small (dimension) diesel generator

[pete33458]

Hi all: me again...

I've been looking at a number of 'older' cutters. Virtually all of them lack generators (let's not get into a discussion about whether they're really necessary; I want one). Virtually all of them have 12"-13" (~30cm) deep openings in the largest lazarette or locker (width and height are not an issue). So far I cannot find any generators that will fit into that opening. So two questions, I guess: 1) does anyone know of a marine diesel generator (2.5KW or better) that will fit that limiting dimension, and 2) has anyone solved this problem in a different way than a very small generator? I hate to start cutting into the fiberglass, but I guess that's an option...

Thanks, Pete

[HopCar]

I have the same problem on my boat. I just don't have a place to put a diesel generator. I've had to use a portable gasoline generator.

[Tim R.]

You can get a 5kw generator that is engine driven. May or may not fit your layout.

[pete33458]

Originally Posted by HopCar

I have the same problem on my boat. I just don't have a place to put a diesel generator. I've had to use a portable gasoline generator.

The sad part is there's plenty of space INSIDE the lazarette, just no way to get it in there (without cutting)!

I have to come and see your store sometime (I sail from Dinner Key). I just never can get myself to drive across town when I'm supposed to be on the boat!

[a64pilot]

I think your going to have to cut a hinges door into the side of the lazarette. Think of cutting the side out and re-installing with hinges, then when you open the top, you could open the side, if that makes sense.

[pete33458]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I think your going to have to cut a hinges door into the side of the lazarette. Think of cutting the side out and re-installing with hinges, then when you open the top, you could open the side, if that makes sense.

Yep, I understand what you are saying, I was hoping to avoid that but it may become unavoidable.

[smaarch]

Originally Posted by Tim R.

You can get a 5kw generator that is engine driven. May or may not fit your layout.

sorry for the thread drift.
this is interesting - but i have a few questions.
is there any advantage to using a generator head over an alternator?
any idea how much horsepower is used?.
is there a clutch to disengage the unit?
Thanks

[Tim R.]

Originally Posted by smaarch

sorry for the thread drift.
this is interesting - but i have a few questions.
is there any advantage to using a generator head over an alternator?
any idea how much horsepower is used?.
is there a clutch to disengage the unit?
Thanks

I still have an alternator for battery charging. The Seapower only provides power to the 110 outlets in the cabin and the reverse cycle AC/heat. We do not use it a whole lot but not a huge power draw on the engine when we do. There must be a clutch as the generator freewheels when the system is switched off.

Check out this link for more info: MEPS // About Us

[djmarchand]

You can probably fit a NextGen or similar through your hatch if you disassemble a few components. The base Kubota block is fairly flat. Call them and discuss.

David

[lonesoldier0408]

You could try a small surge motor tied to that 110 generation unit. There are experiments aplenty...

[pete33458]

Originally Posted by djmarchand

You can probably fit a NextGen or similar through your hatch if you disassemble a few components. The base Kubota block is fairly flat. Call them and discuss. David

Did as you suggest, and they agreed. Just a warning, however, he said that it would take about 20 minutes to take off the generator end, but possibly an unlimited amount of time to put it back together inside a small enclosure, and that he recommended a Sawzall instead...

pete

[btrayfors]

Originally Posted by pete33458

Did as you suggest, and they agreed. Just a warning, however, he said that it would take about 20 minutes to take off the generator end, but possibly an unlimited amount of time to put it back together inside a small enclosure, and that he recommended a Sawzall instead...

pete

Pete,

Either they didn't understand the question, or you got some bum advice.

I have the same problem with a narrow opening in a cockpit locker and was not ready to cut anything larger. I put in a NextGen 3.5 generator. Only a few components had to be removed from the top, and certainly NOT the generator end itself.

Can't remember the smallest dimension of the locker opening. Will measure it today when I go aboard, but as I remember it was on the order of 12" like yours.

BTW, I also fit the fiberglass sound enclosure, and it's well worth it to help reduce noise.

Bill

[pete33458]

Originally Posted by btrayfors

Pete,

Either they didn't understand the question, or you got some bum advice.

I have the same problem with a narrow opening in a cockpit locker and was not ready to cut anything larger. I put in a NextGen 3.5 generator. Only a few components had to be removed from the top, and certainly NOT the generator end itself.

Can't remember the smallest dimension of the locker opening. Will measure it today when I go aboard, but as I remember it was on the order of 12" like yours.

BTW, I also fit the fiberglass sound enclosure, and it's well worth it to help reduce noise.

Bill

Great! I may PM you for some more information if it gets that far. Please do let us know what your dimensions were. How long do you think it took to dis/reassemble? pete

[Tim R.]

Would it be possible to install the generator if you removed your engine? That may be the best way to get it in. It may seem intimidating but I have done this on a few boats and it really is not that bad.

[pete33458]

Originally Posted by Tim R.

Would it be possible to install the generator if you removed your engine? That may be the best way to get it in. It may seem intimidating but I have done this on a few boats and it really is not that bad.

Not sure to whom you are referring, if it's me, then no, the engine is removed from the lazarette and is not in a compartment adjacent to anything with available space. pete