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Using a generator
#33055
01/09/2015 12:32 PM
01/09/2015 12:32 PM
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 46 Missouri
MOParrothead
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 46
Missouri
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Will be chartering a 50' mono at the end of the month. This is the first boat I have captained that has a generator. Would appreciate advice on when and how best to use as opposed to the old fashion firing of the engine, and further how to use in combo with running of engine. Thanks!
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Re: Using a generator
[Re: MOParrothead]
#33056
01/09/2015 12:37 PM
01/09/2015 12:37 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,318 MD, USA
Dirichlet
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,318
MD, USA
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Typically, I will start the generator an hour before people start going to bed so that the AC can take some of the humidity/heat out of the boat. If you continue to run it through the night you should have sufficient charge on your house batteries to get you through the next day. I only run the engines to get in/out of mooring fields & marinas, so battery charging from engines is minimal. YRMV. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />
Last edited by Dirichlet; 01/09/2015 02:01 PM.
... DIF all the time...
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Re: Using a generator
[Re: 706jim]
#33058
01/09/2015 02:08 PM
01/09/2015 02:08 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720 Massachusetts
maytrix
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
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Use it anytime you want to run the A/C. Charter company will instruct you on its operation.
We run it all night, so no other need to charge the batteries.
Matt
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Re: Using a generator
[Re: maytrix]
#33059
01/09/2015 02:11 PM
01/09/2015 02:11 PM
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392 Maryland
Kirk
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392
Maryland
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I can imagine needing to run the AC in Jan/Feb. It'll actually be an option this year for the first time. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />
Kirk in Maryland
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Re: Using a generator
[Re: 706jim]
#33062
01/09/2015 06:15 PM
01/09/2015 06:15 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,003
sail445
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,003
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706jim said: And don't try to run the generator while underway. The cooling system won't be able to get water properly and the generator will overheat. That depends on where the raw water intake is located.
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Re: Using a generator
[Re: sail445]
#33063
01/09/2015 06:59 PM
01/09/2015 06:59 PM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,198 Cape Coral Florida (Texas tran...
stoneyusaf
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,198
Cape Coral Florida (Texas tran...
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sail445 said:706jim said: And don't try to run the generator while underway. The cooling system won't be able to get water properly and the generator will overheat. That depends on where the raw water intake is located. I would check with the charter company.....very likely they will warn you (in most cases) that you are NOT to run the generator and engines at the same time. Before someone jumps...that has been MY experience.
https://www.tickerfactory.com/ezt/d/4;10765;405/st/20220331/e/USVI+and+BVI/dt/0/k/05ce/event.png
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Re: Using a generator
[Re: hallucination]
#33066
01/09/2015 07:23 PM
01/09/2015 07:23 PM
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 925 Michigan
rhans
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 925
Michigan
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hallucination said: All generators are not created equal....
however, most should not be started, make coffee, turn off
or
turn on, blow dry hair, turn off
I know it won't matter to the "charter captain" but it will matter to the owner. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> Running a Genny at less than 60 - 70% of rated load will eventually end up causing Glazing & carbon build up. Starting a gen to just charge the batteries is a bad idea. Turning on the AC will load it and all is MO BETTA
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Re: Using a generator
[Re: hallucination]
#33067
01/09/2015 08:02 PM
01/09/2015 08:02 PM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414 Memphis, TN
beerMe
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414
Memphis, TN
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I chartered with San Juan Sailing out of Bellingham once. Each owner had a nice write up of all the systems on the boat - he even had the engine rpm settings for best fuel consumption (it was a power cat). I felt like I already knew the boat before I stepped aboard and it was a great reference to have on the trip. I wish some of the outfits in the islands provided this! Hint, hint.
Life involves risks, take some prudent ones (NOT with the BVI ferries)!
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Re: Using a generator
[Re: sailbynight]
#33068
01/09/2015 08:33 PM
01/09/2015 08:33 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213 GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
sail2wind
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
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sailbynight said: Most boats in charter that have 2 generators will need both to run all of the AC units. I don't think I have ever seen a charter boat with 2 generators? My 5.5 hp generator runs both A/C units quite well. Maybe a mega yacht as a back up has 2 generators.
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Re: Using a generator
[Re: beerMe]
#33074
01/09/2015 11:12 PM
01/09/2015 11:12 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,545 Here and There
rita_irvine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,545
Here and There
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We chartered a 47 Grand Banks with NW Explorations in Bellingham. They emailed the captain the entire systems manuals and the same type of in depth pre charter info. It was great. We had the boat figured out in about 20 minutes. Great charter company for those of you wanting a fabulous NW stinkpot experience.
Rita It is better to be happy than it is to be right
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Re: Using a generator
[Re: rita_irvine]
#33075
01/10/2015 12:03 AM
01/10/2015 12:03 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414 Memphis, TN
beerMe
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414
Memphis, TN
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Hey Rita,
I almost went on but didn't want to sound like a salesman. But now that you mention it... her goes.
