Generator installation

[jazzzman]

Good Evening: I am trying to re-install a Westerbeke generator and am not sure where to put it. We have a 1979 36ft aft-cabin. She had a generator originally but I'm not sure where. She appears to have all the plumbing. Does anyone have a diagram or photo of their installation? Do you think a 5.5kw is large enough? Thanks for all your help.

[DougSea]

Hey Jazzman,

I'd think a generator's original install location would be fairly easy to spot. It would need fittings for fuel, electrical connections (120/240v), battery, raw water and exhaust. Find them and trace them and you should find the spot!

As for size, that would depend on your loads. We have a 6kw and can run 2 A/C units, water heater, refrigerator, battery charger AND the stove! My circuits aren't balanced very well, too many big loads on one side of the 240v pannel, so sometimes one if the branch mains cuts out, but the generator breaker has never gone. You can always turn circuits off if you have too much going for it to handle.

[jleonard]

Should be located forward of the engine. 5.5 should be large enough to handle loads on a 36 ft boat without any issues.

[Sea Crawler]

On our 1980 Albin 36 DC s/n 258, a Westerbeke 4.0BCD (3-cylinder 0.808L 8.1 HP diesel engine running at 1800 RPM drives a 4.0KW (120VAC @ 60Hz) generator), produces a maximum of 33.3 Amps. The generator is transverse mounted ahead of the vessel’s main engine as shown on the attached photo.

[psneeld]

If you like camping then 5.5kw is enough...your panel if single 30 Amp cord.... is only set up for 3.5kw or so depending how you have things wired.

I find my 2 30's never enough sometimes (genset is 8kw) and plan on upgrading to 50 amp service wich is 2 50 amp panels...even then...between a hot water heater, some electric heat/air, microwave and another 110 volt appliance or 2 even overwhelms 2 30 amp cords/services (certainly the main panel). So if you don't mind using 1-3 thigs at a time and swapping cords, and waiting...then you'll be fine.

[Captn_Dwt]

Hello!
My 1980 36 DC has a new Yanmar 5Kw installation. It's well done from my view. The unit is in-line with and just ahead of the main engine. There's room to work on all areas of the unit, and, it's presence does not stop access to any part of the engine room area. The only drawback "may" be that it covers access to the holding tank (which I've not been able to put a hand on yet...but I think it's below the flooring at that point.). Having lived with generators for many years, I can vouch that it's plenty of power unless you have many electric appliances AND electric stove/oven. Remember, any diesel want's to work hard, not loaf.
Best wishes

[bccanucker]

Jazzzman: A 5.5 should be fine. On our last boat which we had for 10 years we had a 5.0. Our main use was to charge batteries when down and to heat up the hot water when needed.
We now have a 36' aft Cabin. It used to have a genset but I have not for sure figured out where it was installed. Right in front (towards the bow) of the engine we have our house batteries and then a large space from there to the front of the engine room. I think it probably was there but i'm sure glad it isn't now as I love having that space to get into the front engine room.
Instaed of installing another genset we put on solar panels.
Capt_dwt: You are right that's where the holding tank is.