Generator Installation

[Carleton Bryant]

We are planning to install a generator in the starboard cockpit locker in our 2-cabin B411.

 

I suspect the installation would be similar in a comparably set up B423 or B461.

 

Any suggestions, pictures or any other input from those who have made this installation would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks,

 

Carl Bryant

B411 #53  "Gambei"

[beneteau361guy]

Last summer we encountered a B423 with a Honda EU2000i which was hung
off the stern pulpit.

It was fairly quite and the owner spoke very highly about it.

Here is the link for more information:
http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/ModelDetail.asp?ModelName=eu2000i

Does anyone else have one?

Chris Gabanski
TENACITY B361 #243
Lake Forest, IL.

[el...@aol.com]

I did considerable research on small diesel gensets after bad experiences with Fischer-Panda. We decided on an Entec-West 4.3KW unit which we installed in the starboard locker of our O461. It is quiet, efficient, and delivers exceptionally clean ac power. The design, maintainability, and manufacture are superb, and it is hand-crankable. These units are used in mission-critical applications in remote corners of the globe.

---

AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.

[Bill Jarvis]

I Googled “Entec-West” and came up blank. What is the manufacturer’s name?

 

Bill

[el...@aol.com]

Sorry, "entecwest", no hyphen.

[Ca...@aol.com]

I have been looking at the Next Gen system:

http://www.nextgenerationpower.com/

I like the fact that the Kubota runs at 2800 RPM, at the peak torque and a bit more quitely than the 3600 RPM small units. The sales guy at the boat show said the electronic parts are easy to find in an auto parts store.

We will be getting the 5.5 kw size. That will run everything ... Maybe not both air conditioners, but he said it will.

We met a guy in VA with a 473 who has the Entec and is very happy with it. However it won't run as much stuff as he would like and he is planning to get a 8KW system to replace it. He didn't say what brand he plans to buy.

Cap in MD
Zydeco B 473 #20


**************************************
See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

[Eta and Gordon Johnson]

I have a Panda 6kw on my 423.  It runs everything with no issues.  I have it mounted in the rear starboard locker and can barely hear it.

 

Gordon

Didi Mau.

 

---

From: Beneteau-Own...@googlegroups.com [mailto:Beneteau-Own...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Ca...@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, April 08, 2007 2:02 PM
To: Beneteau-Own...@googlegroups.com
Subject: {Beneteau Owners} Re: Generator Installation

 

I have been looking at the Next Gen system:

[Jeffrey]

Same for us on our 400… 6kw in starboard locker, runs two ac units and everything else at once…, coffee maker, microwave, toaster, computers, I turn everything on just to give a load sometimes…. Also, it is very quiet.

 

Jeffry Schwartz

 

 

---

From: Benetea...@googlegroups.com [mailto:Benetea...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Eta and Gordon Johnson
Sent: Sunday, April 08, 2007 2:09 PM
To: Benetea...@googlegroups.com
Subject: {Beneteau Owners} Re: Generator Installation

[Bill Jarvis]

OK I’ve found the site and it looks interesting. One thing that is missing is the price. What does it cost?

[Ca...@aol.com]

I have heard great things about this genset. It's the small one that has problems.

Cap in MD

In a message dated 4/8/2007 2:26:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time, j...@adelphia.net writes:

Same for us on our 400… 6kw in starboard locker, runs two ac units and everything else at once…, coffee maker, microwave, toaster, computers, I turn everything on just to give a load sometimes…. Also, it is very quiet.



Jeffry Schwartz

 

From: Benetea...@googlegroups.com [mailto:Benetea...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Eta and Gordon Johnson
Sent: Sunday, April 08, 2007 2:09 PM
To: Benetea...@googlegroups.com
Subject: {Beneteau Owners} Re: Generator Installation


 

I have a Panda 6kw on my 423.  It runs everything with no issues.  I have it mounted in the rear starboard locker and can barely hear it.

