Which Brand?

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

So let's discuss new Generators. Say I am looking at replacing my 30 year old Onan 8KW.

The three major brands (That I know of) are:

1. Onan
2. Northern Lights
3. Westerbeke


Are there brands I am missing?

Which genny would you buy and why?

 

[tozz]

So let's discuss new Generators. Say I am looking at replacing my 30 year old Onan 8KW.



The three major brands (That I know of) are:



1. Onan

2. Northern Lights

3. Westerbeke





Are there brands I am missing?



Which genny would you buy and why?

We have Kohlers on Conundrum. I had an Onan in our previous boat. Both brands were reliable and easy to maintain and reach filters and impellers etc.

 

[FoxtrotCharlie]

+1 for Kohlers

 

[Arthurc]

I’ve been extremely happy with my new NL 12kw genset. The new sound shied is super quiet. Just installed a water separator so excited to hear what she sounds like once the boat goes back in the water this morning.

 

[Larry M]

Northern Lights would be my first choice. Having had two, with dealer support, world wide availability of parts and reliability, we’d buy another.

 

[twistedtree]

Northern lights for me too.

 

[Stabi]

having owned all 3, I would stick with NL 1st Onan 2nd WB 40th

 

[Fishing Fool]

My local marine generator supply and repair facility said this to me when I asked them which was the best generator to buy:

"We repair and rebuild Onans, Kohlers and Westerbekes.

"We only change filters on Northern Lights"!!!

I have the Northern Lights!!

That's my 2-cents.

 

[Cigatoo]

We have an 8kw Northern Light. Hums like a sewing machine. Amazed at how smooth and quiet that it runs. Has sound shield / enclosure. I removed the front cover of the enclosure for observation purposes. Is still very quiet.

 

[tiltrider1]

I have to vote for the NL. I also have to admit that I am totally biases. The president of NL is a friend of mine as well as the service mgr, production mgr and the QC mngr. All those guys take it personal when a unit isn’t perfect.

 

[Woodland Hills]

It may depend on what size generator you want. Phasor has been selling a lot to Hatteras owners wanting replacements for Onan 20kw units. I have the Onan and a 12kw NL and am happy with both SO FAR. I anticipate having to replace the Onan in the future as some critical parts are getting hard to find.

 

[High Wire]

Phasor assembled in FL. Don't know if available in your area. $12.5K installed including removing old WB and installing new waterlift muffler.



Kubota 3 cyl D1105 engine.
1800 rpm permanent magnet generator (no brushes)
I do not have the sound shield box.


Simple and quiet as can be. I could have easily installed this myself if not for the heavy lifting.