installing a generator

[ARE]

I work for a large marine generator manufacture and we don’t make petrol generators due to the fire/explosion risk, we do make diesel generators for use in petrol boats. These generators have to be ignition protected, so no sparks can be allowed. All switches, breakers and electric components have to be fully sealed.
You would also need a water cooled exhaust system and some sort of forced ventilation system to keep the engine cool.
I would strongly recommend you don’t fit a non ignition protected generator in a petrol boat.

 

[Seastoke]

if you know anything about cars and insurance , very easily they come out and carry out a agreed valuation . the car has to have a BIVA test carried out by VOSA to ensure it complies to all current regulations

these are not my only cars , I have a h2 hummer and a escort rs turbo fully re built , I build on average 1 a year through the winter , this year its a boat . my businesses allow me lots of free time in the afternoon so I put it to good use and build things . never once have I had a accident or built something unsafe , and until I have done all the needed research I won't be installing a generator . but just saying I cant dont wash , not when the reasoning is flawed , thanks all

How do you cook at the moment

 

[Mr Googler]

Boaters warned about the dangers of portable generators - Practical Boat Owner

BSS will be the people you need to convince for insurance I would imagine.

 

[LBRodders]

Whoops

 

[Dodgy Diver]

I work for a large marine generator manufacture and we don’t make petrol generators due to the fire/explosion risk, we do make diesel generators for use in petrol boats. These generators have to be ignition protected, so no sparks can be allowed. All switches, breakers and electric components have to be fully sealed.
You would also need a water cooled exhaust system and some sort of forced ventilation system to keep the engine cool.
I would strongly recommend you don’t fit a non ignition protected generator in a petrol boat.

so are the diesel generators marine specific ? thanks for the advice

 

[BruceK]

why the shitty comment ?

ok . so who said the manifold had to be water cooled ?
the boat has a large vent in the corner . rigging up a fan to help circulate fresh air would not be hard , the exhaust would need to be extended by about 300mm to exit the boat , there is nothing to say it has to exit under the water

I have always said im looking at it as a option , nothing has been said that ill do it anyway

as for can do Fred , I am a electrical engineer , a certificated welder , and a qualified heavy diesel mechanic . I have access to a engineering workshop. , maybe your judging people by your own mistakes , no need to be shitty

Why? I find it best to speak to idiots on their level in the hope that they understand.
If none of our comments can persuade you, then ask yourself. Why would almost every boat made that can support a genny not come with a decent suitcase genny. I mean I can go buy a bottom of the range POS diesel genny and it will cost me 8 times what you paid for your top of range, yet they all come with diesel gennies. Why do you think that is. Why do we cart around great big lumbering things that weight 5 times as much and cost 8 times as much? I mean if it was bling we;d want to show it not hide it in the bilge. You know you're talking out your backside and just throwing a hissy fit because you were told you cant play with your toys. Diddums. Did you come here for advice or sanction?

 

[Dodgy Diver]

Why? I find it best to speak to idiots on their level in the hope that they understand.
If none of our comments can persuade you, then ask yourself. Why would almost every boat made that can support a genny not come with a decent suitcase genny. I mean I can go buy a bottom of the range POS diesel genny and it will cost me 8 times what you paid for your top of range, yet they all come with diesel gennies. Why do you think that is. Why do we cart around great big lumbering things that weight 5 times as much and cost 8 times as much? I mean if it was bling we;d want to show it not hide it in the bilge. You know you're talking out your backside and just throwing a hissy fit because you were told you cant play with your toys. Diddums. Did you come here for advice or sanction?

wow idiot you say ?
all I ever asked for was advice , if I choose to take it is up to me
if you re read my replies , to everyone that was polite and offered help , those people are the kind of people who makes forums a great place to be
those that say no just because they believe they know better but with no facts to back up thier beliefs are the idiots , up to the last few posts no one suggested using a diesel generator instead , that is a idea I can go with , that idea actually helps , so thank you .
if your not part of a solution then your part of the problem . yeah thats aimed at you and I didn't need to get bitchy either . I think maybe you need to grow up a little , not me , thanks for taking the time to reply

 

[Dodgy Diver]

no another train of thought , is there a reason the generator side of a genny could not be rigged up with the aid of a vee belt to the main engine ?
so no need for additional engine at all
most genny engines are only 2hp so I assume this would not take away to much from the engines performance . assuming the gearing is correct ?
thanks

 

