Gen-set: which is best for 2004 386LE?
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Hunter's genset recommendations
Mike Thomas looked into this for me. In 2004 Hunter offered the Alaska Diesel M673L as the optional equipment on the 386LE. The aft-most compartment on the starboard stern deck is removable so to install the genset. That is a 3 cylinder 6Kw machine that weighs around 350 lbs. Today that un it is Northern Lights M673L2. Also, today Hunter is offering the Fischer Panda 4Kw on the 2009 38s. That unit is a 1 cylinder unit that weight about 230 lbs and a little smaller than the Northern Light unit.
Mike Thomas looked into this for me. In 2004 Hunter offered the Alaska Diesel M673L as the optional equipment on the 386LE. The aft-most compartment on the starboard stern deck is removable so to install the genset. That is a 3 cylinder 6Kw machine that weighs around 350 lbs. Today that un it is Northern Lights M673L2. Also, today Hunter is offering the Fischer Panda 4Kw on the 2009 38s. That unit is a 1 cylinder unit that weight about 230 lbs and a little smaller than the Northern Light unit.
I own a 2004 H386LE and installed the Entec West, Inc. 4200 watt (35 amp) single cyclinder diesel genset. It easily runs my air conditioning and other 120 VAC appliances. Yes the aft stbd locker comes off by unscrewing the four screws and cutting the caulking. The platform is already built-in, but I reinforced mine with an extra 1" of glassed in plywood. The Entec is seawater cooled (engine and stator motor) using a heat exchanger. It weights about 230# with the sound enclosure. It is a terrific genset, comes ready to install, with perculator muffler, silencer and 35' of cable to the remote start panel. Fits in the locker somewhat askew, rather than perfectlly fore and aft. I did all the rough-in this winter, such as the wiring from the breaker to locker area, cooling hose, battery cables from ships engine and the like. In April when I hauled for bottom paint, we did the exhause hose fitting and sea water strainer installation. It is a perfect genset for the 386 and similar vessels. Mine runs great all night while I enjoy the cool AC when the nights are hot in the gunkholes. Check them out for less than $10K installed. PS: I found the Panda way overpriced ($16K) and the Northern Lights too heavy and too large for the locker.
OK Ron. Thanks. I am finding more that the strong point of the bigger Northern Lights 6 is 1800 rpm for quiter, low vib, longer life, but that is a 350# unit. Others like the Westerbeke, but question if they still make a 4. I'll look at your Entec West. Please look for my next post re.; the rudder problems.
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