 

Gordon

Didi Mau.

[david fletcher]

Does anybody know the cost of the small 3.5 Kwat Nextgen set. It seems to be the smallest unit available.

 

Fletch

----- Original Message -----

From: Ca...@aol.com

To: Benetea...@googlegroups.com

Sent: Sunday, April 08, 2007 1:01 PM

Subject: {Beneteau Owners} Re: Generator Installation

[david fletcher]

Jeffry:

 

My Oc 400 sits lower in the water now, and has a slight list to the starboard side with four golf cart batteries in the starboard locker.

 

With the Panda how many batteries doe you have and where are they mounted?

 

Does she sit square in the water, low in the back end?

[Jeffrey]

One house battery is under the forward birth behind the drawers, and because it is an AGM type I laid it on its side so the height would fit.  Built a very solid hold down aluminum frame for it.  Another battery is mid ship settee at the salon table with the third under the nav. station seat.  Ours does not list but does sit low in the aft end.

Fair Winds & Safe Sailing

Jeffrey J. Schwartz

Mystiko

 

 

---

<BR

[el...@aol.com]

I run a 16k BTU and two 5k BTU airconditioners simultaneously with the Entec West 4.2KW, 35 Amp genset. Usually all of the units are run for about an hour, maybe a little more, after anchoring to cool things down. Then occasionally the 5k BTU units are run at night for guests to keep things cool in the aft cabins.  The Entec genset functions about like being plugged into 30 Amp shore power with the exception that it may trip due to airconditioning startup transients. To counter this condition, the A/C units are set up to start and cycle sequentially. I don't run the watermaker while the aircond. units are running although I could run the aft cabin 5k BTUs units if desired.

 

 
-----Original Message-----
From: Ca...@aol.com
To: Benetea...@googlegroups.com

Sent: Sun, 8 Apr 2007 2:01 PM
Subject: {Beneteau Owners} Re: Generator Installation

[Force Majeure]

Here's some food for thought: Everyone, including the genset mfrs,
says that the problem with sizing gensets is that one needs to size
them large enough to handle the startup loads, then you actually run
it under relatively light loads when making water, cooling the boat,
charging, etc. The small diesels hate to be lightly loaded, and you
end up spending more, using a lot more fuel and more valuable space
with the bigger genset. The ideal setup is a small genset matched to
your working loads, and then a "power-assist" inverter to help with
the start-up loads. You may have heard about this new approach, as
many are now using this idea with the small Gas powered Honda
Gensets. Some folks even combine two of the Hondas. Jack Rabbit
energy is real keen on this approach. Using this approach, I bought a
NextGen 3.5kW genset and the Victron MultiPlus "power assist"
inverter. See the"white paper" from Victron Energy at
http://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/MultiToReduceOperatingCostGenerator.pdf

This approach made sense for me as I needed to buy an inverter/charger
anyway, and the Victron was competitive with the non-power-assist
types. See http://www.pkys.com/Victron/pkys2007victron.htm. I have
26K BTU of air conditioning (10K and 16k) and a 120VAC water maker.
I am installing all of this this spring during a refit for cruising.

I would love to see pics of 461 installs.

Jeff
Force Majeure
OC461

[CLAUDE BENNETT]

I have a Panda 6 KW on my B473 and it runs everything, 2 AC units,
everything that the boat has, and I have everything on board except a water
maker.
Ray Reasonable Advanage 06/473

>From: Ca...@aol.com
>Reply-To: Benetea...@googlegroups.com
>To: Benetea...@googlegroups.com
>Subject: {Beneteau Owners} Re: Generator Installation

[Stephen Foley]

Jeff, that is EXACTLY the setup I have picked, but not purchased for my OC400! Have you gotten the NextGen installed yet? If so who did it and what was the cost of the install? My quote was around $9K total including $5K or so for the unit and the rest for install.

