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Generator replacement for a Carver 404

Discussion in 'Carver Yacht' started by Jimmy30379, Nov 21, 2014.

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  1. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Satsuma, FL
    Guys, Sit back for a second or two. Imagine, you're on a boat, running the genset, on da hook, ready to crash after another great day on the water (you survived). Would you rather go to sleep worrying about CO (I can lecture for hours on the casualty's) or how long my gas gen set will last? OR, be confidant my chances of body vertical are greater in the morning and my gen-set will run longer. AND then remembering your consuming half the fuel.
    No, No, No, split fuels may not be a great answer for a lot of folks, some it make nervous and starts a lot of controversy (as above).
    If you put a lot of gen-set hours, It is something to at least think about. The intent of my starting comment way above was to at least think about it.

    On my same page I will also tell you that the manufactures of gas gen-sets have come a long way to clean up their emissions. The CO out of a lot of the new systems are impressive and need to be looked at and compared.

    So again, study the data well. What / how / when you run your gen-set / fuel used are all factors to consider.

    Then, there are inverters. I am also a big fan of DCv / ACv inverted power. A whole new world of possibilities open up.
    Also, the solar kids out there.
    Just more things to consider when you're planning on off the grid power options.
  2. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Or you fall asleep and your diesel tank runs empty because it's a small tank just to feed the generator, yet you have 100's of gallons of gasoline in your gas tank. Or the generator crapped out because the gen tank never gets used enough and is full of algae. It's a major additional headache of dealing with 2 fuels. There are millions of boats with gas generators installed. The CO is a non issue in a properly installed gas generator.
  3. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Well, I just wouldn't go duel fuel. My fuel of choice would be diesel but you've already got gas. So I'd make sure I had a well installed system with CO detection and every other precaution possible. I'd listen to the warnings from Rcrapps and take them seriously, but rather than splitting the fuels I'd use them to install a safe system.
  4. timjet

    timjet Member

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    Tampa, FL
    Just my 2 cents; it would be weird to have 2 fuels on such a modern boat and may scare off potential future buyers. You've also got to install a separate tank and deck fill to accommodate a diesel genny. Any engine can be repaired unless you've got a blown piston or swallowed valve or such. Why not get a good mechanic to fix what you've got, may have to pay a little more but get one that will guarantee his work, far cheaper than replacing.
  5. Maybe Knot

    Maybe Knot Member

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    Apr 28, 2014
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    Nashville Tn
    While valid, your scenario is geared more towards salt water users. (Saltwater) cooled generators tend to eat up the cooling/exhaust system, especially in the North. The problems arise when winterizing and draining the water.

    Since my Gen-Set issues arose, I have spent countless hours researching this matter. In southern areas, the heat exchanger is left full of (salt) water, and there are typically no problems. In the North, the issues arise when you drain the salt water to winterize. Should you start your generator and hear an exhaust leak, you obviously will have a CO problem.

    Common sense goes a long way with this matter (like with everything). If you are running any sort of gasoline motor onboard, use your blower and have a working CO detector in more than one place. Duplicity in everything marine is key. You have 2 engines to make sure you get back home if one goes out. As cheap as a CO detector is, buy 3 or 4.

    Big boats are a new hobby to me, but I am a quick study.

    Just my .02
  6. timjet

    timjet Member

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    Tampa, FL
    Hey guys, we've never heard from the OP after all this discussion.
  7. g36

    g36 Member

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    first this not pointed at anyone particular:):)
    its been a over a month since this thread started i guess things happen sometimes...... not only on this thread but in general not responding back to threads that are started is whats so frustrating to me on this and other forums i am on. it would be nice for the OP's to reply to threads they start and when offered help would write back and say whether the suggestions fixed the problem or not or something else helped. its like people put up a question and then fall off the earth. in a perfect world when searching topics you might actually be able to get some good advice with the solution. wow what an idea!:)
  8. Jimmy30379

    Jimmy30379 Member

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    Long Beach CA
    g36

    You are correct that I should have responded to the excellent insight for the members of this board.

    Unfortunately, items like Christmas, New Years, work, and family got in the way.

    I ended up bitting the bullet and fixing the Kohler generator again. But this is the final go round. The next major issue will have me installing a new gas generator in the vessel.