The Yanmar is being retrofit to run a 210 amp alternator. The sophisticated systems on board DORADE require quiet a bit more output than the standard alternator can provide. Jim has chosen a unit made by Balmar and Nels will retrofit the engine with additional belts and pulleys needed to run such a powerful alternator on such a small engine. The idea is to separate the belts running the water pumps and the belts running the alternator so as not to overload the bearings in the pumps. As you can see in photo #8, the alternator is rather large.
The Kolbelt control shown in the picture will be hidden when not in use and recessed into a box structure in the cockpit side. The brand name will not be visible.
The mock up of the engine instriment panel has been sent to a machinists for a practice run in plastic. Pending approval the instrument panel will be made in silican bronze with etched labeling for the various components. This panel also disappears when not in use. Nels has designed the panel to include all important engine monitoring gauges and quick access to deck safety and navigation lights.
UPDATE 6/27/2011: Photos of the plastic trial run panel are up. Don has sorted out a way to secure the instruments without bezels. They are held in place by a rear panel. Gaskets insure water tight integrity. We will change the layout of the light switches to read from bottom to top: Running, Steaming, Panel, Spreader. No “lts”
Nels is also busy fitting the many components of DORADE’S water and waste systems. Under Joe’s watchful eye he is maximizing use of space and optimizing weight placement.
Photo 7 is a preliminary wiring and routing layout for the C-Zone system. A group of localized circuits specific to the needs of each section are integrated through one control panel. The panel can be programed to run and monitor all systems automatically. The panel can also be accessed in both chart-plotters.