Any ideas on putting a Generator on a 1986 31'

[JayAndrew]

I have been thinking about installing a Generator under the aft starboard seat. It gets pretty hot in the Gulf South any the wife would really like to enjoy the 12,000 BTU mermaid while at sea. Any pointers that some one might have for or against this would greatly be appreciated or if some one has acomplished this feet please let me know.

 

[Steve Dion]

More list?

Jay:

I don't have much of an opinion about trying to install a genset on this boat. I owned one for 20 years and loved it. One thing that is commonly a problem of the 31 is that it has a list to starboard. You may want to consider mounting it on the port side to help offset some of that problem.

The only other issue may be the heat build up in that area. I would consider some type of vents for the lazarette.

Our refrigeration system was installed on the shelf just abover the fuel tank. It was realitively lite and needed to be a close to the icebox as possible.

 

[Chuck Creel]

generator

you might consider a portable gen like he honda 2000EU.

 

[Bert]

Death by generator?

Jay,
I do have one suggestion: be careful how you install the generator and be sure to have a carbon monoxide detector installed that you test regularly.

Please see the attached link about a recent death related to generator use on a boat. I have not seen any other details about the generator and its operation, so it could have been a portable or a permanent installation.
Bert

 

[Bert]

more details on carbon monoxide death

apparently the boat did have a CO sensor and it did activate. No speculation on why the victim did not wake up.

 

[Rubicon 1983-31']

Open cover not enough

The previous owner of my boat had one in the lazerate without vents plumbed to the outside. I can only surmise that he had the lids to this compartment propped open when the generator was running, since he's still alive.

Nevertheless, the inside of this compartment and down in the fuel/battery hold the walls were covered in a black greasy soot that was a bear to clean.

I've got a small Honda generator, and often thought about putting it in this compartment and plumbing the exhaust to the outside. However, there's already way too much weight in the back of this boat. So, when it's not in use I keep it stowed under the V-berth, just in front the access door that leads to the under the berth. It's out of the way, and when I need it, I just lug it out, place it atop the lazerate and run it there.