Want To Buy: Diesel generator

[morganstrudel41]

Anyone out there have a 7 to 10 KW diesel generator. I have a 41 ft. sailboat and would like to leave the dock with one. Preferably a northern lights but open to suggestions. Thanks for looking.

[Tampabayfireman]

Well I have a 13.5 Onan that would love to downsize to a 4kw. The fuel usage and loading a 13.5 gen doesn't make sense.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[morganstrudel41]

Thanks for replying. This is why I'm looking for less than 10 KW. Does yours take up a lot of room? What kind of fuel usage do you use? I have a Morgan 41, limited room. What kind are you looking? Sorry for all the questions but I want to make sure I'm putting in the right one. Thanks, Ole

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Tampabayfireman

Well I have a 13.5 Onan that would love to downsize to a 4kw. The fuel usage and loading a 13.5 gen doesn't make sense.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

Go with a 5 KW, I have a 3.5 and at times I'd like a little more, a 5 would have been perfect.
Of course it would cost more, burn more fuel, be heavier and take up more room.
OK, I'll stick with the little one and just watch the load

[J Clark H356]

I have a 5kw Northern Lights and it fits in my aft port lazzarette. I have a custom enclosure for sound. I run it full time while not at the dock to provide dockside amenities. It burns about 6 gallons in 24 hours or .25 gal per hour. I have HVAC as the primary load, 16000 BTUH unit, Sat TV with tracking KVH, Microwave, and if motor not providing hot water, then HWH running. I also am generally charging 2 computers and some IPhones and IPads. This provides plenty of power due to diversity of operating loads. My maximum time to operate continuously has been 99 hours. Northern Lights has 3 cylinders and operates at 1800 RPM. Avoid single engine, 3600 RPM generators if you plan to operate like I do. I have 3138.4 hours on mine. Last weekend operated for 48.6 hours while sailing and on the hook.

My only major maintenance has been a valve adjustment and new injectors at 2684 hours. Replaced a couple of belts, change impellers every 250 hours and oil changes every 200 hours. Runs like a top.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[a64pilot]

I think J Clark brings up a good point, intended use is important.
I intend mine to be occasional, his is more continuous, that requires a different generator.