
Looking unremarkably like an outboard motor you can ship or unship, outputs seem quite reasonable and cost very little in boat speed.

https://www.sailingtoday.co.uk/gear/gear-on-test/hydrogenerators/

http://transmarinepro.co.nz/product/sail-gen-generators-12v-24v/

https://www.sailmagazine.com/diy/know-how-hydro-generators

[stbtack1]

After 364 took a lightning hit I replaced the alternator with an electromaxx 140A , a serpentine pulley kit and charge controller. All up the parts cost $1409. I also installed a walker air sep on the intake which is supposed to minimize the oil leak in the rear seal because it creates a vacuum within the oil  breather return system. The other benefit is the engine runs quieter. I also replaced the rear seal.    Unfortunately I was sidelined last summer due to a couple of shoulder surgeries and did not get to use the boat much. In the 15 hours of run time since I have had not leak. Knock on wood.

[S/V AMITY]

Side comment regarding belt dust... Belt dressing greatly minimizes belt dust & slipping.  See:  https://www.farmandfleet.com/blog/belt-dressing/ .

[jpendoley]

Just finished the installation of the  serpentine kit from TAD.The alignment of the new pulleys is perfect-looking forward to lots less belt dust.  While feeling extravagant, I ordered a tensioning arm from Balmar-should make adjusting the belt much quicker-which means I will do it when I should before it starts slipping.