Diesel Generators

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afterglow	Diesel Generators		Lead	[-]
Posts: 56 05/05/06 11:39:50	Tags : None Greetings from Afterglow -- a "new" (to me) 1992 Pullman 2-cabin (#328) . I have read lots of interesting postings about Honda portable gas generators, but I'm interested in comments about permanently installed diesel generators. My wife and I cruise in Puget Sound and inland BC waters for 2 months each year. We like to stay on anchor, sometimes for as long as 5 days in one spot. I'd like to install a diesel genset to charge our 2 4D batteries, and to allow us to heat water, use a hair dryer, and use a microwave. I plan to install a 1000W inverter to furnish AC power to an LCD TV, DVD player, and laptop. The reefer, stereo, etc. will run off the house batteries. I'd like to hear comments (good and bad) about Pandas, Kubotas, Ample Power Genies, etc. Thanks.
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captrick	Re: Diesel Generators	#1	[url]	[-]
Posts: 243 05/05/06 12:03:59	I have a small Kubota-driven DC genset installed on a "table" above the water heater. In general, I think the DC w inverter approach makes sense if you have modest AC needs. I'd be glad to discuss my experience offline if you contact me thru the forum email. Rick 704-3
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dickbutler	Diesel Generators	#2	[url]	[-]
Posts: 55 05/05/06 12:10:44 Moderator	Hello 'Afterglow' I looked at quite a few compact diesel generators and settled on the Mastervolt 3.5 Whisper series. I think that Garry is putting a piece on the installation in Mainsheet this coming issue. It has not been used much since installation but I'm sailing from Tampa Bay to Maine in a couple of weeks and I'll report back. But so far I am impressed with the low noise level. Escapade (hull # 837) is a Mark II Centerline. I installed the genset in the "garage" - it takes up very little space and I still have room for tools and such. If you have other questions, email me at dickbutler@gmail.com. Good luck. Dick Escapade #837
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peterw	Generator	#3	[url]	[-]
Posts: 105 05/05/06 14:59:35	Hi It is interesting that you are in the same cruising area as we are. We have a 42 centerline and all the energy eating options. The Panda 4.5kw diesel generator was the choice that we made to supply all the electrical needs for C'est la Vie. So far the Panda has supplied more electricity than we need - at one time this past fall we had both heat pumps runnning, radar, autopilot and the stereo on at the same time and the batteries were on charge also (the engine was running - we were motorsailing) The Panda is very economical in fuel use, although I have not been able to calculate it exactly. I always carry extra diesel in the swim step lazarette- just in case it becomes necessary - as you know BC has some remote areas. I also have a Honda 2000 stuck in the "Garage" by the galley. (If by accident we should run down the batteries - at least the Honda will get us started) Oh yes, we needed the Honda once. Peter C'est la Vie
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peter	same	#4	[url]	[-]
Posts: 313 05/05/06 18:25:15	sailing in so. fla. and the bahamas with ac and lots of power draining items, vcr, tv, insta heat water, computers and the such... 5kw northern lights keeps our power up and batteries charged. Removed water heater... mounted 5kw on a new platform and mounted 1.5 gallon hubbell insta heat unit behind the genset. Hope this helps
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afterglow	Re: Generator	#5	[url]	[-]
Posts: 56 05/06/06 08:14:57	Peter - Since you say we are in the same cruising area, I assume you keep your boat somewhere in the NW. Where did you have your Panda installed? We are scheduled to have some work done at Seaview in Shilshole Marina next week and I'm sure that they would be happy to install a generator for us, but I don't know how expert they are at doing so. Also, where in your boat is the generator installed? I've never had a boat with a generator, so here are some general questions for everyone. How is the generator wired into the boat's systems? For example, can it be wired to mimic shore power, with AC power going directly to the water heater and at the same time to whatever other AC appliances are plugged into the electrical plugs on the boat? Do you charge your batteries via an inverter/charger from the generator, or is the charging done directly from the generator via an alternator?
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tropicalitch	Genset	#6	[url]	[-]
Posts: 19 05/07/06 14:30:52	Tropical Itch came with an Entec West 4.5 kw generator. It is installed behind the engine, with the water heater aft of the genset. I did have to remove the genset to repace the water heater, but I should be good for 15 more years. The Entec West run very quiet and powers our charger, water heater and even the 16,000 btu air conditioning on the hook. The shore power feed through the Entec West panel, which has a selector switch for ship (genset) or shore. We've been happy with this arrangement. I also just installed a LCD TV. They are 12 volt, so I was able to eliminate using my inverter. Radio shack had the proper plug and 3 amp fuse. (So I didn't need to chop up the 120 volt converter suppied with the TV). The DVD player is also 12 volt from an automotive electronics supply. Good luck with your C42 Tropcal Itch - 1991 2 cabin pullman.
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peterw	Diesel Generator	#7	[url]	[-]
Posts: 105 05/08/06 06:36:22	Hi The Generator was installed by Catalina when the boat was built, as most of the equipment was that is on my boat. The generator is seamlessly wired into the electrical system (it is in the port side lazarette)- it acts just like shorepower. There is a selector switch. I also had a lot of work done at CSR Marine at DesMoines WA (Commissioning, radar and a new intigrated VHF) - there is also a CSR at Lake Union. I was quite happy with their work. Peter Winterfeld C'est la Vie
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sailortim	Diesal Generators	#8	[url]	[-]
Posts: 4 05/11/06 22:21:52	Hi Captain Rick, I would like to get more info on your generator installation. I have hull # 310 2 cabain and I want to do exactly what you have done. thanks, Tim
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captrick	Re: Diesal Generators	#9	[url]	[-]
Posts: 243 05/12/06 07:24:24	Tim, I'll send you an email and we can talk.
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azure42	re: Gensets	#10	[url]	[-]
Posts: 391 05/12/06 08:40:24	Tim, For some reason, I can't edit my previous post -- some kind of glitch with ezboard, I guess. Here are the correct links to the photos. Genset 1 Genset 2 The wire mess in the foreground is a coiled extension cord and not part of my generator wiring. Rod Williams Azure, #343, 2-cabin Alameda/San Francisco Bay, CA.
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captrick	Re: Diesel Generators	#11	[url]	[-]
Posts: 243 05/14/06 06:06:57	Here's a shot of genset over water heater in engine compartment from stbd cabin access door. It just fits thru the door for install and I can just get at the oil filter. Extra hose circulates engine coolant thru the water heater. www.boatflagsandmore.com/pictures/IMG_1396a.jpg Rick 704-3
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