About to buy a Boat and have questions

C

cnjax

New Member
Apr 16, 2008
9
HI, just about to purchase a 1986 268 Sundancer. Can anyone who is familiar with this boat tell me whether or not it is possible to install a generator on-board?

Thanks
 
Welcome aboard. Please put your boat information on your signature. Post this in classic Sea Ray section for a better response. I was on a 268 last summer and it was a truly nice classic boat. Good Luck, JC
 
A typical generator install can run from $8,000 to $12,000. If you spend $12,000 for the boat and then add another $8,000 for a new generator, your boat will still only be worth $12,000 to $15,000. Are you sure you want to add it as opposed to finding a boat where it's already installed that might only cost $12,000 to $15,000? I know some of the 268's had twins and a generator was an option.
 
Ok will do , didn't put it in my signature yet because I didn't purchase the boat yet
 
Sundancer said:
A typical generator install can run from $8,000 to $12,000. If you spend $12,000 for the boat and then add another $8,000 for a new generator, your boat will still only be worth $12,000 to $15,000. Are you sure you want to add it as opposed to finding a boat where it's already installed that might only cost $12,000 to $15,000? I know some of the 268's had twins and a generator was an option.
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Actually I'm not sure I will even install one yet, just wanted to see if it was a possibility.
 
Just to add fuel to the fire, couldn't batteries/inverter accomplish the same tasks?
 
Just move a little farther north! We don't need A/C where I live because it cools off at night even during the hottest days. You could just get a super long extension cord or sneak over and plug into a boat that has a gennie running? :smt043
 
If you have not bought yet then Sundancer makes a good point. If you like this model widen your search for twins with a Gen. Where will you boat( Lake, Ocean, Coast) ? JC
 
When considering a genset, I'd run the numbers on how much you'd use it and how many years worth of marina slip rentals you could pay for instead. Shore power and other conveniences balanced against being out on the hook.

I'd certainly order one on a new boat but it's a pretty tough sell to see the value of sinking that much money into an older one. If AC is needed 'that bad' then it might be better just to get a boat that is already set up with one.

It's a hotly contested topic but some folks have been happy just using something like a Honda portable generator. For the sake of anyone boating near you be sure to get a quiet one like the Honda units. Few things are worse than some cheap unit making a racket while others are trying to sleep. Then there's the whole topic of carbon monoxide detectors and risks. But unless you're in an area that gets really hot at night all season long, a portable generator might be a viable alternative to consider for the few times you'd need it.
 
I'm going for popcorn!!!!! Don't start till I get back....OK?
 
Sundancer said:
A typical generator install can run from $8,000 to $12,000. If you spend $12,000 for the boat and then add another $8,000 for a new generator, your boat will still only be worth $12,000 to $15,000. Are you sure you want to add it as opposed to finding a boat where it's already installed that might only cost $12,000 to $15,000? I know some of the 268's had twins and a generator was an option.
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Excelent point.

We had a Westerbeke MPV generator installed earlier this year. The cost of the generator was over five grand. Labor was fifteen hundred. With the various other parts the total came to $8,500.
 
wkearney99 said:
Heh, thought the genset comment would get that reaction.
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Not to mention the comment....."When considering a genset, I'd run the numbers on how much you'd use it and how many years worth of marina slip rentals you could pay for instead. Shore power and other conveniences balanced against being out on the hook."

Why not just suggest that he trailer the boat and sleep in the driveway plugged into the garage....Think of all the maintenance/fuel cost he'd save...plus the convenience of just going into the fridge (in the house kitchen) for a midnigt snack....
 
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I would still like to know the real danger of the portable units "other than storing them in the engine bay" over the built in.

CO risks would seem to be equal
 
JC3 said:
If you have not bought yet then Sundancer makes a good point. If you like this model widen your search for twins with a Gen. Where will you boat( Lake, Ocean, Coast) ? JC
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I live in Jacksonville FL so mostly coastal, intercoastal, and river use.
 
wkearney99 said:
When considering a genset, I'd run the numbers on how much you'd use it and how many years worth of marina slip rentals you could pay for instead. Shore power and other conveniences balanced against being out on the hook.

I'd certainly order one on a new boat but it's a pretty tough sell to see the value of sinking that much money into an older one. If AC is needed 'that bad' then it might be better just to get a boat that is already set up with one.

It's a hotly contested topic but some folks have been happy just using something like a Honda portable generator. For the sake of anyone boating near you be sure to get a quiet one like the Honda units. Few things are worse than some cheap unit making a racket while others are trying to sleep. Then there's the whole topic of carbon monoxide detectors and risks. But unless you're in an area that gets really hot at night all season long, a portable generator might be a viable alternative to consider for the few times you'd need it.
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The boat will be kept at home on trailer. the portable gen sounds like my best bet. Thanks
 
cnjax said:
The boat will be kept at home on trailer. the portable gen sounds like my best bet. Thanks
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well don't get ahead of yourself yet. There are many issues to consider for the portable generator. I've never had a generator either but many others here have. Await the advice & information of those with the knowledge & experience. It's the best thing this site offers(besides watching Gary making people cry)
 
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