Adding generator to 280 DA

BrentJones

Member
Oct 4, 2006
405
Fenton/Lake Ozark, MO
Boat Info
2005 240 Sundeck
Engines
6.2L
In the topic "cruiser decisions" which I started, Jeremy brought up the idea of adding a generator to a 280 that didn't have one from the factory. I've searched through the threads and couldn't find a topic on this. If I remember correctly though, this topic came up a few times on the SRO forum. I recall a lot of members saying that it was difficult to do, but is this true? Would it be better to find a 280 with a generator or find one w/o and be able to negotiate a better deal. Or would the cost be more than it is worth to add one and to just stick with finding a 280 that has one already?
 
I've often thought how nice it would be to add a genset and air to my 250. I'd probably keep it if it had both!

I just don't think it is cost prohibitive to add one unless you plan on keeping the boat for a looooong time.

If I got one, I'd definitely get a small diesel genset. But a new one would break the bank. I'm sure a used one can be found, but installation would break the bank. I think it's better to find a boat w/ on installed.

FYI: http://motors.search.ebay.com/marin...eQ20generatorQQsacatZ6028QQsaprchiZQQsaprcloZ
 
Yes, there were some extensive threads on SRO covering this. :(

I've heard prices of anywhere from $8000-$12000 quoted for an installed new 5kw unit, so you'd probably need to save at least 10k to offset the cost. If you could pull it off I think the piece of mind of a 'low CO' unit would be worthwhile.

As for DYI, it can be a very time consuming project and it does require a certain level of expertise in several different areas. Assuming there is nothing pre-installed by the factory...

You will be cutting 2 large holes in the hull - one for the exhaust and another for the water pickup - which of course is below the waterline and requires a seacock. You will install associated plumbing for both as well as a strainer and water muffler - location is fairly critical.

You will be installing a fuel line and possibly a pickup tube in the gas tank. There's usually a threaded plug already in place for this, but it might be a challenge to get to it.

You will be installing heavy gauge battery cables and optionally an additional battery.

You will be installing fairly large electrical cables that will need to be properly routed into the existing shorepower system. This requires the addition of a substantial switch (shorepower/genset) and of course the proper wiring of this switch is very critical. You will likely be removing several panels, etc in the cabin for access. Smaller wires are also needed along the same path for the remote starter panel.

Additionally, you might have to relocate some of the other systems in the bilge such as tanks, batteries, etc to acomodate the genset and/or maintain proper balance.

A new 5k unit costs around $5000 and you'll probably spend another $1000 in other parts. You might be able to find a deal a good used one. I bought a 4kw unit for about half the price of a new one that had about 3 hours on it.

Hope that helps...
 
slack250 said:
If I got one, I'd definitely get a small diesel genset.
Problem with that is you would need to install a seperate fuel tank (filler, vent, etc). It'd be hard enough finding room for the genny in a 250.
 
The full service marinas in west Michigan shadow price genny installations. If retail is $15,000, a fairly current number in our market, then the install will be at least that high, maybe higher. It's a lot easier to install a genny before the decks are installed. This is also a project best left to the pros because of the numerous things that can go wrong if you have not done one before. Look for a boat that came with one from the factory.
 
ID be more concerned with the weight of the generator ...

My 30 had the gen set. It made the boat list horribly at the dock..

Stuff would rool off the cockpit table all the time ..Got real annoying .

Rob
 
I dont think listing will be an issue.... I have the genset in mine... and she sits even.... very even. The genset sits almost on the centerline of the boat adjacent to the water tank... regardless of single or twins.... diesel or not..... The kohler low CO 5kw genset wet weight is 93 lbs.... a buck 2 (9lbs more) with the sound shield.

I have never had an opportunity to be on a 280 without a genset.... I am not sure if the mounting platform would be there or not....

The dimensions listed for the 5ECD 28.45in. (L) x 17.45in. (W) x 17.25in. (H) it almost seems like you could lower it down without pulling engines if it were the twin 4.3's but I could not be certain without careful measurement....

It would be an interesting project.... but I would likely find someone very familiar with doing this type of install.... it likely would be a ton easier to find a lightly used gem of a 280 with the genset already in it.
 
Well, adding one would be a last resort and I thought I would toss the idea out there. So far the listings that I see for a genny vs. a non-genny in the 280 isn't as much as a margin than it would be adding it based on the replies. It seems like I have seen differences only between 5k and 10k not 15k or more, but those prices are before negotiating.
 
280 SeaRay said:
The kohler low CO 5kw genset wet weight is 93 lbs....

Wish that were true - its actually 93 kg (about 205 lbs). But your point about it being mounted centerline is right on. Mine is mounted in the aft starboard corner and I have a slight list because of it.
 
ah crap..... I knew that sounded entirely too light... thank you for the correction. :smt021 Pay attention to the unit of measure Jeremy :smt021
 
Last year I put a Westerbeke 3.0BPMG in a 1976 260SRV. It was the best thing the owner has ever done to upgrade the boat. The unit weighs 165 lbs, and didn't make the boat list.
 
Never Monday, I've thought about putting that Westerbeke 3.0 in my 260. How noisy is it? The 4.5 in my 310 is whisper quiet.
 
OK, I'm getting very confused about what is best for me. So far it seems very hard to find generators in 260s and 280DAs. Almost all 260DAs from 2001-2005 I've seen don't have generators. Surprisingly, about half the 280s in the same year range don't have generators either. I know it is soooo nice, but how bad will it be w/o a generator? What are some alternatives to the generator? The other thing I am finding is the close range in prices for the 260 and 280, I really can't believe how many of them are only 10k apart.
 
keokie said:
Never Monday, I've thought about putting that Westerbeke 3.0 in my 260. How noisy is it? The 4.5 in my 310 is whisper quiet.

The 3.0 is really quiet. you have to hear one to believe it. The engine runs at 2200 and belt drives the electrical end at 3600.

Brent,
If your summers are like ours, hot and humid. You'll appreciate being able to run air conditioning to sleep. The biggest demand for a gen is the ac. people think they run more appliances but really don't. I've seen the full gamut in boats with factory installs. Some are undersized like a 15kw running an 80ft houseboat. Or over sized like a 5kw on a 290DA.
I'm going with a 5Kw in my 340 when the time comes.

Pat
 
Inverters are alternatives to gennys. They require added batteries, wiring, and can be expensive to install if you do not have one already. While some setups can handle A/C, you are looking at big batteries to do the job. In your part of the US, A/C is a must. I would never buy a boat without a genny because it extends the boating season so much and adds a huge measure of comfort. You might as well bite the bullet and do it right.
 

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