So far so good with the generator. It is a fresh water cooled, marinized Kabota engine.
We just bought this boat last winter and it has run well for us, easy starts, quiet. It has about 900 hrs on it. It was installed in spring of 2010, the previous owners must have replaced the mixing elbow already because I see one in one of the lockers, it appeared to be made of stainless steel. It seems to use very little fuel. It runs our AC, microwave, and 40 amp battery charger so far without a problem on our H356.
We have had issues in the past with boats pulling into a anchorage late. Setting with their stern right on our bow and then running a diesel generator so the fumes just about gassed us out. I have had to get in the dinghy twice now after 10 pm at night and ask them to either shut it off or re-anchor...........so we are now aware of this issue and try keep our distance from other boats when we anchor if we plan to run the genny. Just a heads up once you get one of your own.
Usually we run ours first thing in the morning to bring the batteries up, boil water etc. or in late afternoon to make ice and get dinner going. With only two 4 1/4 lb propane tanks we try use the AC as much as possible for cooking and save the propane.
I know the previous owner ran the AC all night long on this boat with this generator.
good luck on the install whatever brand you buy, Bob