Electrical System

[340DA]

I have a 2000 340DA. When I am running on generator, can anyone tell me the correct what circuit breakers are the correct ones to have on?? Foe example, When I am on generator, I do the following:
1 I turn the batteries on
2 I start the generator
3 I turn on the refrigerator (Top circuit breaker, not bottom - battery power breakers)
4 I leave battery switches on and turn breakers on as needed (such as cabin lights, stereo, head, water system, etc)

I sawa friend today with a 2003 340DA and he said my system of turning switches on/off was wrong was wrong. I think I'm right. Can someone help or direct me to a manual that details what sequence of on/off that I should follow and tells me what to/not to do?
Thanks


Thanks

 

[boatmailster]

yes, you are doing it right way
you may want to wait abut 1min after generator starts to get to proper rpm's and voltage
and don't forget to turn converter on to charge your batteries while using cabin lights etc - they are 12v

 

[340DA]

Thanks for the info. So, I SHOULD turn on the AC converter??????? I have been leaving it in the off position when the generator is on. I thought AC converter was only for shore power, not for batteries. So, I should have AC converter ON when the genny is on?

 

[340DA]

Thanks for the info. So, I SHOULD turn on the AC converter??????? I have been leaving it in the off position when the generator is on. I thought AC converter was only for shore power, not for batteries. So, I should have AC converter ON when the genny is on?

 

[fc3]

When running the generator, I turn on everything, except the stove, which we don't use. The only exception is when we are running the generator and the mains. Then I leave the converter off since the alternators on the engines are doing the job.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[tobnpr]

Thanks for the info. So, I SHOULD turn on the AC converter??????? I have been leaving it in the off position when the generator is on. I thought AC converter was only for shore power, not for batteries. So, I should have AC converter ON when the genny is on?

Unless you have a battery combiner installed so that the genset alternator will charge both your battery banks, you should leave the converter/charger on to charge the bank(s) not connected to the genset.

 

[sbw1]

You will have the best results if you try to keep the genny loaded. Genny's run best when loaded to 75% of their rated output. This keeps plugs from fouling in gas engines. Maintaining the load is difficult as the water heater is a big initial load but drop offs when your water is hot. Running the A/C can provide a reasonable load although it cycles. Battery charger should be on as well. The more the better up to 75%. You can check your load by looking at the amps you are pulling on your house meter. Don't go over .75 times the rated output of the genny.

 

[Hampton]

I agree with all. We turn everthing on except the stove. Also, I don't turn the hot water heater on unless we're getting ready to use it.

 

[mrsrobinson]

When running the generator, I turn on everything, except the stove, which we don't use. The only exception is when we are running the generator and the mains. Then I leave the converter off since the alternators on the engines are doing the job.

Best regards,
Frank

+1, the more load you can put on the genny the better.

 

[sbw1]

In addition to proper loading, unloading prior to shut down is important as well. You can start unloading a few minutes prior to returning to your slip. Start by turning off stuff that does not use a lot of draw. The a/c for example is not huge, ice machines, etc. Then just turn the genny breaker off and let the unit cool down for 5 minutes or so. When you are tied up, turn the genny off altogether and go through your shore power hook up procedure.....plug into power; turn the power on at the dock; turn the breakers on in the boat; turn your a/c, etc back on and you are good to go.

 

[gerryb]

I know the common wisdom is to run the genset with a load, but I wanted to point out that running the genset WITH or WITHOUT a load is MUCH better than letting her sit for an extended period of time. I have had more maintenance expenses (on my Kohler 5E anyway) from NOT using it than in the past than I do now that I use it regularly.

In my case, I don't have a huge load to put on it beside the AC, fridge and batt charger. I bypassed the hot water heater this year and we don't use the stove or microwave. I do plug-in a shop vaccuum when the genset is running and vaccuum the carpets in cabin and cockpit.