Balmar 170A Saddle Mount Alternator, K6 Serpentine Pulley

Description

The Balmar 170A Saddle Mount Alternator is a high-output 12V charging upgrade for marine engines using a 3.15-inch dual-foot saddle mount and K6 serpentine drive. Its 170-amp rating provides substantially more charging capability than many factory alternators, making it appropriate for vessels with large house banks, inverters, refrigeration, electronics, and other sustained electrical loads.

Balmar designs its marine alternators specifically for high-output charging duty rather than adapting a standard automotive unit. Balmar uses high-reliability bearings, robust rectifier diodes, and improved heat-sinking capabilities across its alternator line to increase system reliability while handling the additional heat created by higher charging current.

The K6 serpentine pulley provides a multi-rib drive interface that can transmit more power than many single-V-belt arrangements when paired with a properly matched engine pulley system and belt. The 3.15-inch dual-foot saddle format is a common marine alternator mounting style and should be matched carefully to the existing engine bracket before installation.

For boats that already have compatible regulation, temperature sensing, and K6 serpentine drive hardware and only need the alternator itself, this Balmar 170A unit provides a substantial charging-power upgrade without requiring purchase of a complete regulator kit. Look through the rest of our marine alternators.