I loved it, sitting on a boat and looking at snow capped mountains. But, the water was way too cold for swimming! Customer service? Three things happened that impressed me. 1 - they did a barbeque once the afternoon chart briefing was over. 2 - I lost my house keys in the boat. They were found months later and the office contacted each charter until they found out who's keys they were and sent them free of charge. 3 - a starter solenoid went bad so one engine wouldn't start, one of their guys took a look and didn't understand why he couldn't diagnose it, he was calling an outside expert. Within 10 minutes a marine electrician showed up, diagnosed it and explained how this particular boat had two solenoids per engine and when I quizzed him on it he knew exactly why. Twenty minutes later we were off the dock. Oh, did I forget to mention the ferries up there almost always run on time? If you could only swim in the water they would take over the charter world!
Life involves risks, take some prudent ones (NOT with the BVI ferries)!
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Re: Using a generator
[Re: stoneyusaf]
#33076
01/10/2015 09:32 AM
01/10/2015 09:32 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040 Charlotte, NC
NCSailor
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,040
Charlotte, NC
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stoneyusaf said:sail445 said:706jim said: And don't try to run the generator while underway. The cooling system won't be able to get water properly and the generator will overheat. That depends on where the raw water intake is located. I would check with the charter company.....very likely they will warn you (in most cases) that you are NOT to run the generator and engines at the same time. Before someone jumps...that has been MY experience. There should be no problem running the genny while underway on a catamaran or while motoring on a monohull.
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Re: Using a generator
[Re: sail445]
#33081
01/10/2015 02:39 PM
01/10/2015 02:39 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 969 NC, USA
capndar
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 969
NC, USA
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We were specifically briefed NOT to run the genset underway
Capndar Masters 50 GT Sail/Power/Towing 3rd generation sailor
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Re: Using a generator
[Re: GeorgeC1]
#33086
01/14/2015 09:22 AM
01/14/2015 09:22 AM
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 109 Bozeman / Minneapolis
snowdog
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 109
Bozeman / Minneapolis
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I know that it specifically states in the Leopard 46 (Moorings 4600) owners manual not to run the generator when underway.
s/v Snow Dog - Leopard 46
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Re: Using a generator
[Re: SteveInMD]
#33088
01/14/2015 02:03 PM
01/14/2015 02:03 PM
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,049
StormJib
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,049
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SteveInMD said: The primary difference between running a generator and the main engine is the monitoring systems. Generators monitor temps, oil pressure, voltages, etc. If there is problems they shut themselves down. The main engine does not do this; you are responsible for keeping an eye on the gauges. Generators are designed to run unattended while you sleep, go to the beach, or whatever. Set it and forget it!
In my experience it is typically no problem to run a generator while sailing or motoring. If the boat is built to ABYC standards it should be no problem. (And again, it will shut down before it runs out of oil, water, etc.) However, if the charter company asks you not to run it while sailing for whatever reason you should probably respect their request. Mr. Steve... you are talking about some boats and some installations, coupled with a whole lot of ASSUMEtions. That is a recipe for disaster or at least problems. The boat may be designed to all kinds or standards. That is no reliable path to insure the group that comes behind will maintain those standards when they shove the generator into the boat to meet a marketing requirement. A quick review of the installation manuals of most smaller lower cost diesel generators will show the units are designed to never have the exhaust underwater. Many of the BVI charter fleets heel to the point or have wave action above the exhaust level. In the simplest of arguments while most gensets are set up to shut down on their own at the sign of danger. The panels are set up so that most crew members will not hear any of the alarms from the generator while underway. The reality is most of us underway will not know the generator has any issues until it is too late and real damage has been done. All that said... many treat the generator and AC just like the one in the hotel. They turn it on when they check in and never turn it off. Next time you are dingying around the anchorages. Note the boats locks up with exhaust coming out. In much simpler terms if the single exhaust is any where near the water line. There will likely be issues in some sailing conditions running the generator underway. There is no simple way for most users to determine by sight any vacuum issues with the intake underway.
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Re: Using a generator
[Re: MOParrothead]
#33091
01/16/2015 05:58 PM
01/16/2015 05:58 PM
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 229 West Chester, PA
ligot
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 229
West Chester, PA
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I saw the thread get a little technical below so I'm going to bring it back to basics. If you really know your stuff you can take your own chances but I tend to stick relatively close to the briefing instructions (and usually a binder that's provided with the boat).
1) your charter company will give a briefing and it should include how to use the genset on THAT PARTICULAR boat. With so many different boats they have to vary. 2) we've chartered 3 boats with gensets. A Moorings 54 mono 6 years ago and 2 different older 44' cats (Lagoon and Voyage) within the last year and ALL of them told us to NOT RUN the generator while underway. I don't remember why but I do remember the specific instruction.
The weather was so perfect it wouldn't have been needed underway anyway and the only time we needed to ramp it up fairly quickly was during a full day of rain when we were stuck inside with the hatches closed. Otherwise they would cool down in plenty of time for sleeping.
S/V Tortuga Lagoon 46
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