[C320-list] Expected Life of Starter Motor and Alternator

[Charles Martin via C320-list]

I have a 2000 model Catalina 320 (S/V Bonaventure) and I'm planning a trip
to NC Oriental on the ICW. I am buying some spares and was wondering
whether to add a spare starter motor and/or an alternator to my list of
spares given the longer than usual trip. Any thoughts out there on the
expected life of these two components? I only have ~1000 hours on my Yanmar
3GM30F.

Best,
Chip Martin
S/V Bonaventure
(410) 231-0199
chipr...@gmail.com

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

Chip-
How often have you replaced your car starter or alternator?  I think I remember 1 alternator in my life (now 74). I would not add those as spares. 
Dave Hupe
1994 C320 #32
Holland, MI

[John Meyers via C320-list]

I have a1997 and had to replace my starter three years ago. It was a
challenge to replace even with extra set of hands but didn't take too much
time. You will need a couple socket extensions.

A spare alternator is a good idea. They can go bad suddenly and not
difficult to replace.

John Meyers
Muskegon Michigan

[Charles r Martin via C320-list]

Thank you, Dave for the feedback. Sounds very reasonable, so I’ll hold off. I’m not heading offshore, and I have unlimited towing, so I will only be inconvenienced, not stranded, if I have an unexpected issue with either.

Best,
Chip

S/V Bonaventure
(410) 231-0199
chipr...@gmail.com

Sent from my iPhone

> On Apr 20, 2026, at 10:01 AM, Dave Hupe via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
>  Chip-

[mark--- via C320-list]

I replaced the starter on my 1996 3GM30F last year and it was pretty easy to do by myself (I’m “a mechanic” thanks only to YouTube)

[KEN GEIGER via C320-list]

Aftermarket starters are not expensive but not as powerful, in my experience, as original.  I used one while I had my original rebuilt.  Alternator, i carry a spare.
Ken GeigerNorthern Dream  #675 2000

[Michael Stumpfoll via C320-list]

I found info on the Internet about cheap Chinese starters for yanmar breaking at the cone casting. I had my original rebuilt instead of replacing it. If buying a spare, I would try to find an original manufactured part.
Thanks,
Mike Stumpfoll

On Apr 20, 2026, at 11:57 AM, KEN GEIGER via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

 Aftermarket starters are not expensive but not as powerful, in my experience, as original. I used one while I had my original rebuilt. Alternator, i carry a spare.