Do you cruise with geni on?

[giff1]

I just had a tec tune up my old Onan generator. The tec told me to run the geni every week to keep it in good working order. I forgot to ask the tec if it was a good idea to run the geni while the boat is on plane.

So, would it hurt to run the geni while the boat is on plane?

 

[skunkman]

I will follow this post as I just bought a boat with a genie for the first time. Both times out I ran it while under way.

 

[almostenuff]

I do it all the time. Never a problem. Some say not to start it while underway.

 

[IanBat]

You will find quite a few threads on this, the general consensus is yes.


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[PMC]

I run mine all the time at speed. I'm on the genny before I leave the dock till I have shore power again. I've had people ask me why I run all the time....why not. With kids on the boat, I keep all the 110V electronics running....and maintaining a climate controlled area is very important to me.

I'm a firm believer that a genny will continue to perform is you work it out. I have some friends that constantly have problems with the the genny....those are the same people that avoid running it unless its to charge batteries.

Run it!!

 

[magstang1]

Start it before you plane out. I usually start the genny before the mains while I'm still in the slip and transfer power to it. I've never had a problem with running it while underway.

The generator needs to be exercised both mechanically and electrically to maintain its function. If you never use it, it will likely give you problems.

 

[dpmulvey]

First thing started and the last thing to be turned off.....every time.

 

[sbw1]

We use the genny only if we need the a/c at the helm. Our ice can last for ten hours easily. Otherwise we cruise without it on as it uses fuel.

 

[firecadet613]

First thing started and the last thing to be turned off.....every time.

Same here. Using it will keep it in good condition.

 

[Alex F]

....So, would it hurt to run the geni while the boat is on plane?

The genny is designed to operate at any speed (displacement or plane), so don't hesitate to run it whenever you need it. The trick is to start it either before you take off or at slow speed. To be on the safe side I would shut it off also at slow speed or when you arrive, but not on plane.

 

[sbw1]

The genny is designed to operate at any speed (displacement or plane), so don't hesitate to run it whenever you need it. The trick is to start it either before you take off or at slow speed. To be on the safe side I would shut it off also at slow speed or when you arrive, but not on plane.

You shut yours off at a slow speed? Don't you use it when anchored??

 

[Bucit]

Start it before you plane out. I usually start the genny before the mains while I'm still in the slip and transfer power to it. I've never had a problem with running it while underway.

The generator needs to be exercised both mechanically and electrically to maintain its function. If you never use it, it will likely give you problems.

+1. I run her everytime we out. Especially since we're in saltwater, it's better to keep water flowing through it than to let stuff build up or corrode.

 

[Alex F]

You shut yours off at a slow speed? Don't you use it when anchored??

I use it when I need it. Most of the time my genny runs twice per day. Few hours in the morning and few hours in the evening. This is regardless whether I'm cruising or anchored. When I cruise, I usually take off early when the crew is still asleep, so the genny gets fired up for the A/C or heat (whatever is needed), make hot water and for the rest of the "house needs". Then after breakfast the genny goes to rest until the evening hours. If we're cruising all day, I don't need the genny most of the time during the day (providing the weather is nice), the same goes if we're anchored. The rest is on needed basis. If it's too hot or it's too cold during the day while cruising, genny gets fired up and bridge A/C-heat along with salon unit goes to work. If it's too hot/cold at night, the genny will run all night long.

 

[my DOG HOUSE]

Whatever you do with a Gen. - Use it or lose it! They need to get hot. If you are the type that only runs it as above ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ when you run it load it up. It needs to build up internal heat and more than 2-3 times a year, every day if possible.

 

[IanBat]

Because we have the generator, I purchased an electric BBQ.

Most of the time when we are out, the genny, only gets started to boil the jug or the coffee machine. As such I make a point of switching the Aircon and the hot water heater on, and make sure it gets up to temp with a good load applied to it, it also gives the Aircon a run.

I was a State Service Manager for the largest hire company here for 9 years. I can't emphasise enough about running your generator under load and regularly as most of the previous posts have said.


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[tdschafer]

Start it before you plane out. I usually start the genny before the mains while I'm still in the slip and transfer power to it. I've never had a problem with running it while underway.

The generator needs to be exercised both mechanically and electrically to maintain its function. If you never use it, it will likely give you problems.

What he said^^. I do the same thing. My mechanic told me long ago, the only generators he has to fix are the ones seldom used! Don't forget to keep a load on it while you run. I usually run the A/C while under power.


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Todd

 

[tdschafer]

First thing started and the last thing to be turned off.....every time.

Also what I do!!!


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Todd