-----Original Message-----
From: Benetea...@googlegroups.com [mailto:Benetea...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Force Majeure
Sent: Monday, April 09, 2007 9:19 AM
To: Beneteau Owners
Subject: {Beneteau Owners} Re: Generator Installation

[el...@aol.com]

Jeff, This is the same design philosophy I am using on my 461 but was difficult for me to express. There is a saying in aerospace engineering which applies here: "To under-design is bad design, but to over-design is no design". That doesn't mean we shouldn't design with adequate margin, but to specify a genset which treats startup loads as if they are nearly steady state is over-design in my application. Thank you for the excellent summary.  

 
-----Original Message-----
From: jeffie...@yahoo.com
To: Benetea...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Mon, 9 Apr 2007 9:19 AM
Subject: {Beneteau Owners} Re: Generator Installation

[david fletcher]

I do not want to start a generator war like the prop wars of past. Unlike many of my American friends we use our OC400 about four to five months each year. We moor at a yacht club with power to the boat (30 amps). I want to have power at anchor for hot water, charging our battery's via a 100 Freedom inverter/charger and running our Cruise Air 12,000 Btu A/C ( I believe). We do have a 20 amp inverter aboard.

 

While I would love to have a built in like many of you, I am considering a Honda EU2000I or the new Yamaha 2400.

 

I do not want to waist money on a Honda if it will not do the job, I am aware that I could most likely use only one of the three main functions at a time. Any advice on the Honda at $900.00 versus the Next gen or Panda at 6,000+. It should charge the battery's via the freedom in good time.

 

Both seem to have the same noise level and the Honda has less output however two Honda's are still a lot cheaper.

 

Gang, help me make an informed purchase with the first ever "Gen War".

 

Fletch

[Denny Wertheimer]

Fletch,
Untill we make the final move from STL to SRQ, we will still be using our honda 2000i. it is very quiet. We use it to run the coffe mach. microwave. and we use it for the 7500 btu a/c in the stern cabin.We have a 42cc. It wll not run a/c in the salon (16000 btu). We have been very pleased with it . i have a lttle 4hp for the dingy so i carry a couple of gallons of gas that does not have a 50:1, that way i can filll the little tank on each and later add oil to the outboard tank, the gen. will run about 5 hours on 34.
good luck

--
Denny Wertheimer


314-330-5001

[el...@aol.com]

A diesel generator is probably more efficient, more reliable, quieter, and safer for offshore passagemaking. But more and more small gasoline generators are operating in anchorages along the coast and when I have inquired, the owners have expresed satisfaction. I inquire because the little buggers are noisy and disturb my peace.

[Lynn Greentree]

We use a Honda EU2000 and it works great on our 361.
Charges better then the engine alternator since it
powers the charger built into our Prosine 2000. It
will also power the hot water tank , but not both at
the same time.

Besides that it works great at home in the winter when
the Pacific storms pound the West Coast of British
Columbia. Saved us a deep freeze of frozen groceries
last winter.

Lynn Greentree
B361 Dolphin Tales

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[know...@mindspring.com]

On 4/9/07, Lynn Greentree <blg...@yahoo.com>

> . . . a Honda EU2000 . . . works great on our 361.

> Charges better then the engine alternator since
> it powers the charger built into our Prosine 2000.

> * * *

What exactly is the equipment/device you use to plug it into the boat?

Where do you store it when not in use and store whatever is the gasoline
container you use?

Is this generator used/usable on the boat only with the electical panel's
"shore" source switch and the inverter turned on?

[bar...@attglobal.net]

Someone on this list awhile ago suggested a Kipor that's made in China and
is about $200 cheaper than the Honda 2000 but otherwise almost exactly the
same. The only problem I heard about them is that at one time parts were
had to get in the US but I've since heard that they have improved their
parts availability and distribution. These units are very popular in
Europe. Anyone have any input on these units. The specs are identical to
the Honda.

