Todd,
I looked into the water pump alternator.  The problem I see is that it
still needs a belt.  It would be harder to change, and much harder to
find a replacement if/when it quits in the middle of nowhere.

Mark S.

Mark,
The racemate alternator (WP/alternator combo) has proven to be very reliable. That said you are correct replacement could be difficult in east podunk. Solution, use this as your SECOND alternator. Mount another on a conventional bracket. I believe they have also done crankshaft pulley alternators.
Bill Jepson