ARCO EXPANDS ALTERNATOR LINE-UP

ARCO’s New High-Output Alternators for 24V SYSTEMS

If you’ve ever been anchored in a pristine cove or quiet gunk-hole, only to realize your alternator setup couldn’t charge a smartphone without wheezing, ARCO Marine just dropped a game-changer. Meet the Zeus 24V high-output alternators—a dynamic duo designed to keep your batteries topped off and your vessel humming, whether you’re at idle or cruising the far reaches.

These new alternators come in two-flavors:

• The Zeus 7kW High Output 24V Alternator: For those who like their amps fast and furious at cruising RPM.
• The Zeus 4kW Low Turn-On (LTO) Alternator: For boats that have a low RPM diesel or for the boater  who values idle-speed charging without the drama.
  

A colleague I worked very closely with during the Zeus regulator development,  Andre Cormier, owner of The Yacht Rigger, says;  “The Zeus 7kW is a beast that delivers over 5,000 watts of continuous power at rated temperatures—out-shining its closest competitor by 1,000 watts and costing half as much.” Talk about punching above its weight class!

The real magic lies in the details. The 4kW LTO model starts pumping out juice at a whisper of RPM, making it perfect for lazy idling at anchor or low RPM cruising. Meanwhile, the 7kW model flexes its muscles at A higher RPM, ensuring your high-demand systems stay happy. Combined with the Zeus Regulator these alts can charge your LiFePo4 batts and do so quickly.

Understanding Alternator Cut-In Speeds: Why RPM Matters?

Let’s talk about alternator cut-in speeds, the unsung heroes (or villains) of your charging system. The cut-in speed is the engine RPM at which your alternator stops being a paperweight and starts producing usable power. Too high, and you’ll be revving your engine like a wannabe cigarette  boat just to get a trickle of charge. ARCO listened to consumers and decided  to wind the new 24V alts in two flavors to suit your needs. I really appreciate how ARCO added the vertical blue dashed line to help you decide between the 4kW LTO and the 7kW.

Bottom line: Lower cut-in speeds, like those on ARCO’s 4kW Low Turn-On (LTO) alternator, are perfect for idling at anchor or creeping through no-wake zones. With this beast, you’re charging batteries and running gadgets even when your engine’s barely awake. On the flip side, high-output models like the Zeus 7kW shine at cruising RPM, delivering massive power once you’re in the sweet spot.

Moral of the story? Match your alternator’s cut-in speed to your engine’s typical RPM range. Otherwise, you’ll either be over-revving or undercharging—and no one wants that kind of drama. Choose wisely, and let those amps flow!

For the gunk hole slow paced cruiser often charging at idle, the 4kW LTO is your trusty 24V option. However, if your adventures demand serious power at cruising speeds, the 7kW is ready to blow you away.

Fittment:

These alts will be shipping soon! After that, Arco has even more new alts on the way too.