330 Express Cruiser generator

Mar 24, 2022
35
LAKE WORTH , FLORIDA
Boat Info
1997 SeaRay 330 Express Cruiser. Mercury Smartcraft, Garmin 7212, 547xs , 541s
Engines
2015 Merc 8.1 Horizon
We just purchased a 97 330 Express Cruiser and the generator was removed. The current owner has no info on it but it's my understanding that it had a Westerbeke 5k generator in it. It looks like they just removed the generator and left all the fittings and connectors. Question is do I need to get the exact same replacement generator or can I put anything in there that will fit. We are look at a Kohler 6.5k.

Any advice great appreciated
 
My guess is you could probably upgrade but may need some install modifications
 
Hey Michael! Congrats on buying an excellent vessel and welcome to the group! We have the original 5K generator on our 300 Sundancer, works great, always starts spot on. And it is loud. I would think any gen that physically fits the spot could be retro-fitted ok. I believe dtfeld has a great thought - not necessarily the Northern lights (don’t know a thing about them) but the sound shield is a great idea!
 
You can install just about any gas marine generator but want a minimum of 5kw power. The difference is that the westerbeke models are 1800 rpm and are very quiet and the Kohler are 3600 rpm, a little louder and burn a little more fuel. The Kohlers are much easier to find if you are looking for a good used one that isn't a fortune. I have a contact that can help if you are interested. Install is much easier since you had one in there previously. The Kohler 6.5 will be fine for a 330.
 
We just purchased a 97 330 Express Cruiser and the generator was removed. The current owner has no info on it but it's my understanding that it had a Westerbeke 5k generator in it. It looks like they just removed the generator and left all the fittings and connectors. Question is do I need to get the exact same replacement generator or can I put anything in there that will fit. We are looking at a Kohler 6.5k.

It's not the fact we would like to upgrade its more the fact the the stock one is REALLY hard to find without spending a fortune.

The Kolher 6.5 is almost 1/2 the price of a reman Westerbeke at $5500

Any advice great appreciated
 
You can install just about any gas marine generator but want a minimum of 5kw power. The difference is that the westerbeke models are 1800 rpm and are very quiet and the Kohler are 3600 rpm, a little louder and burn a little more fuel. The Kohlers are much easier to find if you are looking for a good used one that isn't a fortune. I have a contact that can help if you are interested. Install is much easier since you had one in there previously. The Kohler 6.5 will be fine for a 330.

A low price point is our main concern. I would be very interested in any contact you have. Thank You.
 
Dave Lowery 904-383-0963 Tell him I recommended you. :) he can help walk you through what you need. I don't know how mechanically inclined you are or what is still in the boat. Take pics call Dave and talk through. He has used Kohlers that are rebuilt that will work very well for you.
 
So here is another take, gas generators usually are broken more then they are working and when they do work they don't stay working. You might want to consider a diesel generator and possibly putting a 30-50 gallon tank between the engines. Most new center consoles these days have diesel generators even though they are gas powered. If you have never had a generator on a boat before, diesel generators will run so long and even smirk at most loads.

I know that sounds a bit crazy, but anyone that has had a gas generator and now has diesel will pretty much agree with this.
 
So here is another take, gas generators usually are broken more then they are working and when they do work they don't stay working. You might want to consider a diesel generator and possibly putting a 30-50 gallon tank between the engines. Most new center consoles these days have diesel generators even though they are gas powered. If you have never had a generator on a boat before, diesel generators will run so long and even smirk at most loads.

I know that sounds a bit crazy, but anyone that has had a gas generator and now has diesel will pretty much agree with this.
Sky. you are right on as usual. I had a dock neighbir with an 07' Gas 40DA that we took out a perfectly good gas kohler and he installed a Phasor diesel with a small bladder diesel tank. It was not cheap though and that was with free labor. If the OP is looking for an inexpensive drop in, I would recommend a good used kohler. But I hear you.
 
Dave Lowery 904-383-0963 Tell him I recommended you. :) he can help walk you through what you need. I don't know how mechanically inclined you are or what is still in the boat. Take pics call Dave and talk through. He has used Kohlers that are rebuilt that will work very well for you.

How funny I have been working with Dave off Facebook and never put the two together. I called and talk to him and we both realized that we had already been in contact. He seems like a great guy and very knowledgeable. I definitely going to get the Kohler 6.5kW from him. Thank you.
 
Always exciting getting a good upgrade, from the reviews I’m reading, sure he’ll take good care of you and it will go smoothly!
 
@MICHAEL ERBGUTH, please keep us posted on how the project is going/went. Love to hear if you did the install yourself, how long it took, and what issues if any, you might have run into. Thanks!
 
Deposit went out yesterday. I will keep posted. I'm having my mechanic do it. Speaking to Dave it should be very simple but I'm new to boat mechanics. I have done automotive and mech engineering. Once I get some salt on me, I'll start tackling some stuff myself.
 

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