Would You Replace Your Gas Generator With Diesel?

[MonacoMike]

Would you replace your gasoline generator with a diesel generator? With the fact that Kohler is no longer producing gasoline generators to replace them in our boats, with the limited selections available, does it make more sense to update to a diesel generator?

 

[MonacoMike]

And if you did, how big of a fuel tank would you need to install for practicality?

 

[Pirate Lady]

Voted no, mostly cause i never had and dont want a genny.

 

[Carver370]

If given the choice, I would always want a diesel gen. First thing on, last thing off on my boat. If I had another gas powered boat, I would likely go to a Westerbeke when the time came to change out the generator. I had a Kohler 6.5CZ in my last boat, terrible generator.

 

[Joint Custody]

I love our diesel gen and knowing I can run it all night with no CO worry.
However I dont know I would want to go through adding a new tank for it.

 

[CaptRonn]

Yes, and I did.

When my westerbeke played out, I went looking to find a replacement. I found out that Westerbeke was essentially the only game left in town, and at a premium.

The dealer suggested I go with a Phasor 7.5 diesel. It was more compact, had a permanent magnet generator, only turned 1800 rpm, burned less fuel, had a Kubota engine, and was cheaper than the Westerbeke gas replacement.

We installed, put in a separate diesel tank of 25 gallons (which would give about 50 hours of run time) which is far more than I would ever need.

I didn't look back.

 

[Stee6043]

I love my Westerbeke but I'd strongly consider a diesel if the money was similar/better for replacement. Dollars being equal I'd think the only real downside to this approach would be having to have two types of fuel onboard and dealing with three tanks/fills?

Reselling a boat with gas engines and a diesel gen set might be a bit more challenging as well? Of course not having a generator is non-starter for many buyers so at least you'd still have those boats beat

 

[KevinC]

I voted yes with a few notes; 1) it would need to be more or less plug and play electronically, 2) the unit would need to be physically able to be mounted in the same location. 3) The tank would need to be located in a dead space that is available without sacrificing a considerable amount of frequently used space. 4) Most importantly it would need to be within a similar price range for whatever repair was needed on the genny looking to be replaced.

-Kevin

 

[mdolesh]

Yes, and I did.

When my westerbeke played out, I went looking to find a replacement. I found out that Westerbeke was essentially the only game left in town, and at a premium.

The dealer suggested I go with a Phasor 7.5 diesel. It was more compact, had a permanent magnet generator, only turned 1800 rpm, burned less fuel, had a Kubota engine, and was cheaper than the Westerbeke gas replacement.

We installed, put in a separate diesel tank of 25 gallons (which would give about 50 hours of run time) which is far more than I would ever need.

I didn't look back.

Really? Do you mind sharing how much it costs to do it? Any post with details of the swap? I have a Kohler 5ECD out of my boat right now and I would rather spend good money on a new replacement than try to salvage this one. It has only 60hrs on it but seems in bad shape.

 

[CaptRonn]

My Phasor 7.5 was $13k installed, including fuel tank, fill cap, Racor filter, remote start.

 

[Golfman25]

I love my Westerbeke but I'd strongly consider a diesel if the money was similar/better for replacement. Dollars being equal I'd think the only real downside to this approach would be having to have two types of fuel onboard and dealing with three tanks/fills?

Reselling a boat with gas engines and a diesel gen set might be a bit more challenging as well? Of course not having a generator is non-starter for many buyers so at least you'd still have those boats beat

I wouldn't think twice about a diesel gen and gas engines. Probably an ideal setup for many situations.

 

[Carver370]

Most larger center consoles and walk around style outboard boats now have a small diesel tank and diesel generator. Usually 30-50 gallons since the gen really doesn't use much fuel.

 

[stephenm27]

Most larger center consoles and walk around style outboard boats now have a small diesel tank and diesel generator. Usually 30-50 gallons since the gen really doesn't use much fuel.

Our new outboard-powered boat is this. It’s a 6.5 KW Fischer Panda (Kubota diesel block) in a fiberglass sound enclosure with a dedicated 12 gallon aluminum diesel tank. It’s a variable RPM unit so I still don’t have an exact fuel consumption rate, but it’s looking close to .3 gal/hr under moderate to high load. And it’s a smaller footprint in the bilge than the Kohler 5ECD in my previous boat.

I would never go back to a gas generator…nor sterndrives, but that’s a different thread .

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Stupid question, is a diesel generator capable of safely living in a gasoline engine room??

 

[stephenm27]

Stupid question, is a diesel generator capable of safely living in a gasoline engine room??

Yes, as long as it’s certified as ignition-protected. No, otherwise (ie just because it’s diesel doesn’t mean it’s ignition-protected). The Fischer Panda unit we have is IP.

In our case, it technically doesn’t matter as it’s not considered an explosive environment by ABYC regulations due to the outboards. It’s also apparently why outboard-powered cruisers are allowed to rely on passive bilge ventilation (no blowers).

 

[CaptRonn]

Stupid question, is a diesel generator capable of safely living in a gasoline engine room??

https://www.seatechmarineproducts.c...w-permanent-magnet-diesel-boat-generator.html

Features:

• Engine:
  • Kubota Diesel Engine: D902-E4B - 3 Cylinder - 54 cu.in. displacement - Naturally Aspirated/IDI
  • IGNITION PROTECTED CERTIFIED
  • Single Bearing Direct Coupled Generator
  • Safety shutdown system for high coolant temp or low oil pressure
  • Air Intake Cleaner / Silencer
  • Stainless Steel Exhaust Elbow Cast
  • Stainless Steel 4-Point isolation mounts
  • Belt Guard
  • Awl-Craft 2000 Urethane Finish - Long Lasting Gloss - Color Retention