Barry

[T.Halacoglu]

If the difference is only 200 do not buy the Kipor I have one it is ok but
not as good as Honda it as half the price of Honda. I tried for a season
than kept it at home I would not recommend a gasoline gen in a sailing boat
if you are in a quite anquarage it makes too much noise, to set it up you
have to take it out of locker place it on the swim platform put gas wire it
to the AC too dangerous and unpractical you can not use it for a long time.
Instead I would get an inverter and a high capacity alternator regulator and
run the engine 1-2 hours a day.

[Chris C. Hunsicker]

Barry,

I have one of the Kipor generators and found it for nearly half the price of
the Honda. My understanding is that the main difference between the 2 is
that the Kipors are unable to be hooked in parallel, which is a feature
offered with the Honda.

The only time we use the generator is when we are out anchored for several
days. At these times we tend to stay put and don't run the motor. The
consensus seems to be that it is hard on the diesel motor to run frequently
under light loads. I would rather put wear and tear on a $500 generator
than my inboard diesel. I carry gasoline for my dink's outboard so a little
more for the generator does not bother me. Extreme caution must be used of
course! After cutting one end off an old shore power cord I made up a 3
foot long cord to attach the generator directly to my shore power plug on
the boat. This works very well.

The Kipor seems to work well, I believe it makes about the same amount of
noise as the Honda. I have not needed parts. I am very happy. By the same
token if the prices you are finding are only $200 less than the Honda I
would consider the Honda because we all know Honda quality.

Chris

[bar...@attglobal.net]

Thanks Chris,

That's what I wanted to know. I am convinced that a small generator would
fit my needs for just keeping my batteries topped off during periods of
staying on a hook. I have modest requirements, I do not have A/C, only want
to keep my beer cool and the occasional blender use for an umbrella drink.
I agree that running the engine just to charge the batteries is not the best
thing to do.

I was also planning on making up a short cord to plug directly in to the
shore power plug.

I'll have to recheck the prices on the Kipor, best I've found so far is $730
for the KGE200Ti.

Thanks for your feedback, glad to hear you didn't need any parts.

[el...@aol.com]

Mark. I also enjoyed your website immensely. Where did you install the additional diesel tank and what is it made of, aluminum? Regards 

 

 
-----Original Message-----
From: mark...@sprintmail.com
To: Benetea...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Mon, 23 Apr 2007 10:54 PM
Subject: {Beneteau Owners} Re: Generator Installation

I installed a Northern Lights 8kw generator, with upgraded control
panel for nav station., and sound barrier in the stern storage locker.

This unit is great, absolutely now complaints, but if doing it again,
I might look into getting a Westerbeke genset which is what my motor
is.  Then I might be able to use the same filters, spares etc.

I have two A/C Units, microwave, and refrig/freezer which it runs I
also installed a water maker which needs the juice from the GenSet.

Downside is that I'm not going to be winning any races pulling the 8kw
genset around, and I need to ballance the water tanks to keep the boat
stabalized.

Go to this link for more details:  http://goreads.com/the_boat.htm

-Mark Read
http://goreads.com
Beneteau 461
"Calpurnia"

---

[PaulO]

Lynn :

We also have a B361 & have wondered about using a portable generator
when we go cruising.

Since space is at a premium on our 361's, do you keep your Honda in
the cockpit when under way & then put it out on the swim platform when
you need to use it ...or have you somehow fastened down on the swim
platform ?

We have airconditioning and the factory installed inverter & as we are
hoping to be able to use the air & charge the batteries at anchor, I'm
very hopeful to hear how it's worked for you.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers, Paul.
www.winpipe.ca

[Ivars]

I would keep the Honda generator under cover except when in use. . It
is not designed for marine use. It has many internals that would be
exposed to the corrosive marine environment and make it's service life very
short.

