suitcase generators in a bilge?

[atlowers]

just bought a hyundai remote start suitcase generator. petrol in bilges is an obvious concern but that aside, why is it a bad idea to consider fitting it somewhere below decks which has appeal. Any thoughts and recs.

 

[Mistroma]

A few obvious things that come to mind are:

Need to extend the exhaust (might not be a problem but Honda do give warnings not to do this)
Worries about an exhaust leak into the boat (but then same could happen with a built-in genny)
Petrol leak as already mentioned
Adequate air flow for cooling (i.e. Intake/outlet, fan)
Access for manual start stop (external emergency stop might be a good idea for petrol engine)

I've heard of people boxing them into lockers so it can work. I guess the issues are related to how well a DIY install addresses the type of issues mentioned above. Purpose built gennies should have properly designed exhaust and cooling systems.

 

[Stemar]

My main concern would be the exhaust. Those gases have to be got outside with 100% reliability or you're likely to wake up dead one morning, and they're hot enough that you'll need metal pipe, which complicates dealing with the inevitable vibration. More hassle than it's worth, to my mind.

 

[V1701]

Could you make a box (GRP/wood) for it to go inside on deck - cut down on noise, place to store it, safer than inside?

 

[atlowers]

Boxing is an option, I currently have that arrangement with a frame genny but I would really like the space it takes up as my upper helm is bijou.
the exhaust thing is the worry. However, I know people that have fitted a frame genny into the bilge with exhaust set up similar to an eber. I would think the cooling air flow would not really be an issue, after all the two 120s get enough. I am picking it up tomorrow so may ask the agents for advice on the exhaust extension issue.
would be interested to hear from anybody who has used a locker for location, and any issues they may have had with installation.

 

[neale]

My main concern would be refuelling. If you refuel in the bilge there will be petrol vapours floating around down there which is obviously not good. If you take it out each time to refuel you will have to disconnect and reconnect the exhaust therefore increasing the likelihood of a CO leak. A dedicated box with good ventilation to and from outside the boat, and with a drain like a gas locker to deal with any fumes might work but the back pressure caused by extending the exhaust still needs to be considered.

 

[Jabs]

Could use an 'outboard' tank with quick release? Do away with the on gen tank.

Could the exhaust be two concentric pipes, so there are two barriers to break down before you suffer from CO poisoning??


Tony.

 

[KellysEye]

Do not under any circumstances do that. You and and any crew will end up dead from the exhaust fumes or the boat will explode from the petrol fumes, as others have said.

 

[Paddingtonbear]

An your insurance company most certainly won't like it.

 

[atlowers]

Picked it up today. Firstly I have to say that I am genuinely impressed with how quiet it is. Hyundai sei3000. The remote start is fantastic. Double click on a key fob and away she goes single click to switch off. It is a tad heavy for much manoeuvring but the bilge idea is a non starter. The exhausting is just not practical having spoken to the agent who confirmed the wise observations of previous posts so thank you all for that. I am going to position it on the upper helm and permanently cable it with the shore power through a simple three way switch. That way it will be just switch and click the fob when required so should be a simple operation.

 

[Loggo]

Small but significant point is that you would need to go into the bilge to turn on the remote control function when you wanted to use it (so minimum first thing in day and last at night) otherwise - I am given to understand - the battery will flatten.