Whisper Power Piccolo Generators..Yeh or Nay

[CAVOK]

Has anyone fitted or had any experience with the WhisperPower Piccolo 4 or 5 Diesel generators. Webasto are marketing them now I think, so I’d imagine they have a reasonably good dealer and support network. I’d appreciate your experience and/or comments on them for a liveaboard cruiser.

[capt.rick]

I'm looking at installing a Piccolo 4 in my 44' sailboat and would like to hear any experience or comments. Please post if you have one or have heard any comments. Thanks. Rick

[BillKny]

I didn't install the Piccolo, but rather its slightly bigger brother the M-GV2. It has worked exactly as we expected, and has been a treat. Much more efficient, smaller lighter, quieter than the old Onan. We interfaced it with our Victron system, and everybody plays happy together.

Our logic for making the choice: https://fetchinketch.net/boat-projec...to-the-people/

[capt.rick]

Bill thanks for the comment. As I did my research today I found that the WP 1 cylinder engines do not meet current US emission standards and cannot be imported so I'm back to square one. I don't have room for the bigger models. Too bad as I like the variable speed design.

[BillKny]

Originally Posted by capt.rick

Bill thanks for the comment. As I did my research today I found that the WP 1 cylinder engines do not meet current US emission standards and cannot be imported so I'm back to square one. I don't have room for the bigger models. Too bad as I like the variable speed design.

CaptRick,

That might be true for new installs, but my understanding is that if you are replacing an older, less efficient generator you CAN import the Piccolos. I know of at least one that was imported (legally!) this past summer in the Annapolis area.

I am not an expert on this (the rules are insanely complicated), but if you haven't heard this information from an actual WhisperPower dealer you might want to check with them.