TWL: Decrepit Genset:What to do?
Subject: TWL: Decrepit Genset:What to do?
GYMKIDD319@XXX.XXX
Date: Fri Nov 01 2002 - 07:46:05 EST
Although you may not NEED a genset regularly, they are a "necessity" on those
occassions where your electrical usage exceeds your expectations, such as
accidently leaving some device operating and you batteries "die". Or a
malfunctioning device such as a frig thermostat which does not shut off as
expected.
One safe recourse is to keep a battery bank set aside which is NEVER
connected to house loads and kept for engine starting only.
Another approach is to purchase a PORTABLE genset for those rare needs you
may experience. I keep a 4KW gas genset ($699 from Home Depot) under cover in
my cockpit even though I have a 12KW ONAN diesel aboard. When anchoring for
several consecutive days ,when no other boats are nearby (so as not to
disturb them) and to avoid unnecessary insdie heat on hot, humid days, I run
the 4KW ...If I have to scrap it, it's still no more than one repair visit
from a diesel mechanic. I use it for probably 2/3 of my gen running. And when
I go out for a winter weekend (in Long Island Sound, NY) I like the safety of
a "pull start"....I know I can always get it running even if all three of my
battery banks are dead.
Another (partial) approach is to travel via your main engine every day or
two, when possible. Instead of a single run of,say, a 100 miles in one day,
and then sitting for four or five days, make three runs of 33 miles over
several of those days. This keeps your batteries charged and you get to see
some additional harbors.
Rob Brueckner
'72 Hatteras Yachfish
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