[mholts13@yahoo.com]

Hi Everyone, first time posting and first time Tiara owner. Even though I have 53 years of boating under my belt and numerous different boats owned, I am not ashamed that  I'm still learning and certainly don't know everything.
I will try and give the best information I can. First, I've only owned this boat for about a month. Yes, it was surveyed but once again not a very good surveyor. While running the boat, I noticed the PORT engine volts went up to 17.2. The Starboard was fine at 13.4 volts. After shutdown I assumed it was probably the regulator. Knowing that the Port alternator is hard to get to but, not knowing that it's almost impossible to get to, I find that the regulator is internal. At least I'm 98% sure because of a small plate on the back of the alternator is there and it resembles those that are internal. I have never experienced a regulator not being separated from the alternator before. Anyway, after this happened, I was checking out my Freedom 2000 inverter and found that it too isn't working correctly. Though the LED lights show that it was charging etc., but all of a sudden the whole panel of LED's for the inverter won't even come on. But, the charger is still working.  So, first I check every batteries which are brand new AGM's. They all (4) measure 12.8 volts without a charger on. 

I guess my first question would be, would the fact that the inverter isn't working have anything to do with the alternator over charging? Second, if I'm diagnosing that my regulator went bad and IF I can get to the alternator, I am planning to replace both being that it looks old, but can I somehow put a external regulator on instead?
I'm sorry this is so long, but reading through some post, I noticed we need to give as much info as possible. OH, they are 454 Crusader, 320 hp with carbs. Thank you in advance for any help I can get. Glad to be part of this Forum. Also, glad that Tiara is in my home town.
  Holts13