Hey Guys, Im in the market for a 320 DA, and a broker has offered to install a Kohler generator on a 2003 320, , the marina is a Kohler authorized distributor. In theory, it could be a good deal, Im wondering if anyone has experience with such a retrofit and the pros and cons of doing one?
The 320 DA (not SD) had a Kohler generator option so I don't think it would be a big deal... I would say most of the wiring is already there.
I retrofitted mine......the wiring is not there, and that is the easiest part of the job anyway......does a motor (or part of) need to come out for clearance - the 320DA bilge is really tight? You're talking at least 10k for a used gen and installation - you need to tap into the fuel system, cut two holes in the boat, add a transfer switch etc.......the broker is doing this for free? I did everything myself - I got a used westerbeke 3.5kw unit that we were able to lift in without removing the hatch or using a crane - there was a ton of room as my boat has I/Os - but all the aforementioned stuff took time and money - the gen cost me around $1200 and I spent more than that on the ancillary parts (strainer, hose, fittings, transfer switch, remote panel, muffler etc) and this was 10 years ago....
The broker has told me they would install a new one, with warranty. Its a 350 MAG MPI V-drive...Thoughts? What about CO2 detectors, wouldn't that be part of the install? And what Gen output what would I need 3.5kw,5kw, or 7.5KW?
My 270 had a Kohler 5k installed by Marine Max and it cost $11,000. This is not a cheap job. Will there be warranty? As said, this touches a lot of other systems on the boat. Not sure when SR left dedicated areas for generator install. My 97 required the fresh and waste tank relocation to get the generator in the spot it went to. If no spot, no wiring. MM
If you go forward with this, will it be done before or after you own the boat? If after, work it out with your surveyor to survey the generator before you sign off on it. Let the installing broker know upfront you plan to survey the installation. MM
It will be worth it either way, you may get peace of mind it was done right or make them do it right. It would not hurt to tell them you want it to ABYC standards MM