We've just purchased a new 44DS and are looking to put a genset onboard. Any thoughts and comments about specific models and mfg's. would be most appreciated. thanks in advance, Mike
Picking a new genset
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Hi Mike, we're very happy with our Onan 8kw...
Genset on our P42. According to Onan they used a three cylinder Cummins/Kubota engine. I'm assuming the 44DS is very close to the P42 in layout and design. Hunter installed the Genset on a shelf directly above the main propulsion engine. I'm also assuming they selected the 8kw because our boat came with a 16,000 BTU heat pump to control the main cabin and a 9,000 BTU for the aft cabin. If your boat does not have heat pumps the 8kw is probably more than you need. Without the heat pumps you might only need a 4kw. Terry
Genset on our P42. According to Onan they used a three cylinder Cummins/Kubota engine. I'm assuming the 44DS is very close to the P42 in layout and design. Hunter installed the Genset on a shelf directly above the main propulsion engine. I'm also assuming they selected the 8kw because our boat came with a 16,000 BTU heat pump to control the main cabin and a 9,000 BTU for the aft cabin. If your boat does not have heat pumps the 8kw is probably more than you need. Without the heat pumps you might only need a 4kw. Terry
Quiet!
Mike, Soundproofing may wind up being as important, since no generator can supply power if it is too loud to be turned on. Our boat came with the standard Kohler genset, but could have been outfitted with a larger Fischer Panda which put out more power, but also has a sound-insulating case. Ours was annoyingly loud, so last winter I added sound insulation, which made a big difference. When you compare costs, factor in what you will have to do if you need to add soundproofing, or if it will be effective given where the genset installs. Harry
Mike, Soundproofing may wind up being as important, since no generator can supply power if it is too loud to be turned on. Our boat came with the standard Kohler genset, but could have been outfitted with a larger Fischer Panda which put out more power, but also has a sound-insulating case. Ours was annoyingly loud, so last winter I added sound insulation, which made a big difference. When you compare costs, factor in what you will have to do if you need to add soundproofing, or if it will be effective given where the genset installs. Harry
Westerbeke is my brand
I installed a 5kw in my h40.5 when it was new, and I have a 16k and a 5k A/C heat pump units. The 5kw runs both of them (in A/C mode) plus my water heater and my 75A battery charger all at once. If I run in heat mode, or want to use the microwave or a hair dryer at the same time, I need to shed the water heater. I second the sound insulation issue. Being able to live with the noise is very important. I installed a lead-foam sandwich made by Soundown and have been happy with it. Also, pick the smallest genset that will serve your needs. Many times it will be running without everything turned on and you would like to have it run pretty well loaded. Westerbeke makes units that run at 1800 rpm. Mine is a 3-cyl diesel that runs very nicely. I can also state that Westerbeke's warrantee is 5 years on the electrical end and the major engine components. I had a short develop in my stator and Westerbeke picked up the entire cost of removal, reinstallation, transportation to the factory, all repairs, and they even did the 500hr PM at no charge while it was at the factory. My cost- only my time to prep for liftout and reconnect after lift-in. It was my choice to do this.
I installed a 5kw in my h40.5 when it was new, and I have a 16k and a 5k A/C heat pump units. The 5kw runs both of them (in A/C mode) plus my water heater and my 75A battery charger all at once. If I run in heat mode, or want to use the microwave or a hair dryer at the same time, I need to shed the water heater. I second the sound insulation issue. Being able to live with the noise is very important. I installed a lead-foam sandwich made by Soundown and have been happy with it. Also, pick the smallest genset that will serve your needs. Many times it will be running without everything turned on and you would like to have it run pretty well loaded. Westerbeke makes units that run at 1800 rpm. Mine is a 3-cyl diesel that runs very nicely. I can also state that Westerbeke's warrantee is 5 years on the electrical end and the major engine components. I had a short develop in my stator and Westerbeke picked up the entire cost of removal, reinstallation, transportation to the factory, all repairs, and they even did the 500hr PM at no charge while it was at the factory. My cost- only my time to prep for liftout and reconnect after lift-in. It was my choice to do this.
Suggested Generators
Regarding your question on generators, we just purchased a new Hunter 45 CC. While we did not get a generator as on option we have done some research, and are currently looking at either a Fisher-Panda" or a "Mastervolt" They are both are said to be very quiet, as they are totally enclosed in a sound-shield type of caes. In our boat, Hunter made provisions to install the generator just ahead of the main engine, on a special stainless steel support. As for size I would go with either an 8 or 12 kW, depending on how much size you have. Sound is VERY important, on our last boat a 42' Whitby ketch, wee had a very loud generator, and for hat reason, we did not use it very often. Good luck.
Regarding your question on generators, we just purchased a new Hunter 45 CC. While we did not get a generator as on option we have done some research, and are currently looking at either a Fisher-Panda" or a "Mastervolt" They are both are said to be very quiet, as they are totally enclosed in a sound-shield type of caes. In our boat, Hunter made provisions to install the generator just ahead of the main engine, on a special stainless steel support. As for size I would go with either an 8 or 12 kW, depending on how much size you have. Sound is VERY important, on our last boat a 42' Whitby ketch, wee had a very loud generator, and for hat reason, we did not use it very often. Good luck.
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