Trojan Boat Forum

Just got a call from a local mech. that has run upon a 2yr old marine gen with 11hrs on meter, kholer, with guages wiring and swithces. Havent seen it yet but he thought $3000.00 would buy it. I have an 85 32Fly Bridge and not sure if I want to lose the room to access the engines, thru hulls etc. But if you guys think it could be a deal I may consider. So what do think???

What model? I have a Kohler 4KW in my '85 F32, between the engines, slightly aft towards the bulkhead. Some models used the Kawasaki engine and some used the Honda engine. The Hondas had a problem with oil seals going bad and causing leaks.

Also, are you getting the exhaust system with it too? Otherwise, it'll be an added expense. You will need a thru-hull for water pickup, and exhaust port cut into hull for the exhaust. And a gen/shore power switch with related wiring to run the boat's electrical system.

Not sure of exhaust system yet or of any real particulars. I have been very reluctant in the past about even putting one on the boat due to CO2 leaks, yes I have the detectors but too manny people on this lake have died from this type of event and it doesent set well with me. I still think if it turns out to be worth the money I should consider it and use caution and help the resale of the boat in the future. I'll come back with more when i have all the facts, thanks for the response!!!

You’re buying the generator for you, not the next guy that will be buying your boat. Having a generator may help the boat sell, but I don’t think it would increase the price enough to get your investment back. Depending on what the generator comes with you can easily spend another grand or more to get it installed.

How you use your boat will determine whether you can justify the expense of a generator.

I searched through several F-32s to find one without a generator. I didn't like the gen starting up just to have a couple lights on. I have met a couple of people that have taken them out for Less weight for running and less noise at anchor. If my battery bank gets low I run one engine for a while and last for a couple more nights on anchor but I usually run to the next anchor hole during the day which charges my batteries anyway. I personally like the quiet while at anchor. ..just a thought

Her ein FL we need them for air conditioning and referigeration.

With a gensep in the exhaust, it's much quieter.

RWS

I use my genny when I'm out fishing. You know...to have my crew heat my breakfast and lunch up! And the AC is a bonus on hot days.

I also use it during the Christmas lighted boat parade and to keep company warm.

wowzer52 wrote:I searched through several F-32s to find one without a generator. I didn't like the gen starting up just to have a couple lights on. I have met a couple of people that have taken them out for Less weight for running and less noise at anchor. If my battery bank gets low I run one engine for a while and last for a couple more nights on anchor but I usually run to the next anchor hole during the day which charges my batteries anyway. I personally like the quiet while at anchor. ..just a thought

We decided the same thing this past year when our generator blew a gasket. It's getting pulled and we'll replace it with a small Honda 2000 generator to brew coffee, charge the batteries, or watch a DVD while at anchor. So much quieter and less intrusive to others. We were wondering if others had the same thought. Unless I'm missing something, seems you really don't need a big Onan for pleasure boating, especially since using it at anchor for AC is like rolling the dice.

We have a big ole Onan on board, 4.5 or 5.5 KW, I don't seem to recall. We only use it while cooking or a recharge of the house batteries if out 2-3 days at anchor. I choose not to run the genny for AC while sleeping. We have two CO detectors on board but it just seems too much of a risk to let it run. Am I a worry-wart?

It all depends on what type of boating you do. I have been boating for at least 7 years now, and I dont recall ever having to use a generator for anything. I know alot of you folks live aboard, and probably have the need for a generator, or maybe your marina has no source for hookup. I have an onboard battery charger, and I do use a on deck generator for emergeny, if needed. I just cant get past the price of the marine generators, and what they cost. I have seen people buy generators that cost more than a good used boat. Just dosent make sense to me. I bought a portable honda, which is self contained, and if I wanted to I can plug in whatever I need safely. Again, Im not suggesting that an onboard gen is not needed, just for a recreational boater like myself I dont see the expense, I would rather spend the money on other usefull upgrades.
just my two cents

and Geri,
those hondas are great,
I to have one of fhose and wouldnt trade it for any of the big monster generators, I keep it on deck and in the corner, you barely know its running, and I can bring it home in the off season to use as an emergency generator at home. Its the best of all worlds in my opinion. I hear discussions here on generators costing 5 6 thousand,,,,, ya gotta be kidding me. Unless your out deep sea fishing every day , and live on your boat,,,, I dont see it

guglielmo6160 wrote:and Geri,
those hondas are great,
Unless your out deep sea fishing every day , and live on your boat,,,, I dont see it

Agreed, Bill. Or - unless you're in FL. It looks like we are making the right decision. Not like 5K is easy to come by these days! Thanks.

A honda or other home gen set has no place on a boat. IMO

i have a 3000 watt inverter works great i dont have ac so thats not a worry a friend has been using a soler panel whill at ancor to keep charged he swares by it just my 2 cents

prowler,
can you explain why an on-deck portable generator is not acceptble on a boat? you made a comment, but didnt give an explanation, just wondering what the danger is? as opposed to one thats hard wired into the boats electric system. maybe there is something Im missing and you could possibly shed some light on the issue.