Generator

[tropic]

Hi, can i run my genset (4KW) while boating at 20knots?

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Generator

Is this a trick question?

 

[tropic]

Re: Generator

Sorry i mean with the boat runing at 15--20 miles

 

[tommays]

Re: Generator

I guess it would depend on what the GEN SET builder says and how it gets the cooling water ?


Tommays

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Generator

If the water pick-up is on the bottom of the boat and fitted with a scupper type pick-up, yes. If it's just a round thru hull pick-up with out a scupper, no. Most small Kohler and Onan genset instructions say not to run them above idle speed. Reason being, they are not factory equiped with scupper pick-ups. Kohler claims that if you run a scupper on their gensets you may force water past the water pump impeller and cause possible engine damage.

 

[tropic]

Re: Generator

Thanks for the replys reel, the gen its a 4Kw kohler (gas type) and the water pick-up, is in the bottom of the boat at the aft. In conclusion its better turn off the genset and close the thru hull pass. how is a scupper pick up?

Carlos

 

[I/O WALDO]

Re: Generator

Scupper type (clamshell,etc) has a foward- facing scoop on it,usually with a grate across it that is usually used on main engine water intakes only.Like R.P.says,they are knott used on gensets cause it can force water into the exhaust ports of the engine when it is off.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Generator

Here is a pic of a scoop that would be screwed to the bottom of the hull over the gen sets thru hull. The strainer section would be facing forward which would scoop water up when you were underweigh.

 

[tropic]

Re: Generator

Hi Reel, thanks for the photo, my boat has this scoop type in the water intake for a head (manual).
The gen, only has the round thru hull. The question is. i realy need it? or simple not run the gen when the boat its on plane.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Generator

When on plane w/out the scoop the water bypasses the hole fast enough to create a suction on the thruhull, therefore the generators little water pump cannot pick up a sufficient amount of water. Without water the impeller will burn up and the gen will run hot. I would recommend not running the generator while underweigh.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Generator

i don't have a boat big enough for one of these, but after reading this and other articles, i'd depend on battery power underway. sounds like scuppers can cause more problems, than they are worth.