V-Belts

[allsail68]

Looking for v-belt recommendations for my Universal M-35B. Thinking of upgrading the alternator and wanted the best belt i could find. Considering Dayco and Gates... any preference?

Thanks.

[Cheechako]

Gates green stripe are pretty much the standard among cruisers I know. Having said that I had a Dayco in a high output situation on one boat and it performed well too. If you are single belt, dont go over a 100 amp alternator....

[cdennyb]

choose the Gatorback line if you can, they are more flexible and thus last longer without failure from fatigue. But honestly... the best belt you can by is the spare that's there when you need it most.

[Cheechako]

Yea the Dayco I had had the notches on the back.. it was more flexible... I was never sure if that was good or not!

[cdennyb]

I had the stock belt (gates if I remember right) on my cummins diesel and got about 60K miles on it before it snapped after shredding significantly. I now have a gatorback on there and now have just over 176000 mles without any incident whatsoever. I guess that's inda unscientific but it shows the quality and strength of their product line. I think they even have one higher up that's got kevlar or aramid fibers in it that's stronger yet. If you have the bigger than 100 amp alternator use it.

[Hud3]

Dayco Top-Cog belts (two of 'em) on my 210 Amp alternator. Flawless performance--over four years and still going.