Generator Question

Turk182

Turk182

New Member
Mar 25, 2013
13
Buffalo, NY
Boat Info
1992 350 Express Bridge
Engines
Twin 454 Mercruiser w/ Bravo II Drives
OK,

Never had a boat with a generator before. It's a 1986 SRV300 Sedan Bridge. Sorry for asking, but when I'm hooked to shore power I don't need the generator to run my refrigerator, stove or outlets correct?

The switch on the gen panel has Off position (self explanatory) but also a shore position and a ship position. When would I use the gen? When I'm under power traveling and want to keep fridge running for those cold beverages.. Sorry for asking a dumb question.
 
don't use the gennie when the shorepower is plugged in
 
The switch does exactly what it says. When on shore, your vessel is being powered by shore power. When on ship the vessel is being powered by the gennie. You should always turn off all electricity before changing positions on your selector switch. Once shore power is unplugged and everything is turned off, start the generator, allow it to run for a minute or two, ( I always check for water flow out of the exhaust before loading). Then move the selector switch to ship and turn on desired appliances and outlets.
On another note, Your fridge should be dual power at least. Some have a switch on the front, on the bottom under the door. This will change it from 110v(shorepower) to 12v(battery). If not check your electrical panel for two switches labeled refrigerator. Usually different colors. One is 110v (shore power) the other is 12v (battery) power to the refrigerator. With the 12v switch on the fridge should switch automatically from 110v to 12v. It depends on the individual refrigerator
Keep in mind that the fridge is a battery crusher.
 
Is it a single rotary switch or two breakers? If two breakers, Is there a lock out device that forces the use of one or the other or is it missing?
 
Color me surprised. Lifted up seat where generator should be, and guess what??? No generator. Old owner must have removed it. Any suggestions on a good replacement? Again it's a 1986 SRV300 Sedan Bridge
 
I'd say a Honda on the platform and pop some corn....but I shan't.

Have you looked elsewhere?

If you are truly looking to install, have a pro look at it. If you decide to go for it, bring money........lots of it. I would opt for a low RPM, low CO model. Westerbeke makes them. Others may as well.
 
Turk182 said:
Color me surprised. Lifted up seat where generator should be, and guess what??? No generator. Old owner must have removed it. Any suggestions on a good replacement? Again it's a 1986 SRV300 Sedan Bridge
Click to expand...

If that was really a surprise, at a minimum you owe your surveyor a swift kick in the butt.
 
Turk182 said:
Color me surprised. Lifted up seat where generator should be, and guess what??? No generator. Old owner must have removed it. Any suggestions on a good replacement? Again it's a 1986 SRV300 Sedan Bridge
Click to expand...

Hope when you purchased the boat you didn't pay for a boat with a generator. If so you just made about a $5000 mistake.
 
I've never seen a marine generator placed under a seat. Are there any signs that it was ever there (fuel line, exhaust components, electrical connection points) or is there just a pre-wired panel in preparation for installing a generator at some time? Generators are usually in the engine room and are large enough to be VERY visible.
 
Are the engines still there ? just because it has keys doesnt mean it has engines
 
All kidding aside, we don't know your whole situation, but hopefully you did research before buying this thing rather than after. Being surprised that there is no generator is not something that should ever happen.
 
After much research the generator was an option that was never installed. When I saw the circuit panel with the switches for it I assumed it was standard. Before I post anything else I'll make sure I do my research so I don't make an ass outta myself again. I'll await my lashings with your wet noodles now.
 
I think it warrants a little more investigation. To the best of my knowledge, the electrical panel should not have any prewiring, gauges, or switches for a generator if one was not originally ordered. Your panel should just have one board; the second was for the generator, if installed at the factory. If your boat has straight shafts, the place for it was on the center stringers at the transom. Any remains or signs of mounts, hoses, stringer holes there?
 
How did I get on the BOC website?
 
I am also very curiouse on this one. Can we get a pic of your engine compartment from a couple different angles? Do you have an engine compartment? As stated above I'm pretty sure if there is a switch to transfer from shore to genny power and the second board is there, there was once a genny in the boat...
 
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