Nexgen 5.5 in a Hunter 40.5

[smokey73]

Has anyone installed a NEXGEN 5.5KW generator in an Hunter 40.5?

I got a very good deal on a Nexgen 5.5 and would like to put it in my Port or starboard Lazarette but am not sure it will fit. My measurements are very close so I was wondering if anyone had installed a 5.5 in that or an alternate location? Did you have to do any special alterations or changes, etc.

I know the Nexgen 3.5 will fit but I have the Nexgen 5.5 and if it will fit I'd like to use that if I can shoehorn it in.

Any feedback or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Brezzin]

isnt the 3.5 with sound shield bigger than the 5.5 with sound sheild? I know I couldn't fit the 3.5 in the space available in my boat but the the 5.5 fit just fine.

 

[Rich Stidger]

I can't help you with the Nextgen 5.5 but I have a Westerbeke BCDA 5.0 in my starboard lazarette with no sound shield. I lined the compartment with a lead-foam sandwich material that helped a lot.

My caution to you is to be sure that after "shoe-horning" the genset into the space that you actually have the ability to do maintenance. Be sure that doing the common tasks of oil and filter changing, raw water impeller and pump changing, belts, etc. are all possible without pulling the genset out or working blind in near impossible spots.

 

[smokey73]

Good points

I can't help you with the Nextgen 5.5 but I have a Westerbeke BCDA 5.0 in my starboard lazarette with no sound shield. I lined the compartment with a lead-foam sandwich material that helped a lot.

My caution to you is to be sure that after "shoe-horning" the genset into the space that you actually have the ability to do maintenance. Be sure that doing the common tasks of oil and filter changing, raw water impeller and pump changing, belts, etc. are all possible without pulling the genset out or working blind in near impossible spots.

Thanks Rich - all good points. I'll make sure I keep all that in mind.

Dan

 

[artboas]

Sorta backwards

Thanks Rich - all good points. I'll make sure I keep all that in mind.

Dan

When I had my 40.5, I spent a lot of time looking at the feasibility of putting in a Fischer Panda 4kw in the lazarette
I came to the realization that there was no way to service an enclosed genset in that spot.
As I didn't want to go the route of installing an "open@ genset and putting in insulation foam, I did something a lot easier;
I bought a 49.
Ok, it was an extreme solution to the problem, but what I'm pointing out is that measuring first is the only method here.
Putting it another way, if someone gave me a 12kw genset for free, it wouldn't have done me any good.
So, irrespective of the price of the Nexgen, if it doesn't fit, it's no bargain

 

[smokey73]

Again - all good points.

When I had my 40.5, I spent a lot of time looking at the feasibility of putting in a Fischer Panda 4kw in the lazarette
I came to the realization that there was no way to service an enclosed genset in that spot.
As I didn't want to go the route of installing an "open@ genset and putting in insulation foam, I did something a lot easier;
I bought a 49.
Ok, it was an extreme solution to the problem, but what I'm pointing out is that measuring first is the only method here.
Putting it another way, if someone gave me a 12kw genset for free, it wouldn't have done me any good.
So, irrespective of the price of the Nexgen, if it doesn't fit, it's no bargain

Little extreme in the solution department! I did measure the specs with the lazarette and it shows it will fit. The Nexgen is designed to be serviced from one side. But to make sure it will fit I have made a "mock up" of the generator and will see if it fits sometime today or tomorrow. From there I'll move forward.

You are right about backwards but I did check the measurements before I got it and the specs said it would fit. Its a pretty compact unit. The tightest fit will be getting it in the lazarette opening. Once its in the lazarette there is a decent amount of room. I'll post after I get the mock up in. The mockup is actually 1/2 inch larger in all directions so if it will fit through the opening, the genset should.

1. I was also wondering about moving things around to adjust trim. I don't have a list either way right now but I suspect I will when I get the genset in if I'm not careful/creative in where to install it. The starboard side has the batteries and the port side has the CNG tank right now. Someone earlier suggested that I move the batteries to the port lazarette and then I could move to 4 6V batteries to counter the genset weight (230lbs). That would then put the batteries in the same compartment as the CNG?

2.The extra weight of the genset and the 2 extra 6V batteries may make me sit a little low in the stern so I may have to figure a way to shift some weight forward. Maybe and extra 20 gal water tank forward? Being an old submariner I am pretty familiar with trim techniques, etc. So many factors to consider and I'm hoping to get some feedback and good suggestions.

3. Also I'd really like to know (maybe from Mainsail) if its Okay to put the CNG tank in with the batteries (doesn't seem like a good idea). The option would be to move the CNG tank to the after compartment in the swim platform or to move the CNG tank to the compartment below the starboard cockpit seat. I don't remember who mentioned putting the batteries in the same compartment as the CNG tank, but they also said theirs positioned that way has been through 2 surveys and neither identified that as a problem. Guess it may be a function of the surveyor or its okay? I will most likely be keeping the CNG at least for the moment since I now have a CNG source fairly close.

Any ideas, suggestions, cautions etc are both appreciated and will be taken aboard. If the 5.5KW won't fit I won't have a problem finding a buyer and I know the 3.5 will fit so I'm still interested in the answers to all my questions.

 

[smokey73]

Re: Again - all good points.

Well - bad news for me, good news for somebody who wants a Nexgen 5.5.

I tried the mockup of the generator and there is no way it is going into the opening. It will clearly fit into the lazarette itself, but the opening and the shape of the opening absolutely preclude getting it installed.

Well, life goes that way - sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes your the bug. Pretty sure I can sell it either on craig's list, ebay or through the for sale section on some of the sailing forums. If anybody in interested it will be in the classified ad section.

 

[artboas]

There's always "plan B"

Well - bad news for me, good news for somebody who wants a Nexgen 5.5.

I tried the mockup of the generator and there is no way it is going into the opening. It will clearly fit into the lazarette itself, but the opening and the shape of the opening absolutely preclude getting it installed.

Well, life goes that way - sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes your the bug. Pretty sure I can sell it either on craig's list, ebay or through the for sale section on some of the sailing forums. If anybody in interested it will be in the classified ad section.

You might think about the 49.
I never regretted it!!

 

[smokey73]

Have to stay on the green path

You might think about the 49.
I never regretted it!!

Don't think my retirement budget will manage that!! I'm very happy with the 40.5 - sails fast, easy to handle, in great shape. Just that the Admiral wants the genset here in South Carolina for those very very hot nights when not at a marina. Have to keep on the green path (think Fidelity commercial).

 

[Sailgunner]

Can you cut a hole in the rear bulkhead and get it in that way? That is how I got my 5.5 Nextgen in my rear lazarette.