1994 290 Sundancer - adding a generator

[hrebecca0767]

I am getting negative responses about getting a gennie in my Sundancer. I just acquired this boat in an auction, and it needs quite a few things, but the first priority for me is a gennie and RayMarine system. Suggestions? The only thing I got was get a 1500w inverter/charger, but I really want generator power.

 

[dpmulvey]

What are your power requirements? That will determine size. A westerbeke Lo-CO fuel injected 3K should do you fine. Will you be able to cook, run the AC, Microwave and water heater at the same time....NOPE. But with a bit of power management it should prove to be more than enough to do a lot.

MAKE SURE YOU GET THE 1800 RPM UNIT.

They are as quiet as a church mouse compared to a 3600 RPM unit.

If you mention Honda on the transom here, prepare to get the back of your eyes jabbed with an ice pick.

 

[rcknecht]

The generator will cost you almost as much the boat... a new generator installed will cost between $10-14,000. It would be cheaper to sell your 290 and buy a boat with a generator in it. Also, IMHO, the 94' 290 engine compartment is small for a generator. There are probably a few '94-'97 300 DAs with generators out there for between $20-30K... I would look for a boat with a genny in it, if I had to have a gennerator...

 

[Redhook98]

The generator will cost you almost as much the boat... a new generator installed will cost between $10-14,000. It would be cheaper to sell your 290 and buy a boat with a generator in it. Also, IMHO, the 94' 290 engine compartment is small for a generator. There are probably a few '94-'97 300 DAs with generators out there for between $20-30K... I would look for a boat with a genny in it, if I had to have a gennerator...

I hate to agree with something like this, but he's right. That is a tight ER for adding a genny. Of course you could half-ass it and probably get the job done for $3-4k, but that is always the wrong way (plus you gotta "know" folks in the biz). Take this opportunity to step up to a 300 or 310.

I am a do-it-yourself guy and I would have a tough choice on this...... But in the end, it is much easier, cheaper and logical to just go with a boat withone already installed.

Or you could mount a 2k Honda in your cabin where it won't get wet. Lol!!! ;-) Let the flames begin!

 

[hrebecca0767]

Thanks, appreciate the input! As for going "up" in size, I just bought this one and it's an upgrade from my 25' Sunsation Aggressor. So I already have a rather large learning curve lol...baby steps. Guess the inverter is my answer for now. Safe boating everyone

 

[icu812]

FYI, I've got a Kohler 4CZ generator in my '96 290. It adds a lot of flexibility to boating especially if you enjoy cruising. - Bob

 

[Quint4]

FYI, I've got a Kohler 4CZ generator in my '96 290. It adds a lot of flexibility to boating especially if you enjoy cruising. - Bob

I have a genni also but we both have single engines the original poster has twin engines which will make it tougher to install.

 

[icu812]

I have a genni also but we both have single engines the original poster has twin engines which will make it tougher to install.

Hey Quint - Yes I recognized that. My response was to the "too small for a generator" opinions. One of the reasons I bought a 290 with a single was because I wanted a generator and room to work on it and the engine. I also believe it's possible to use a swimstep mounted generator safely and courteously but we know where that opinion always goes. Oops! - Bob

 

[hrebecca0767]

:smt038I am finally getting my gennie! Westerbeke, and while it's a bit pricey it's not nearly as high as some thought. The Genset total was 8k.:thumbsup:

 

[Quint4]

Good for you. I am seriously thinking of removing mine this year to lose some weight. We slip the boat and have electric at the dock.....used it only a few times last year.

 

[hrebecca0767]

I am docking at a friends this summer on the seawall and at my BF's parents condo so no dock power. I'm happy with my decision so that I don't stress out on long weekends out with the kids using tv, microwave, fridge, radio, xbox, hot water etc.:smt101
Now for Garmin - my extra's are gonna be more than what I paid for this boat:smt001

 

[Quint4]

You will love it for your situation.