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clayzone · 02-12-2011, 07:26

Yes I have read the post regarding FP generators but they appear to be 3-4 years old. There is some indication that FP has cleaned up their act and product. I am looking at the AGTPM4 which is a dc gen. Does anyone have current info regarding the reliability of FP generators. Thanks.

Sand crab · 02-12-2011, 07:35

Does it have a heat exchanger?

clayzone · 02-12-2011, 07:54

yes, uses sea water.

**Dockhead** · 02-12-2011, 07:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sand crab

Does it have a heat exchanger?

Yes, they are fresh-water cooled. See: Fischer Panda AGT4000 DC Marine Diesel Generator

But they are one of those FP units which use a single-cylinder engine screaming its lungs out at 3000 RPM

They are noisy and vibrate.

You can get a lot of information on their reliability through Google, and by using the search function on this Forum.

If I were you, unless you are a die-hard DC generation fan, or are severely limited in weight or volume you can devote to your genset, I would look for a 1500 or 1800 RPM three-cylinder generator. Much quieter, much longer-lasting, much more reliable. The trade off is much bigger and heavier.

svHyLyte · 02-12-2011, 08:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by clayzone

Yes I have read the post regarding FP generators but they appear to be 3-4 years old. There is some indication that FP has cleaned up their act and product. I am looking at the AGTPM4 which is a dc gen. Does anyone have current info regarding the reliability of FP generators. Thanks.

We have been using a FP 4.2KW AC Generator since early 2002. With the Proper Maintenance, the units are very reliable. While we've had a few difficulties, with the exception of one instance, they were due to either user error/ignorance or an improper installation of the control module. In every case, we have found the FP staff to be very responsive and helpful, particularly Jeff Till, the Sales Manager, and Bob Grubert in the Technical Department.

FWIW...

Carlr · 02-12-2011, 08:18

I've had experience with FP in my boat a few years ago. Not a good experience, the Genset on many occasions refused to shut down. I had to go below and manually choke the fuel supply to turn it off. It runs at a very high rpm. Mechanical things should not spin that fast for long periods of time without having reliability issues. It runs quietly and is small. These are it's only positive characteristics.

clayzone · 02-12-2011, 09:05

Really I am focused on FP only because there is not a lot of options available. I would rather have the FP AGT6000 because it has 2 cylinders and the RPMs are lower. But it is 24v. Maybe I am just ignorant but I don't know how to use 24v output on a 12v system without frying everything.

Cheechako · 02-12-2011, 09:16

I know nothing about their 12v units. Hopefully they dont require that unit to run at continuous high rpm. We tried to install 2 FP AC gensets on new boats where I used to work. Nothing but trouble. The unit evidently had so many sensors on it that the world had to be perfect for it to run. Waterflow sensors, exhaust heat sensors etc. We really pissed off two customers by selling these units and quit selling them entirely after that. There are a lot of good AC units out there. DC fewer... I think Ample Power still sells a little Kubota based 12v unit 150 amp. Real light and quiet.

Cheechako · 02-12-2011, 09:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by clayzone

Yes I have read the post regarding FP generators but they appear to be 3-4 years old. There is some indication that FP has cleaned up their act and product. I am looking at the AGTPM4 which is a dc gen. Does anyone have current info regarding the reliability of FP generators. Thanks.

A member of this forum sold one about a year ago, you might contact and ask what he thought of it: http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tor-38817.html

AnchorageGuy · 02-12-2011, 15:36

take a look at the Next Gen units. Chuck

svHyLyte · 02-12-2011, 17:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheechako

I know nothing about their 12v units. Hopefully they dont require that unit to run at continuous high rpm. We tried to install 2 FP AC gensets on new boats where I used to work. Nothing but trouble. The unit evidently had so many sensors on it that the world had to be perfect for it to run. Waterflow sensors, exhaust heat sensors etc. We really pissed off two customers by selling these units and quit selling them entirely after that. There are a lot of good AC units out there. DC fewer... I think Ample Power still sells a little Kubota based 12v unit 150 amp. Real light and quiet.

I find it quite remarkable that I, who have very little knowledge about matters electrical, seem to have had so few issues with our Fischer Panda over 10 years (this comming Spring) but so many other, ostensibly more knowledgable, have had so many.

Quite remarkable, no?

Mark Zarley · 02-12-2011, 17:53

It is not about the years of ownership, it is about the hrs in service. Just sayin

clayzone · 03-12-2011, 05:36

As far as I know Next Gen does not have a 12v generator. Ample Power's website says it has a 12v model but I can't find any information about it. FP now has a AGT5000 which has 2 cylinders and puts out 5kw. I don't know what the RPM. Polar used to have a small 12v gen but are not making it now. They said they plan to start making it again in the future but could not give me a date.