I am planning to install a genset on a 2004 Hunter 386. Can anyone recommend a dependable unit that fits in the space Hunter set aside for this in the aft locker?
Genset for Hunter 386
- Thread starter kpittman
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I don't know the dimensions of the 386 aft locker but I can refer you to NextGen Power's website (http://www.nextgenerationpower.com/) where dimensions of their units are given. I installed their 5.5kW unit on my 410 and have been completely satisfied. Depending on your loads (one a/c unit vs. two), you may be able to install their 3.5kW unit. There are plenty of other manufacturers but I'm not familiar with them.
Thanks for the recommendation. I have seen some pretty poor reviews on some of the other brands of compact units. It is good to hear that you have had great service from your NextGen. I will explore it as an option.
I don't know your dimensions, but Northern Lights makes a very good generator. It runs on three cylinders, 1800 rpm and I have over 2000 hours on my 5.5 kw and it runs like a top. I have changed impellers, one belt, and oil changes and that's it. Look at number of cylinders, operating rpm and reliability. Be careful with Panda and anything with a ferryman engine.
My panda is a 3 cylinder Kabuda ....... And its not the Engine that's the problem its all the scarey crap that the "Panda" company does to the engines that screws things up!!!!!!!!!!!!
I guess some lawyer told them that by making things as complicated as possible it gives them more job security. When all it does is piss people off when they find out how they have been screwed!!
Ivan: I think it is a ferryman on the Panda, if it is another engine make, the I owe ferryman an apology.
I have chartered three Island Packets with Pandas that didn't work a full week. A close friend of mine put one on his Cabo Rico and it didn't operate for long either. Also, the Cabo Rico was extremely noisy when it did run. I took the Cabo Rico down the Tenn-Tom from Kentucky Lake to Punta Gorda. It was so noisy that we didn't run it at night and nearly froze rather than run the thing. None of those problems exist on my Northern Lights in over 2000 hours.
I have chartered three Island Packets with Pandas that didn't work a full week. A close friend of mine put one on his Cabo Rico and it didn't operate for long either. Also, the Cabo Rico was extremely noisy when it did run. I took the Cabo Rico down the Tenn-Tom from Kentucky Lake to Punta Gorda. It was so noisy that we didn't run it at night and nearly froze rather than run the thing. None of those problems exist on my Northern Lights in over 2000 hours.
Just for the record, I have a Panda 6kw Mini which has run perfectly for me for five years and 500 or so hours. It is quiet and reliable. However, and this is a biggie, I maintain the unit as per the factory manual. Any generator on a sailboat is a complex piece of equipment operating in an unfriendly environment and must be maintained carefully and completely.
5 years hmmm??.... I think that's about the time my panda wired up with all those bells and whistles beside eating up a belt at the most inconvenient times decided to mysteriously earn the name 20 minute panda now after 10 year its called a 12 minute panda. After 5 years no one can figure out why! Kubuda Engine does not live in a hostile environment looks almost new. If you remove and disconnect all the bells and whistle crap it runs just fine. So nothing wrong with the motor.Rick486 said:
My Fisher Panda
For the record I have had my Fischer Panda 4.5 kW for 10 years now, and have had absolutely no problems with it. It's very quiet and dependable. a boat 10 ft away can't tell that it is running. It was installed by the experts at Norton's Yacht Sales in Deltaville, VA at the time of comissioning of my new (at that time) 356, and I can recommend Norton's without hesitation.
By the way, be sure to order the muffler, the rubber feet, and the water separator--they make a huge difference in the sound and vibration level.
I have no clue as to what "bells and whistles" OneCoolAir is referring to, but mine is the stock generator so I suppose it has "them" too, and has not given me any problems in 10 years.
For the record I have had my Fischer Panda 4.5 kW for 10 years now, and have had absolutely no problems with it. It's very quiet and dependable. a boat 10 ft away can't tell that it is running. It was installed by the experts at Norton's Yacht Sales in Deltaville, VA at the time of comissioning of my new (at that time) 356, and I can recommend Norton's without hesitation.
By the way, be sure to order the muffler, the rubber feet, and the water separator--they make a huge difference in the sound and vibration level.
I have no clue as to what "bells and whistles" OneCoolAir is referring to, but mine is the stock generator so I suppose it has "them" too, and has not given me any problems in 10 years.
Gentlemen there is an ebook at www.smashwords.com Marine Electrics Made Simple or How to Keep the Batteries Charged that has a lot of information on the pros and cons of various generators and the installation. Northern Lights are good but I do not think you would have a chance of getting the smallest one in the 386 locker with acceptable access for maintenance.
Nrthern Lights
I don't know how much space is available on that Hunter, however there are several things to consider when chhosing a genset. First and foremost, you must determine what power rating you require. Second is space availibilty, and wieght. Next I would consider reputation, reliability, and service/parts availabilty. I strongly reccomend the Northern Lights as I work on al kinds of equipment and the N/L is always the most trouble free and simple to work on. Furthermore the N/L guys are awesome and parts/service are available with a phonecall world wide. For further info check out www.northern-lights.com
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