2013 R21EC - Alternator Belt Question

[Graceland]

Hello fellow Tugnuts,

Just bought an excellent-condition 2013 R21EC a few weeks ago, and my wife and I are absolutely loving it. Boat only has 150 hours on it, so it looks and feels like a new vessel. Quick question, though - I’ve had to tighten the alternator belt on the boat’s Yanmar 30HP engine a couple of times to keep it from squeaking a bit. Is this a common problem? I’ve been running the boat at about 3200-3300 RPMs - maybe the vibration at that level is a bit too high? Or maybe I just need a new belt. Interested in any thoughts or comments. This is my first boat (and my first tug, obviously), so go easy on me if my question is dumb. Thanks in advance,

PS - I’d love to share some pictures of our beauty, but not sure how or where best to do that on this site.

 

[Newf]

Congrats on your purchase of the tug. There should be a procedure in your manual for proper tightening of the belt. If it still squeals after proper tightening if could be a couple of different things but you could start with just spraying it with a belt dressing. (Lots of different brands to choose from) The hours are really low on it but it is still a 2013 belt and it could be deteriorating. If the dressing or a new belt doesn't fix it then you will probably need to look at pulley to pulley alignment.

Lots of very knowledgeable folks on here that I'm sure will point you in the right direction. Again, congrats and welcome to the Tugnut family. I'm sure you will get many hours/years of enjoyment from your boat.

 

[Catch22]

Replace the belt and set the tension......they get glazed with age. If the squeal persists check that the battery is OK . A bad battery will make the alternator pull hard. (are the batteries original??? I have a 2013 also and OEM Centennials lasted 6 years which is extraordinary) If the battery is fine, then the alternator may have a bearing going bad although not likely with the low hours unless someone set the belt tension way too tight. Start with the new belt.......

 

[Graceland]

Thanks, folks. Tightened belt a bit and applied some belt dressing as well. Problem solved.

 

[Snug21]

Spirit, congratulations and welcome aboard! Aside from your belt question something else caught my eye in your post. Our 21EC has the Yanmar 3YM30AE and our manual indicates maximum throttle at 3200, and states “The boat should be run at maximum speed minus 400 min most of the time...” with further guidance to run “over its full operating range”.
You might have a different model with different specs, but 3200-3300 sounds a little high and might be worth some research.
Enjoy!