> [Original Message]
> From: PaulO <oce...@gmail.com>
> To: Beneteau Owners <Benetea...@googlegroups.com>
> Date: 4/14/2007 10:07:39 PM

> Subject: {Beneteau Owners} Re: Generator Installation
>
>

[Chris C. Hunsicker]

Paul,

We have a B 311 so space is at a premium. For extended times on the hook we
keep the generator in the lazarrete and secure it with shock cord to the
swim platform when in use. This works well as we have a 2 or 3 foot long
cord running from the generator to the shore power plug. We are always
careful to make sure exhaust fumes are not backing up into the cockpit or
into the boat.

So far we have not been out long enough to require refilling the generator
while on the water. Although the generator will run some air conditioning,
we only use it to recharge batteries. We have recharged batteries as many
as three times on one outing without using all the gas in the tank. This
works great for us.

Some have mentioned running the water heater which we tried once. It worked
well, but did not seem worth the extra run time. Perhaps part of the reason
is that we are in Florida and the cooler a shower can be the better. We
heat dishwashing water on the stove.

Chris

----- Original Message -----
From: "PaulO" <oce...@gmail.com>
To: "Beneteau Owners" <Benetea...@googlegroups.com>

Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2007 9:07 PM
Subject: {Beneteau Owners} Re: Generator Installation

>

[Lynn Greentree]

We have not and any issues with storing the Honda on
our 361, and since we need to carry gas for the dingy
, gas for the Honda is not an issue for us.

We set it with the exhaust pointing out the step thru
transom, and make sure we are well ventilated.

The fuel consumption will depend on the draw. It has
an economy position when loads are light and this
greatly increases run time between fuel ups.

We also look at the Honda as a spare alternator.

We have also just installed two 90 watt solar panels
that if we had last summer would have reduced the run
time on the Honda.

Thanks

Lynn Greentree
B361 Dolphin Tales

--- "Chris C. Hunsicker"
<ch...@islandviewbuilders.com> wrote:

Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving junk email the boot with the All-new Yahoo! Mail at http://mrd.mail.yahoo.com/try_beta?.intl=ca

[Capt Guy]

I have a 2000i, only take on long trips when I might be anchored for days
and there is no wind. I have yet to use it (except during hurricanes when
the power is off and I need refrigeration at home). I have the cord to go
to internal power and cord for battery charging (add 8amps to onboard
charger, and I'll be running in no time).

the AirX keeps batteries topped with ease. Since we sleep in V berth, the
fan nosie is just a distant humm. (tho at 25+kts, it does buzz).

I keep in port lazarette (which vents overboard).

My only intent is with all batteries dead, I'd use to charge starting bat
and then run main engine to fully charge house bat.

-------------------------------------------------
www.nsbtaxi.com

Captain Guy
s/v Island Time (352#277)
AICW 845.5
386-689-5088

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ivars" <dbg...@mindspring.com>
To: <Benetea...@googlegroups.com>

[Herb DuBois 36CC Split Decision]

Do you use the ships battery charger or a portable one that plugs
directly into the generator.

> >> From: PaulO <ocea...@gmail.com>

> >> > B361 Dolphin Tales- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[Capt Guy]

have yet to run into a MUST CHARGE situation; but I have a small charger
that puts out 20 amps, and i can plug into the nearest outlet PLUS the OEM
30 amp charger PLUS the 8amp out of the 2000i (cable is in battery
compartment. so I can get 58 amps into the starting battery worse case.

On the last bahama trip last month, I never cranked it up... (I lied, I
started it once to be sure it was OK before I left palm beach). It has a
tendency to evaporat ethe fule in the carb and once, i had to squirt a few
drops into the air intake to start (after 6 months sitting in garage and 20
pulls, I stuck a soda straw in the tank and got a few drops to put in the
air intake.

-------------------------------------------------
www.nsbtaxi.com

Captain Guy
s/v Island Time (352#277)
AICW 845.5
386-689-5088
----- Original Message -----

From: "Herb DuBois 36CC Split Decision" <her...@rcn.com>
To: "Beneteau Owners" <Benetea...@googlegroups.com>

[Mark R.]