Mercruiser 350 Alternator question

Hi guys,

Sanger V210 owner here with a poked alternator. The boats a 97 and although the hours are low, im probably to blame for ruining the alternator due to my stereo. We have rewired and it should be sorted shortly, but in the meantime i need a new one.

I understand the alternator is a 65amp. Can i get something that will fit the standard spot but just a bit bigger?

Further, ill be buying from the US so what is the best place service and price wise to get it from.

The boat has a Black Scorpion 315 MPI engine.

Thanks in advance

Originally Posted by bwake

Hi guys,

Sanger V210 owner here with a poked alternator. The boats a 97 and although the hours are low, im probably to blame for ruining the alternator due to my stereo. We have rewired and it should be sorted shortly, but in the meantime i need a new one.

I understand the alternator is a 65amp. Can i get something that will fit the standard spot but just a bit bigger?

Further, ill be buying from the US so what is the best place service and price wise to get it from.

The boat has a Black Scorpion 315 MPI engine.

Thanks in advance

Just take the fried one ,have them rebuild it it to the specs you want. Way cheaper.

Swat, where would you start in getting one re-built?

I've had this same issue recurring. This last weekend went through my 3rd alternator in 10 years. This primarily happens, I think, because the 70 amp alternator doesn't put out enough juice at idle speeds when the stereo is on and sometimes when the ballast pumps are running.

I'm thinking of this alternative: https://www.bonanza.com/listings/New...saAn9YEALw_wcB
in order to get a few more amps.

Unless I have to, I'm not into the $300-400 alternator fix. Any other ideas?

PS. 2002 Sanger V210 with Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI.

Just based on Swat's suggestion, I found my answer. Quick Google search and call to a local alternator re-build shop. If they can't rebuild my existing one to enough amperage, they'll sell me a rebuilt one that works. Thanks Swat!

I have a 2003 Sanger V230 and I have killed one alternator so far. I replaced it with another 70amp. Out of curiosity how many amps are you going to have your alt rebuilt to? What is the price on a rebuilt alt?

This last weekend went through my 3rd alternator in 10 years

Being a boat, I would want to look at this in terms of hours, not years. Has the accessory load been about the same of this 10 year period? Condition of the battery(s) and cables? Heavier loads over the OEM setup can accelerate alternator wear, but rarely result in an outright failure.

Souping up the existing alternator chassis with the hopes of it lasting longer would be like upping the HP of your 1/2 ton truck and expecting it to tow as good as a 3/4. The heavier loads work the rest of the alternator, even though its able to produce higher amps.