generator location

[fighterpilot]

Would like to put small diesel generator in 29 Aquasport tournament master. Any suggestions as to location and generator brand would be appreciated. Fighterpilot

[GoneFission]

You can't go wrong with either Kohler or Onan - it's pretty much a matter of features, preferences, and price.  Kohler uses Yanmar engines for everything 5KW and above; I think Onan uses Cummins.  I prefer the Kohler because the Yanmars run at 1800 RPM instead of the 3600 that Onan uses.  1800 seems to be quieter and less vibration than the 3600.  

Go for at least 5KW - that will start and run one A/C unit and the rest of your typical boat loads.  If you are going to run two A/C units, you'll need at least 6.5KW.

Whatever you buy, make sure you hear the model you want actually running - and pay the extra money for the sound shield.  Also get ther remote start and monitoring panel with temp and oil pressure - you will like being able to monitor the generator without opening a hatch.  Remember to have a rubber mat installed under the genset pan to isolate the generator from the hull - makes a real difference in the transferred vibration.  

Where to mount is another issue - look for a space as far forward and low as you can get that will fit the generator with the sound shield.  If you have space between or slightly behind the main engines, that's a good spot, as the area is already insulated, ventilated, and soundproofed for the mains.  Also pay attention to where the exhaust will route and where the exit will be.  Generators use wet exhausts just like the mains, so it's not so much a high temp problem as a routing concern.  

Hope this helps!

[fighterpilot]

Appreciate the information. I am not sure a 5kw will fit anywhere in a tournament master. I may have a chance with a 3.5KW but don't think Onan or Kohler makes them that small. There may be room forward of the port engine and outboard of it. Didn't see any insulation or soundproofing so not sure what you were talking about there. Did some 29s have soundproofing and insulation? Sound shield certainly sounds like a good idea, of course that makes the outside dimensions a little more. I think your 1800 Rpm gen. makes good sense. Will keep that in mind. If I put it between engines than that limits the room available for work on the main engine. Sort of a Catch-22. Only need to run one small A/C. We don't camp--just fish--run out to the Gulf, fish and run back-- don't envision more than one overnight at the most. I searched 30 AQ. on Yachtworld  for gen. and only found that one had it listed. Tried to contact them and was told by broker it had sunk.  I had hoped someone with a 29 might have one on their boat, but not two many 29s on this site I guess. Again thanks for the guidance. Fighterpilot

[JimCt]

Dumb question but how much AC power do you need?  Maybe worth considering an inverter?

[fighterpilot]

Considering 2.2kw mase which would run small A/C. Did consider inverter but to run A/C 10 to 15 hours at a time really need to have big batteries (lots of weight) and big alternator to help keep up with demand when engines are running. I explored this solution on boatdiesel.com, generator forum  with the folks and gave it up. Thanks, Fighterpilot

[John Jones]

Dumb question but how much AC power do you need?  Maybe worth considering an inverter?

I helped a guy research that a couple of years ago.  Not feasable for standard marine AC due to required battery capacity.  

About 3 years ago Avi-Air Marine came out with a low draw marine AC of about 6000 btu that was supposedly feasable.  You can Google and find some reports like Yacht World.  However Avi-Air Marine web site is now down :why:

[JimCt]

For air you'll definately need a genset.