[BruceK]

mmm, I think I gave you great advice, you've now decided diesel is the way to go. Well done (Y)

 

[BruceK]

no another train of thought , is there a reason the generator side of a genny could not be rigged up with the aid of a vee belt to the main engine ?
so no need for additional engine at all
most genny engines are only 2hp so I assume this would not take away to much from the engines performance . assuming the gearing is correct ?
thanks

Nothing wrong with it and you can buy it off the shelf. Not good for the engine and a very expensive way to run a genny at rest

 

[Martxer]

You have asked for peoples thoughts and most people on here think it’s a bad idea period. My thoughts a suitcase geni is designed as a portable means of power and not a permanent install, use it for the purpose it was designed for however you are free to disagree and do as you please

 

[Portofino]

You could fit a bigger alternator, there are some extra special larger ones .As well as not Instead off the OEM and dedicate this 2 nd to a battery a separate house batt .Then via a suitable inverter = 240 V = kettle / microwave etc .
Brew up etc while on the move an added advantage maybe ?
In the winter maybe run a fan heater ?……it’s running + free .

 

[Dodgy Diver]

You could fit a bigger alternator, there are some extra special larger ones .As well as not Instead off the OEM and dedicate this 2 nd to a battery a separate house batt .Then via a suitable inverter = 240 V = kettle / microwave etc .
Brew up etc while on the move an added advantage maybe ?
In the winter maybe run a fan heater ?……it’s running + free .

would it not kill the batteries fast ?
I had assumed fast discharge with a inverter for high wattage appliances would kill a battery faster ?
thanks

 

[BruceK]

You can buy high output wide body alternators that will kick out 400 amps and on some OEM engines there is the facility with an added kit of adding a second alternator. With a decent inverter the battery wouldnt even take load. But it's still and expensive way to get leccy using a oversized engine reving reasonably highly while at rest. On the go, no problem unless you're twin engine then there will be a mismatched pair

 

[Bouba]

no another train of thought , is there a reason the generator side of a genny could not be rigged up with the aid of a vee belt to the main engine ?
so no need for additional engine at all
most genny engines are only 2hp so I assume this would not take away to much from the engines performance . assuming the gearing is correct ?
thanks

If you mean the suitcase genny, I don’t think so, it’s an inverter that has to spool up to very high revs to give you the current. So it would need to control the engine

 

[BruceK]

take a look at the Balmar 9 series. 310 amps. or with a decent inverter 220 at ~25 Amps. Be a bit noisy though. A diesel genny is still the best option for inboard use

High Output Alternators & Regulators

 

[Mr Googler]

If you have a diesel gennie….with a separate diesel fuel tank….you could add diesel blown air heating then too….that’s probably the best upgrade you could do for extended stays aboard.

 

[Portofino]

Boaters warned about the dangers of portable generators - Practical Boat Owner

BSS will be the people you need to convince for insurance I would imagine.

Yeh and if you drill down into them ….
1- fires from vapour refuelling ……the plan is T into existing tank supply to the main .
2- CO poisoning …..plan was CO alarms scattered like confetti round the boat .

Secret …….bare with me 1- Petrol is volatile and yes exploded kills folks .
2- CO is odourless and colourless and also kills .

But he ‘s got that risk on his 70s carb ed petrol boat already .

And the geny manufacturers supply a exhaust extension kits .

Hang on let me get this straight folks on here are suggesting run the 5.0 L or is it the 7,4 L Merc with a carb at tick over spitting fumes back through the venturi with its alternator to one way or an other make 240:v .Or run a poxy newer 200 cc 0.2 L engine ?
BTW Merc exhaust manifolds are legends at corrosion and leaking .
What are you guys trying to do kill the guy !

 

[Mr Googler]

Hang on let me get this straight folks on here are suggesting run the 5.0 L or is it the 7,4 L Merc with a carb at tick over spitting fumes back through the venturi with its alternator to one way or an other make 240:v .Or run a poxy newer 200 cc 0.2 L engine ?
BTW Merc exhaust manifolds are legends at corrosion and leaking .
What are you guys trying to do kill the guy !

that was your suggestion? #72

I‘d buy a 12v plug kettle and move on with life

 

[Portofino]

If you have a diesel gennie….with a separate diesel fuel tank….you could add diesel blown air heating then too….that’s probably the best upgrade you could do for extended stays aboard.

Still have the exhaust CO Y tee piece alleged “ Fred in the shed “ issue .
Still have petrol fumes from the carbs .