Balmar
Balmar designs and distributes high-output marine alternators, multi-stage voltage regulators, Bluetooth battery monitors (SG200), and patented serpentine pulley-conversion kits, sold through authorized marine and RV dealers worldwide under a "Balmar by Dometic" brand affiliation with parent CDI Electronics.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1982
- HeadquartersMarysville, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Balmar does
Balmar designs, assembles, and distributes DC charging systems and battery-monitoring products for the marine and adjacent specialty-vehicle markets. The company's core product set comprises high-output alternators (XT-Series, AT-Series, 6-Series, and the 9-Series large-case units spanning roughly 100A to 310A output), multi-stage voltage regulators (MC-618, MC-624, MC-612-DUAL, ARS-5), the SG200 Bluetooth battery monitor with companion iOS/Android apps, the patented AltMount serpentine pulley-conversion kits, and supporting accessories such as Belt Buddy tensioners, Alternator Protection Modules, Digital Duo Charge combiners, and the Centerfielder II twin-engine balancer. Two pieces of proprietary technology anchor the catalog: the AltMount serpentine pulley conversion (covered by U.S. Utility Patent No. 8,939,855 and a 2012 design patent) and the Smart Ready® internal-regulator architecture with fault-tolerant "come-home" capability. Products are assembled in an ISO 9001-certified factory through the parent CDI Electronics, and XT-Series alternators carry USCG Title 33, ISO 8846, and SAE J1171 ignition-protection certifications.
The company serves sailors, power boaters, trawler owners, wakeboat operators, and RV owners through an authorized marine distributor and dealer network, with a dedicated distributor locator on balmar.net, supplemented by sales representation agreements (e.g., S.M. Osgood for the RV channel and Upper Midwest) and a "Balmar by Dometic" brand affiliation that extends distribution into Dometic Group's marine and RV channels. Revenue is generated exclusively through hardware sales of alternators, regulators, monitors, kits, and accessories; pricing is not publicly disclosed and is set channel-by-channel rather than via SaaS or subscription. Aftermarket rebuild kits and replacement regulators create ongoing revenue from the installed base. The leadership layer is lean — Frank Ahlbin was hired in October 2016 as Sales & Marketing Leader — and the broader balance of evidence is consistent with a small, privately held specialty hardware division operating inside the larger CDI Electronics umbrella.
Balmar firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Balmar
- Legal name
- Balmar LLC
- Website
- https://balmar.net
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1982
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Balmar designs and distributes high-output marine alternators, multi-stage voltage regulators, Bluetooth battery monitors (SG200), and patented serpentine pulley-conversion kits, sold through authorized marine and RV dealers worldwide under a "Balmar by Dometic" brand affiliation with parent CDI Electronics.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Balmar industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Marine Charging Equipment
- NAICS
- Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)
- SIC
- Motors & Generators (3621), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Marine Power Generation & Energy Storage (Generators, Batteries, UPS) (IMAJAJAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Integrated Marine Electrical Systems & Switchboards (IMAJAJAA), Electrical Engineering & Power Distribution (Generation, Switchboards, Cabling, Lighting) (IMAJAGAF)
Keywords
Where Balmar is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Marysville
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Balmar business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Marine Alternator Sales: Sale of high-output alternators including XT-Series, AT-Series, 6-Series, and Large Case alternators (94-98 Series). Products available as standalone alternators or complete charging kits with regulators.
- Voltage Regulator Sales: Sale of multi-stage voltage regulators (MC-618, MC-624, ARS-5), single-stage regulators, and specialty products like Digital Duo Charge and Centerfielder II for twin engine applications.
- AltMount® Pulley Kit Sales: Sale of patented serpentine pulley conversion kits for various diesel engine manufacturers including Yanmar, Volvo Penta, Westerbeke, Universal, Perkins/Sabre, Nanni, Vetus, and Ford/Lehman.
- Charging System Accessories: Sale of accessories including belt tensioning systems, pulleys, mounting spacers, hardware kits, rebuild kits, and alternator protection modules (APM-12, APM-24, APM-48).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Products available through distributor network |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels4 records
Balmar product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Balmar manufactures and sells high-output marine alternators (XT-Series, AT-Series, 6-Series, 9-Series), multi-stage voltage regulators, the SG200 battery monitoring system with Bluetooth/smartphone app integration, and supporting accessories (pulleys, hardware kits, protection modules) for recreational sailboats, powerboats, trawlers, wakeboats, and RVs. Products are sold exclusively through authorized marine distributors and dealers, with technical support provided across system selection, installation, and operation.
