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Making my owner generator

G

gastite101

Member
I do not want to buy a genset for this boat, 5k+ does not seem a good investment at this time. I was going to make a generator. I was going to fine a 2-amp motor at 3600 rpm’s
in addition, at the other end have a 105-amp alternator and run a belt between. My thinking is that I would hook the 2 wires from the 2-amp motor to one end of the house batteries and then hook the alternator wires to the other end; I have 4 105 amp house batteries. I am thinking that this should work, true of false???

Yes I would have to open my hatch and hook the 2 wires up everytime. I do have a panel that shows amp draw and all that due to having a 2000-watt inverter.

Let me know team.

PS. I would like to be a little greener here in Seattle :eek:
 
Looks like you own a very nice 34' SeaRay.
profilepic14105_1.gif

It certainly deserves an O/B marine generator, especially if you have AC demands that occasionally call for a 2000 watt inverter (aka Amp Hour killer). If so, I'd say that you occasionally have demands for an O/B generator.... if for no other reason than to quickly charge your house bank that has been depleted by the 2k watt inverter. (batteries fair much better if charged sooner rather than later)


I am also a member of a fairly large boating forum where many of the members, like yourself, want a good generator, but do not want to spend the $6 or $7K that a Marine unit may cost. These guys usually turn to the portable Honda EU series in the 1k or 2k watt versions. Some have the 3k watt.
The Honda always gets the best reviews. They are tough to find used, because no one really wants to get rid of them. New, they still seem to be reasonably priced, given the quality.

However, if you are going to build your own, I have a few questions and comments.

I'm not sure if you want to build a gasoline powered Alternator (for battery charging only), or a gasoline powered Generator, since you mention both generator and belt driven alternator.
Perhaps you could clarify.

Building your own generator will offer up some obsticles.
The engine must be capable of immediate run RPM upon start-up, unless you make warm up provisions.
It will require an RPM governor to control AC current frequency.
It should require a carburetor that offers main metering solenoid shut-down, since these are commonly shut down while turning 1,750 or 3,600 rpm. (solenoid completely closes off low and high speed fuel metering, so that the engine will not diesel, nor dilute engine oil, upon shut-down)
You would certainly want an easy AC power interface with your S/P inlet connection. (lifting the engine hatch each time is going to get very old)

You do not mention operating this in your engine bay..... so this is good! An issue here, would certainly void any insurance claim that we may have via our marine policy.


BTW, you mentioned investment earlier...... boats are rarely investments, and are always expenses! Buy yourself a nice generator, kick your feet up, and enjoy it. :D

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I knew this was going to be a good one.
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I do have a 3k portable gen; it’s like the size of the Honda 2k but there noisy as hell.
You all been there, nice day just about to have dinner and THEN, THE NOISY gen a
few boats down or across the bay.
I was hoping to do something different and save fuel and crap in the water.
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I will keep my eyes open for a used MARINE Genset or a rebuild :p. I only need 2-3k
to keep up with the boats demand. Lots of my Yacht member friends have them and its nice that they start them around dinner and run them for about 2 hours and it tops off
the batteries for the night. I do tap into there genset with my special shore power adapter and it goes through the inverter, it's like being on shore power. I just hate asking to do that.
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Thanks Team
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Very good voice of reason Rick. Used generators might be a way to go. With some minor cleanup on a decent older unit, you may find yourself in a much better situation for the same cost. I can only tell you that we replaced an ONAN MCCk 6.5kW with a used Westerbeke 7kW for SHHH! (700.00 including shipping) and in the last 4 years it has performed flawlessly. Of course we did get lucky but it has to be easier than building your own. As a ham radio op from the Eimac 3-500Z tube days...building is fun and rewarding but Ricks idea.....kick back and enjoy works real well...
 
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