Next Gen 5.5 kW genset review

[a64pilot]

Call them and ask which genhead you have, they recently switched.
You obviously have internet.
I agree on documentation, it's why I bought service and parts manuals for my Yanmar engine.

[Hoghead]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Call them and ask which genhead you have, they recently switched.
You obviously have internet.
I agree on documentation, it's why I bought service and parts manuals for my Yanmar engine.

Yes I am in Canada now but the lack of documentation was a bit of a problem in the Solomon Islands with no phone and no internet

All the same they need to improve their documentation as what they provide now is in error, and sadly lacking.
The most annoying is that they did not provide an Owners manual for the electrical end, will not provide a schematic for what they integrated, and have no interest in doing either.

As much as I think that a lot of the ISO paperwork is an accountants wet dream, I can make a case for it with NexGen
Their response is that is all they have is just not on

[RKsailsolo]

I am new owner for Jeanneau 349 with similar issues regarding insufficient documentation. On top of which NextGen was my generator of choice for new installation until I read this....will research competition now.

A64; please confirm your experience as positive. Would you buy NextGen again?

[SV THIRD DAY]

Originally Posted by Hoghead

This large single membrane is cheaper than 2 smaller membranes, as is the engine driven pump VS electric drive.

Oh it is cheaper all right, but it will also plug up and die sooner because you will not be able to meet the minimum 4.0GPM of brine flow discharge to keep the membrane healthy. It's why almost none of the water maker companies use the 4" diameter membranes, they simply require a flow rate larger than is easily powered on a standard cruising boat. For instance a 2.5Hp motor can drive a 4.2GPM Hp pump...BUT even that pump is not largerenough to really handle a 40" x 4" RO membrane. And the standard engine driven pump is also about 4.2GPM. It just can't meet the minimum brine discharge flow requirements of the 4" diameter membrane.

We tested it and scrapped using the 4" after seeing significantly faster membrane death when compared to using two standard 2.5" x 40" membranes plumbed in series.

This pump flow rate, powering and membrane matching issue is the No 1 mistake the DI guys make, I get calls from them all the time.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by RKsailsolo

I am new owner for Jeanneau 349 with similar issues regarding insufficient documentation. On top of which NextGen was my generator of choice for new installation until I read this....will research competition now.

A64; please confirm your experience as positive. Would you buy NextGen again?

I would and expect to, thing is priced to where I believe when it does wear out, if it's still being made that buying one without the sound shield and just replacing it may make more sense that an overhaul.
You have to remember, Nexgen doesn't build much, they assemble parts, like most everyone else, Jabsco pump, Kubota motor, I forget the gen head, but you get the idea. I think the little motor may last longer than most suspect, it is a one lunger, but it's a ball bearing crankshaft, I don't know why it is, but ball bearing cranks as long as the oil is most clean really don't wear very much.
It is cooled passively though or actually by thermal siphon, no fresh water pump, relies on convection to provide water flow. Only thing I can see where they really failed was the bilge blower hose they supplied, that was below standard.
I believe that with frequent oil changes and attention to cooling airflow, that the thing may go 5,000 hours?
I went for the light weight, small size and low price point, it is I don't think even comparable to a Northern Lights or similar, but way better than a pair of Honda's.


Sent from my iPad Pro using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[RKsailsolo]

Great insight in this thread. Thank you for helpful information. When I install my air conditioner in 2017, I'll power it with NextGen.