Has anyone put in or have a B- 40 with an installed generator. I am thinking of installing one on my 2011 B-40 two cabin boat.
Diesel Generator on Beneteau 40
- Thread starter btbogdan
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We have a Nextgen 5.5KW aboard our B411 in a one of the lazzarette lockers. It is a nicely built and relatively quiet generator. It still buzzes and stinks. The previous owner installed it. Would I install one if it were up to me? Probably not. It was very expensive (materials + labor!), it takes up space on an already compact boat, it adds significant maintenance, it is distracting, and gives the boat a list. One plus - it runs the AC on anchor. Everytime I do so I feel like a weenie. For the money I would build in more batteries, solar panels, wind/water generator, swap to a bigger inverter, and enjoy the space and quiet.
BT we have a 43 but no genset. Not sure what I'll do prior to setting out to cruise but I'm leaning towards Gunni's recommendations. Add a high output alternator and external regulator as well. Try asking your question on the 40/43 forum on www.seaknots.ning.com There's a strong international group (I'm a member too) that should be able to answer your question. BTW we used to be at Skipjack but since owning the 43 moved to Baltimore. Where did you buy your 40, AYS or Winters?
Thanks for the suggestions. I bought the boat from Winters and very happy I did. He gave us excellent service and recommendations on the new boat.
The reason for the generator is a selfish one.. getting old and want to use the AC/heat when at anchor on those sticky nights in the Bay. Plus this boat is an energy hog and am always running out of energy, even with the two 4Ds on board.
BT yes Winters does a very nice job. We've bought our last two from them and know Glenn and Brian well. Usually anchoring out without AC isn't a problem. When it does then we head into a marina for some relief. Yes the boat is an energy hog and the two 4Ds are marginal in handling it. We can easily use 125 ah in a day. I upgraded our 43 to two pair of Trojan T105s that now net 450ah. The fridge and freezer eat up most of it burning an avg 3.5ah. It's helpful to keep the compressor coils clean. I've also installed LED lights throughout the boat which helps. Of course the electric heads, shower sumps etc are tougher to manage. I also installed a Victron single bank battery monitor which has helped me understand power consumption. It's been a learning experience for sure.
BTW we kept our previous boat a Benny 361 at Skipjack Cove but moved to Inner Harbor East when we bought October Moon.
Mike
BTW we kept our previous boat a Benny 361 at Skipjack Cove but moved to Inner Harbor East when we bought October Moon.
Mike
We don't use the AC on anchor, we find a breezy spot, or jump in for a swim and/or shower. There is little relief trying to sleep with a generator aboard a Beneteau.
Here in the SE US, marinas with 60 amp AC are everywhere and we tie up/plug in when the conditions are insufferable. Sailing is fundamentally about being outside in conditions. I want my crew acclimatized and capable of dealing with that. We talk about it and have fun with it. Minimal clothing and a little 'glisten" is part of the experience! Bienvenue. Vêtements est facultatif mlle! And when we finally tie up and plug it is wonderful!
Go through your electrical systems and you will find many places to decrease the load. eg: The freezer on our boat has a separate on/off control. We fill the freezer with food, top it off with ice/water jugs, freeze it solid at the dock, and let the refrigerator fan draw that cool for days - 125 Ah/day gone ! When you power up, turn the freezer back on and let it refreeze. Switch to LED lighting. Upgrade your alternator/charger, the OEM alt. is too small. Scrutinize your battery system, is it optimized, and in good shape? Turn off your radar when you don't need it.
Need more motivation? A capable generator install will cost you $20K and you will now have TWO diesels to fret over, and related ongoing maintenance. In my mind it only makes sense if you 1) have too many boat bucks in your wallet, or 2) are headed to the outback.
Here in the SE US, marinas with 60 amp AC are everywhere and we tie up/plug in when the conditions are insufferable. Sailing is fundamentally about being outside in conditions. I want my crew acclimatized and capable of dealing with that. We talk about it and have fun with it. Minimal clothing and a little 'glisten" is part of the experience! Bienvenue. Vêtements est facultatif mlle! And when we finally tie up and plug it is wonderful!
Go through your electrical systems and you will find many places to decrease the load. eg: The freezer on our boat has a separate on/off control. We fill the freezer with food, top it off with ice/water jugs, freeze it solid at the dock, and let the refrigerator fan draw that cool for days - 125 Ah/day gone ! When you power up, turn the freezer back on and let it refreeze. Switch to LED lighting. Upgrade your alternator/charger, the OEM alt. is too small. Scrutinize your battery system, is it optimized, and in good shape? Turn off your radar when you don't need it.
Need more motivation? A capable generator install will cost you $20K and you will now have TWO diesels to fret over, and related ongoing maintenance. In my mind it only makes sense if you 1) have too many boat bucks in your wallet, or 2) are headed to the outback.
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