Who has replaced a generator???

[swampu]

That’s funny, I just pulled my old Onan 12.5 and replaced with a 19kw kohler yesterday and it took about 5 hours and 5 guys to pull and set,

[Steve91T]

Originally Posted by swampu

That’s funny, I just pulled my old Onan 12.5 and replaced with a 19kw kohler yesterday and it took about 5 hours and 5 guys to pull and set,
Attachment 80712

Oh wow. Why did you decided to go so big?

Only 5 hours to remove and replace?

[swampu]

I don’t have a stove, if I ran propane it would have cost in both dollars and stress of having another system to deal with and chance leak. My spare generator has been on the ropes for a long time so when this used unit popped up it just seamed to make since. Now I can buy an electric stove and have plenty of power in reserve

[swampu]

It’s not hooked up yet, the 5 hours was just getting the old unit out and new unit in the boat and down the hole

[Grubmaster]

I'm currently in a Houseboat but am going to transition to a Trawler in the future. I will second the opinion not to buy used. The previous owner to my boat put a used Westerbeke 15kw gas gen in about 3 years ago and now it has thrown a rod. He didn't want to spend the money on a new one and now Westerbeke isn't making any gas gens between 10 and 15KW and there isn't a new one to be found. Seems like Westerbeke is the only company making gas gens now and I'm going to be forced to buy another used one. I haven't found anyone that can rebuild the motor since they can't find parts. I would go with a diesel but can't get get diesel delivered on the lake. My Honda is fine for now but I'll need something larger to run the AC this summer. Anyone know where I might find a new 10-15kw gas gen?

[mdstrum]

Did this last year...1990 Onan 12kw was removed and installed fisher panda 15kw
Ours is access through cockpit so liftin it in and out was done by yard...we did the discount and install

This project grew into upgrading the house battery system and inverter, and battery switches as well as new sea strainer, external fuel filter

As you start taking things apart you have access and see things like in our case battery cables and switches just worn and corroded, house battery bank was not configured with buss bars which snow that we have seeing much long run when on inverter
Old internet was tripping GFI at doc and charger we found was over
Charging so swapped that out

Did a gensep for the exhaust which was a pain to do but very happy with how quiet the unit is when it runs

We did double motor mounts meaning a platform with mounts and the. The sounds shelled and then another pair of mounts ...no noticeable vibrations like we use to have

Fisher panda has a remote panel that was larger so that cause some changes in location from the prior one but nothing crazy

Very happy with Fisher panda and finished result on all the work we did...just expect the project to grow and take twice as long as any estimates you have....we hit issues with getting the gensep, had do a custom lift muffler that was wrong the first time, and so...lots of pieces to this puzzle doing it in the winter was great as we took our time and did it right

[Xlantic]

I replaced my Bimini top with three 320W solar panels this summer.

Over a four-week period away from shore power we only had to run the genny once for an hour. That day it was overcast and we had not moved for a couple of days.

We cook with gas but use the dishwasher every day.

When my 45 year old Onan dies I don't plan to replace it.

[psneeld]

Originally Posted by Xlantic

I replaced my Bimini top with three 320W solar panels this summer.

Over a four-week period away from shore power we only had to run the genny once for an hour. That day it was overcast and we had not moved for a couple of days.

We cook with gas but use the dishwasher every day.

When my 45 year old Onan dies I don't plan to replace it.

Running air conditioning?

Not all situations are the same.

[Xlantic]

Originally Posted by psneeld

Running air conditioning?

Not all situations are the same.

Agreed.

We only run the AC in port. On the hook we just have the fridge, freezer, dishwasher, lighting (mostly LED), charging the portable electronics and, occasionally, the clothes washer.

[Lepke]

If you're not at a yard the easiest way to move a 10kw+ is the hire a mover that specializes in equipment. Often called drayage companies, they have the tools, equipment and gorillas to get the job done without damage. And they have insurance. I'm removing my 2 14kw generators and putting in a Detroit 20kw. And that's how an old guy does it.
On smaller generators separating the motor from the generator really gets the weight manageable.

[Steve91T]

We just got word that the gen is in rough shape.

Findings..

Raw water pump needs rebuilding

Raw water strainer is plugged up

Heat exchanger is plugged solid

Engine passages are full of scale debris

Thermostat needs replacement

Exhaust elbow is plugged



We need to figure out if we want to move forward with this boat because if the gen.

[Orvil]

Here is a video from YouTube. These folks replaced their dying generator on their Bayliner 4788. It's instructive. They hired the job out. They give the costs and why/how of their decisions. I hope this helps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q5ffQlhCR4

[Gray Dog]

Replaced 6.5 kw Westerbeke with 6.5 kw Phasor using boat yard fork lift. Cost $10,000. Good move.

[Steve91T]

Originally Posted by Gray Dog

Replaced 6.5 kw Westerbeke with 6.5 kw Phasor using boat yard fork lift. Cost $10,000. Good move.

And how many hours did you put in? How much do you think you saved by doing some of the work?

[High Wire]

Originally Posted by Steve91T

We just got word that the gen is in rough shape.

Findings..

Raw water pump needs rebuilding

Raw water strainer is plugged up

Heat exchanger is plugged solid

Engine passages are full of scale debris

Thermostat needs replacement

Exhaust elbow is plugged



We need to figure out if we want to move forward with this boat because if the gen.

That's not a death sentence. Normal DIY maintenance really. I would be more worried about those oil samples.

Raw water pump needs rebuilding.
A new one will cost about $500 depending on the pump or send out to Depco for a rebuild. Easy.

Raw water strainer is plugged up
Remove the basket and blow it out with a garden hose. Easy

Heat exchanger is plugged solid (The tubes are plugged the whole length, really? Its usually only the inlet side tube sheet.)
Remove the end caps and rod them out from the outlet side with a .22 cal rifle cleaning kit. 2 new gaskets. Easy

Engine passages are full of scale debris
Engine flush with Prestone Coolant Flush. Easy

Thermostat needs replacement
2 Bolts and a gasket. Easy

Exhaust elbow is plugged
Remove and take to an automotive engine repair/rebuild shop where they will acid clean (only if cast iron) or just buy a new one plus a new gasket. Easy.

[psneeld]

My thought too Archie.

[Steve91T]

That’s good to know. I was on board and heard it run for 20 minutes runnng at least 2 AC’s. But I do have a really bad oil analysis and a shop that says it’s not worth putting any money into it. We are working with the owner to come up with a middle ground so we can move forward.


Thank you everyone.

[CapnCrunch]

This may sound like a strange question, but how many and what btu air conditioners do you run on a regular basis and how many hours a day do you run them when not at the dock?

[tpbrady]

If you have a lazerette in the cockpit, cut a hole in the bulk head and take it out that way. Seen that done before.

[Steve91T]

Originally Posted by Orvil

Here is a video from YouTube. These folks replaced their dying generator on their Bayliner 4788. It's instructive. They hired the job out. They give the costs and why/how of their decisions. I hope this helps.

Great video. But they spent $16,000?!?!?!