Over the years, and with two different small diesels working in the tight quarters of the engine compartment of our 1978 Islander Bahama 30, we have consistently suffered from “overheated alternator syndrome.” Simply put, not enough airflow over the alternator results in ongoing repairs to this vital engine component. As the years have gone by, there seems to be more of an electrical demand on all boats and, without an onboard generator or a solar array, the alternator has to work harder to keep up with that demand. The generic 30-amp alternator on the old Volvo MD7A would soon stink up the compartment (and main cabin) with that hot metal odor. It was a simple system with no gauges, and somewhat limited knowledge on my part. I would have the alternator rebuilt every spring as a preventive measure, the technicians commenting on “overheating” damage.
