Alternator bracket

[Indian Falls]

I see Universal/Westerbeke alternator brackets are on ebay again.  Heavy Duty, 1/4" thick. 
www.ebay.com/itm/154943469772?hash=item241359b8cc:g:FY4AAOSwspZiVFLj

[KWKloeber]

Hmmmm...  What's the back story on these.  Is this a recommended upgrade?

[Ron Hill]

Dan : Good info - if your replacement alternator can use that standard alternator. bracket  Usually a new Hi output needs a different bracket!!

A thought

[Stu Jackson]

Hmmmm...  What's the back story on these.  Is this a recommended upgrade?

The flat bar that came with the replacement alternator bracket kit for the M25 was rather meager, and thin.   Mine broke after a few years of use.  I had a new, thicker one made by a local machine shop.

[KWKloeber]

Hmmmm...  What's the back story on these.  Is this a recommended upgrade?

The flat bar that came with the replacement alternator bracket kit for the M25 was rather meager, and thin.   Mine broke after a few years of use.  I had a new, thicker one made by a local machine shop.

OK thanks Stu that sounds like a worthwhile investment! 
(obviously cheapening out on the stock used wasn't a Universal/Westerbeke screwup.) LOL
I'll order one off eBay today!!

[Indian Falls]

Ron Hill, could you elaborate on what differences there are between the stock bracket and what you mean about using a hi output alternator?

[KWKloeber]

Ron Hill, could you elaborate on what differences there are between the stock bracket and what you mean about using a hi output alternator?

Ditto. I don't understand - i'd still be a 5" frame, sane physical size mount and arm etc.

[Ron Hill]

Dan & Ken : When I first installed a Balmar duel output (large case) in 1990?, I had trouble aliening the pulleys.  When I moved that alternator to the new M25XPB the problem was more pronounced (especially for/aft).  So I had to go to a different bracket to make that alternator properly fit!!  The 5" frame did NOT work!!

A few thoughts

[KWKloeber]

Ok gotcha.
Can you share what you had to/frabricatr?  Or is it the tech notes?
To be sure You're saying it wasn't a 5" frame alternator?

[scgunner]

Ken,

I just got one of the Ebay brackets yesterday. It's thicker and somewhat beefier than the original bracket on the upgrade kit. I thought the original was just barely adequate so I'm pleased with the new one. Installation took about 15min. With shipping total cost was about $35 so I'd recommend it.

[waughoo]

Thanks for the review and followup.  Always good to ACTUALLY know from a trusted source.

[Stu Jackson]

Here's where mine broke in 2013.  I had a local metal shop make up a new thicker one.

[KWKloeber]

@Kevin

Received!
Along with the cute tag-along bottle opener.

That's some hunk of thick steel for sure.

@Indian (can we still use that word?)

THANKS for alerting us!