hpcrank
Member
- Feb 4, 2016
- 145
- Boat Info
- 1981 260 Sundancer with rebuilt 454/Mercruiser330-I/O. w/ alum. hard top with front and side wdos
- Engines
- One rebuilt 330 hp. 454 Chevy
26' Sundancer with factory gen set.??
- Thread starter hpcrank
- Start date
sbw1
Well-Known Member
- Oct 10, 2006
- 8,185
- Boat Info
- This is listed in my signature
- Engines
- This is listed in my signature
Ok. To answer the original question. SR did not offer a genny option on your boat. Someone installed it after it left the factory. The installation is unspeakably bad and unsafe.
Thanks for posting the pics - it's always interesting to see how owners modify their boats for their needs.
I don't mean to be a Debbie Downer, but from a safety standpoint, I don't see anything about that that would make me feel comfortable sleeping or spending time in the cabin while the genny is running. Genny's are often installed in the bilge because it is completely sealed from the living areas. That access door, for example, appears to be a piece of a wood that is simply slid in there and held in place by two strips of wood that rotate/swing over. Also, any fumes that escape up through the forward deck hatch could come right back in through the cabin deck hatch.
Again, none of this is to take away from your enjoyment of your new boat. But it's important to know the pitfalls of what you're dealing with.
I don't mean to be a Debbie Downer, but from a safety standpoint, I don't see anything about that that would make me feel comfortable sleeping or spending time in the cabin while the genny is running. Genny's are often installed in the bilge because it is completely sealed from the living areas. That access door, for example, appears to be a piece of a wood that is simply slid in there and held in place by two strips of wood that rotate/swing over. Also, any fumes that escape up through the forward deck hatch could come right back in through the cabin deck hatch.
Again, none of this is to take away from your enjoyment of your new boat. But it's important to know the pitfalls of what you're dealing with.
DWABoat
Well-Known Member
- Aug 13, 2019
- 1,012
- Boat Info
- 2001 280 Sundancer
1989 220CC Cuddy Cabin
- Engines
- Twin 4.3 w/Alpha Ones
5.7 Mercruiser Alpha One
HPCrank,
You seem to be well versed in mechanics and able to spot improperly wired stuff.
The first thing I would do is create a wiring diagram of the entire boat. Whoever installed that generator had to make some extensive modifications to the boat wiring. Since a generator was not an option on the boat, all the 110ac interior wiring and dc wiring to start the generator had to be installed by someone you know nothing about. No telling how many issues you have with ground/neutrals, wiring type issues, breakers/loading, GFI outlets, and on and on. I don’t want to criticize your boat, from the pics, it looks like it has potential. I would just be scared to take my family out on it until I personally confirmed the fire safety aspect. Oh yea, don’t forget about stray current leaking from the generator and possibly energizing the water around the boat. If the 110ac is improperly grounded to some through hull fitting, there is a possibility energy could leak into the water.
I know enough (very little) about marine electrical systems to know not to mess with factory installed 110ac systems.
As far as the potential for CO migration into the cabin, well, that was already mentioned.
Good luck with the boat. Please just make sure it is safe before going out there. I run a fireboat for a living. Not wishing that type of incident on anyone.
You seem to be well versed in mechanics and able to spot improperly wired stuff.
The first thing I would do is create a wiring diagram of the entire boat. Whoever installed that generator had to make some extensive modifications to the boat wiring. Since a generator was not an option on the boat, all the 110ac interior wiring and dc wiring to start the generator had to be installed by someone you know nothing about. No telling how many issues you have with ground/neutrals, wiring type issues, breakers/loading, GFI outlets, and on and on. I don’t want to criticize your boat, from the pics, it looks like it has potential. I would just be scared to take my family out on it until I personally confirmed the fire safety aspect. Oh yea, don’t forget about stray current leaking from the generator and possibly energizing the water around the boat. If the 110ac is improperly grounded to some through hull fitting, there is a possibility energy could leak into the water.
I know enough (very little) about marine electrical systems to know not to mess with factory installed 110ac systems.
As far as the potential for CO migration into the cabin, well, that was already mentioned.
Good luck with the boat. Please just make sure it is safe before going out there. I run a fireboat for a living. Not wishing that type of incident on anyone.
Stee6043
Well-Known Member
I think you're getting a lot of good feedback so far but I'll throw a wild idea out there - pull the generator and sell it.
That Onan is a valuable piece of equipment if running correctly (and making 110V). I don't think you'd ever be able to get your current install into a position of being safe but you could surely profit from the equipment. And potentially reclaim some of the space in the v-berth.
That's got to be one of the most unusual installs shared on this site. Prior to this thread I'd say the most unusual thing I've seen was a hinged bow pulpit
And hey, if you want more background on some of the feedback you're getting you should search on this site for "portable generator" or "honda generator". There are countless threads, many that are well researched, outlining some of the problems gas generators can cause in marine applications. If you read up and believe the hype I think you'll find that you won't be able to mitigate the risks associated with your generator install. Having it in the living space is a bit of a non-starter from a safety standpoint, even if it is a marine generator. If it were a diesel generator you'd be closer to a strong "maybe" but for gas...you're just not going to get there.
That Onan is a valuable piece of equipment if running correctly (and making 110V). I don't think you'd ever be able to get your current install into a position of being safe but you could surely profit from the equipment. And potentially reclaim some of the space in the v-berth.
That's got to be one of the most unusual installs shared on this site. Prior to this thread I'd say the most unusual thing I've seen was a hinged bow pulpit
And hey, if you want more background on some of the feedback you're getting you should search on this site for "portable generator" or "honda generator". There are countless threads, many that are well researched, outlining some of the problems gas generators can cause in marine applications. If you read up and believe the hype I think you'll find that you won't be able to mitigate the risks associated with your generator install. Having it in the living space is a bit of a non-starter from a safety standpoint, even if it is a marine generator. If it were a diesel generator you'd be closer to a strong "maybe" but for gas...you're just not going to get there.
Ididntdoit
Well-Known Member
Kinda reminds me of this guy
Sublimetime
Active Member
After seeing the pics of that gen install , I'm shocked and glad its not a Honda stuffed in there.
hpcrank
Member
- Feb 4, 2016
- 145
- Boat Info
- 1981 260 Sundancer with rebuilt 454/Mercruiser330-I/O. w/ alum. hard top with front and side wdos
- Engines
- One rebuilt 330 hp. 454 Chevy
The wiring is everywhere as old wiring is disconnected and new wiring stubbed in. have a new automatic transfer switch installed. Will be pulling gen set to inspect and freshen up. This install is sure better (ie. safer) than ANY portable gen.
25thmustang
Member
That is 100% a homeowner special and personally I wouldn’t attempt running it, let alone using it all the time. Also a 6.5 is way overkill for a small boat like that. I knew a guy at my last place with a 27’er and it had a 3 or 3.5 kw unit (in the bilge). My old 34’ made due with a 4 kw Wasterbeke.
I would remove the setup you have and replace it.
I would remove the setup you have and replace it.
