Generator replacement

M

menos22

Member
May 26, 2009
165
Colonial Beach, VA
Boat Info
1994 Sea Ray 350 Express Bridge
Engines
Twin 454 Mercruiser With V-Drives
Need some guidance on replacing a 6.5kw Quicksilver Generator in a 1994 35 Sea Ray Express Bridge. Genny is original and is seized up. I know parts are very difficult to come by and nobody wants to work on them. I would just like to remove it from the boat and replace it with a new one and be done with it. What I need to know is, has anyone done this and what did you replace it with. The quicksilver is in pretty tight quarters on the port side engine room so would need to get a replacement that would fit in the space. Looking for a replacement that would be pretty much plug and play, would the existing wiring hook up to a newer model without major modifications?
I guess my choices are limited to Kholer, Westerbeke and Onan. Would appreciate any thoughts and/or experiences others may have regarding this project. I would have the yard do the removal and replacement of the Genny. Thanks. Mike.
 
menos22 said:
Need some guidance on replacing a 6.5kw Quicksilver Generator in a 1994 35 Sea Ray Express Bridge. Genny is original and is seized up. I know parts are very difficult to come by and nobody wants to work on them. I would just like to remove it from the boat and replace it with a new one and be done with it. What I need to know is, has anyone done this and what did you replace it with. The quicksilver is in pretty tight quarters on the port side engine room so would need to get a replacement that would fit in the space. Looking for a replacement that would be pretty much plug and play, would the existing wiring hook up to a newer model without major modifications?
I guess my choices are limited to Kholer, Westerbeke and Onan. Would appreciate any thoughts and/or experiences others may have regarding this project. I would have the yard do the removal and replacement of the Genny. Thanks. Mike.
Click to expand...

You are about to find out you won't have much to choose from. About the only one producing new gas generators is Westerbeke, and the pricing will sit you back.

On my boat when the westerbeke gas died I went with the Phasor diesel genset. Very compact, and I placed a small 24 gallon plastic diesel fuel tank to feed it. Burning about .5/gph, it's more than enough for the boating I do.

The Phasor was cheaper than the gas westerbeke. And being constructed using a Kubota diesel and a Permanent Magnet Generator that turns 1800 rpm versus 3600 rpm it's quieter, more reliable.

This is mine http://www.phasormarine.com/k3-7-0pmg.htm

They also make this one http://www.phasormarine.com/k2-4.5pmg.html

Both are ignition protected.
 
menos22 said:
Need some guidance on replacing a 6.5kw Quicksilver Generator in a 1994 35 Sea Ray Express Bridge. Genny is original and is seized up. I know parts are very difficult to come by and nobody wants to work on them. I would just like to remove it from the boat and replace it with a new one and be done with it. What I need to know is, has anyone done this and what did you replace it with. The quicksilver is in pretty tight quarters on the port side engine room so would need to get a replacement that would fit in the space. Looking for a replacement that would be pretty much plug and play, would the existing wiring hook up to a newer model without major modifications?
I guess my choices are limited to Kholer, Westerbeke and Onan. Would appreciate any thoughts and/or experiences others may have regarding this project. I would have the yard do the removal and replacement of the Genny. Thanks. Mike.
Click to expand...
Have you thought about a larger battery bank with more efficient batteries, a charger-inverter and some solar?
 
As an option, there is a place in SC that rebuilds/reconditions Westerbeke, and sells on Ebay. About 1/2 of new.
 
I would see what type of warranty and price Broward has and shop around for others that could do a rebuild. In the end, warranty, plug and play and cheaper but just as good as new. Just a thought. JC
 
Thanks for the responses, all good info. I will research all the good tips. In the mean time keep the ideas/thoughts on this project coming. Is wiring up a new generator to the existing wiring going to be a problem?
 
I had to replace my 15KW Westerbeke a year ago. I got a smoking deal from the place that does all my boat work. New genset, installed, just a tiny bit north of $15K.
 
If I were to replace a gas gen I would go with the westerbeke. Was on a friends boat who had one and you would never know it was running. Quietest gas gen I’ve ever heard without a sound shield. I believe it also operated at a much lower rpm compared to our Kohler at the time.
 
A lot of outboard CC's are now built with generators; diesel seems to be prevalent. So, I would peruse some new boat websites and look at those installations and see what they are doing. How you use your boat will determine what is needed but I see opportunity....
 
bahamabreisus said:
I would not spend a dime on a quicksilver, just throwing good money away.
Click to expand...

No one suggested that.

However, Broward Armature does on occasion have used units of other manufacturers that they recondition and resale.

I would buy a used gas unit from Broward before I would buy one from an unknown source.
 
Our boat is about the same age as yours with the same power and generator. I feel the 454s will fail eventually and at that time I will replace all three motors at the same time. Interesting to find out what is out there. Large battery banks do not supply enough power on a SeaRay because they are all electric. If we had a propane stove and a water maker that ran on 12 volts we would not need a generator. Question Are any of the suppliers of House emergency generators producing small gas water cooled units.
 
dtfeld said:
As an option, there is a place in SC that rebuilds/reconditions Westerbeke, and sells on Ebay. About 1/2 of new.
Click to expand...

would you happen to remember the name of this company?
 
Got a price on a 7.5kw Westerbeke Gas. $12,710.00 ouch.. Will be looking a used units. I perfer to stick with Gas as main Propulsion is gas and lines are already in place. Dont think I would have room for a diesel tank in the Engine room anyway. Looks like Kholer only has diesel unit. Lots of Diesel units out there.
 
Problem with a used generator is you have no idea what you are getting, especially from an unknown vendor. Some places are selling "take outs" that were removed for replacement or when a boat is salvaged. Others will do a "Krylon Overhaul" and sell a real nice looking unit, but again, you really don't know what you are getting........or how long it will last.

That's why I suggested Broward Armature. I would feel comfortable buying a used unit from them, or another known vendor.
 
I am from Eastern Kentucky Coal fields. It is common that most engines are rebuilt at some point. I still think rebuilding it if possible is the best bet. Now if it has always been a problem of some sort that's a different story and discussion. JC
 
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