Product overview
Balmar offers a comprehensive marine DC charging ecosystem consisting of high-output alternators (XT-Series, AT-Series, 6-Series, and 9-Series Large Case), multi-stage voltage regulators (MC-618, MC-624, MC-612-DUAL, ARS-5), the SG200 Battery Monitor system with smartphone connectivity, and supporting accessories. The XT-Series and AT-Series alternators form the core power generation components, while regulators like the MC-618 communicate with the SG200 Battery Monitor to provide comprehensive charging monitoring. The product line includes bundled charging kits combining alternators with regulators and sensors, Smart Ready retrofit products for Yanmar engines, the AltMount patented pulley conversion system for serpentine belt conversions, and specialized products like the Digital Duo Charge for multi-bank charging and Centerfielder II for twin engine balancing. Accessories include Belt Buddy tensioning systems, rebuild kits, pulleys, hardware kits, and Alternator Protection Modules (APM) for over-voltage protection.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- XT-Series Alternators High-output marine alternators featuring braided stator wire design, available in 170A and 250A models for 12V applications and 90A for 24V applications. Includes patented Smart Ready internal regulator technology for fault tolerance.
- AT-Series Alternators
Quantifiable outcome
- 30% faster, more complete charging compared to standard alternators
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Balmar
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Balmar technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
Feature5 records
Balmar partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- S.M. Osgood CompanyminorS.M. Osgood Company was selected as the sales representation firm for RV and Upper Midwest Marine markets, representing Balmar products in these regions alongside CDI Electronics products.
- CDI ElectronicscoreCDI Electronics acquired Balmar (Ballard Commercial Industries) on June 6, 2014. CDI Electronics, founded in 1983, is a leader in aftermarket outboard ignition systems and diagnostic software. The combination provides Balmar access to CDI's ISO 9001-certified factory, broad distribution relationships, and execution systems. Tim Bock, CDI Chairman, described it as a 'perfect fit' expanding CDI's reach beyond gas outboards into inboard electrical products.
- DometicminorBalmar is shown as 'Balmar by Dometic' on the website, indicating an affiliation with Dometic Group, a major supplier of marine and RV comfort and convenience products.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Balmar competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Sterling Power Products: UK-based maker of marine alternator-to-battery chargers, battery monitors, and DC charging accessories. Sterling is the closest competitor to Balmar in marine DC charging, especially alternator charging and lithium battery support.
- Victron Energy: Global leader in marine/RV off-grid power including multi-stage chargers, battery monitors (BMV/Bluetooth), and inverter/chargers. Competes head-to-head with Balmar in marine voltage regulation and battery monitoring, particularly in lithium conversions.
- Mastervolt: Marine and mobile power electronics maker (part of Power Products LLC) producing alternators, chargers, battery monitors, and lithium battery systems. Direct competitor in marine DC power management.
- ProMariner: Marine battery charger and galvanic isolator specialist serving recreational boaters through distributor networks. Targets the same marine dealer channel as Balmar with battery-focused charging solutions.
- Xantrex: Marine and RV power inverter/charger maker. Overlaps with Balmar in the marine DC charging ecosystem, particularly via Freedom series inverter/chargers and battery monitoring accessories.
- NewMar: Manufacturer of marine-grade power products including battery chargers, DC converters, and power supplies. Competes in marine battery charging and DC power conditioning for similar distributor channels.
- Charles Marine: Marine battery charger and inverter specialist serving commercial and recreational marine markets. Direct competitor in marine battery charging and power conversion.
Broad incumbents
- CZone (by Eaton): Marine digital switching and power management platform acquired by Eaton. Broader incumbent offering integrated power management (charging, monitoring, switching) that overlaps with Balmar's regulator/monitoring capabilities.
- Dometic Group: Global marine, RV, and outdoor comfort/convenience conglomerate. Brand-affiliated with Balmar ('Balmar by Dometic') and overlapping in RV DC power products, representing both a partner and broader incumbent.
Others
- CDI Electronics: Aftermarket outboard ignition systems and marine diagnostic software maker; parent company of Balmar since 2014. Operates the ISO 9001-certified factory where Balmar products are built.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Balmar social profiles
Digital presenceBalmar compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Balmar financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Balmar leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Balmar funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Balmar M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Balmar
What does Balmar do?
Balmar manufactures and sells high-output marine alternators (XT-Series, AT-Series, 6-Series, 9-Series), multi-stage voltage regulators, the SG200 battery monitoring system with Bluetooth/smartphone app integration, and supporting accessories (pulleys, hardware kits, protection modules) for recreational sailboats, powerboats, trawlers, wakeboats, and RVs. Products are sold exclusively through authorized marine distributors and dealers, with technical support provided across system selection, installation, and operation.
Is Balmar a public or private company?
Balmar is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Balmar founded?
Balmar was founded in 1982. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Balmar based?
Balmar is headquartered in Marysville, United States, in the North America region.
How does Balmar make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Marine Alternator Sales are the primary driver. The others are voltage Regulator Sales, altMount® Pulley Kit Sales and charging System Accessories.
Who are Balmar's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Sterling Power Products, Victron Energy, Mastervolt, ProMariner, Xantrex, NewMar and Charles Marine. Broad incumbents are CZone (by Eaton) and Dometic Group. CDI Electronics is listed as an others.
Does Balmar have an API?
No public API is recorded for Balmar.
What industry is Balmar in?
Balmar's product category is Marine Charging Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAJAJAB, Marine Power Generation & Energy Storage (Generators, Batteries, UPS), with a secondary code of IMAJAJAA, Integrated Marine Electrical Systems & Switchboards. Its NAICS code is 33451 and its SIC code is 3621.