Install Genset to 2002 SR 300DA

KinShip ND

KinShip ND

New Member
Jan 27, 2009
6
Centreville, VA (Boating Annapolis)
I have a 2002 300DA that never had a gen installed. I have several questions for anyone who might know:

A) Installation costs estimate

B) Recommendation on KW to run all systems ie. 5kw or 8kw

C) Used or new? Pros/Cons


Thank you for your thoughts

Nate
 
My genset was factory installed. Don't know what it would cost to install one.

5 kw would be enough for your boat. You could not put enough load on an 8 kw unit. If you are thinking of adding air conditioning to your cockpit, however, get the 8. Gensets need to be run under a load in order to prolong their life. Imagine "idling" your car's engine in neutral at 2000-3000 RPM for hours.

Have not seen too many used gensets. Generally, people don't upgrade their unit. If they pulled it and replaced it, usually the reason is that something was wrong with it. S new. Get one with a catalytic converter, like the Westerbeke "Safe CO" models. It'll generate less carbon monoxide.

Best regards,
Frank
 
You don't need 5kw. Is there a 4.5? It would cost around $15,000 for the genny and install in West Michigan.
 
Thank you for this info. Yes I was aware that there is a 4.5 but was unsure if it would run all systems. I've used (inappropriately I'm sure) a Honda 2000i and it will run the electric and air (barely) out on the swim deck, but not the water heater as well. It is a pain to haul around and not the safety I want.

Sounds like total cost is in the 15k range.
 
I priced out a 3kw Westerbeake installed for 8000.00 off season. It's a small unit but that would be a good thing. There is a guy here on CSR that does installs. Maybe he'll chime in.
 
Your genny should be sized to run at 75% of its rated output. Add up your draw or watch your amp meter with A/C, microwave, coffee pot, etc and see how many amps you draw. Keep in mind the A/C cycles off and you don't run the other stuff constantly. The water heater uses a lot of power but the heat exchanger does most of the work. Once the water is hot, the load falls off. Builders over design the genny because of the possibility of all systems being run at once. I've got a 5kw and can't load it to 75% of rated output except when the microwave, water heater, coffee pot and a/c are running. You can turn some stuff off if you get into that situation.
 
When we were shopping for a new 2006 300DA, we found one less the generator. We were quoted 13K from a S/R dealer for a Kohler 5E (5kw) without the sound shield. This price included installation using the factory wiring harness, and to the factory wiring schematic. The 5E has plenty capability to run every AC circuit on a 300DA. I'm not certain there is enough of a foot print for a genset much bigger than the 5E..check the foot print if you want an 8kw. The genset will set in the area where your batteries currently are so they will require relocating (longer battery cables are required for relocating) plus another battery will be added just for the genset.

If you decide to install a genset, I would only have someone that has experience with installing them. After it is installed, I would have a certified marine surveyor inspect the installation to make certain it was done to proper marine standards to make certain no short cuts were taken. Having it inspected would also eliminate any suprises if you ever decide to sell the boat.


Quite a first post...welcome to the forum.
 
My 300DA has the Kohler 5E. More than enough to power everything. Look into the safe CO models like the Westerbeke, but do your homework. I have read about some problems with those as well. http://www.clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9591&highlight=generator I think Doug "Presentation" spent around 9K for his install on a 280DA. Great to have another 300DA owner here. Welcome. Brian
 
Last edited:
My view on this is that you should have a Sea Ray dealer install a generator of the same size and type the factory optioned for the 300DA in 2002. That way you preserve the integrety and future resale of your boat. Just about nothing queers a sale or trade quicker than an obvious addition or upgrade that does not look normal or factory for a particular boat.

That means that you will be looking for a Westerbeke 4.5 KW or perhaps a 5.0KW since the diesel options was a 5.0., but I would try to use a low CO model. The time to do this is right now while dealers are hurting for cashflow due to the economy and winter.

The last one our dealer installed in a no-genset boat cost the owner $7200, complete. One advantage to using a Sea Ray dealer is that you may find that your boat already has part of the generator wiring harness on it from the factory. Having the wiring diagram and knowing what to look for will save a lot of time and cost.

Also, most large Sea Ray dealers have access to remanufactured Westerbeke generators. We see several generators replaced every year because of salt water "accidents". Our dealer almost always uses a remanned unit and has great success with them so you might ask your dealer about that approach.
 
Kinship,
In addition be prepared for the boat to squat very pronounced in the stern . I had an 01 300 with factory genset and it was pretty bad. I do recc the sound shield on which ever genset u select.

Good luck

Rob
 
We just went to the Seattle boat show. After the portable genertor thread, I figured I'd find out what it would run to get a proper Genset quote.
In our 260DA we would have to relocate the water tank and install the genset where the water tank is now.

A Westerbeke unit and Kohler unit priced out close to each other, but Kohler was slighty less expensive. Right around $5k-5500 for a 5KW gas.
Install I probably do myself, but figured this one is a project a professional should do.
Install the guess(since my boat wasn't there to survey) was another $2000-3000.

I'll wait for the next boat that already has one. I don't need that much power. I really just want to be able to recharge the batts while on the hook. The goal is the next boat is a diesel.
 
Nehalennia said:
We just went to the Seattle boat show. After the portable genertor thread, I figured I'd find out what it would run to get a proper Genset quote.
In our 260DA we would have to relocate the water tank and install the genset where the water tank is now.

A Westerbeke unit and Kohler unit priced out close to each other, but Kohler was slighty less expensive. Right around $5k-5500 for a 5KW gas.
Install I probably do myself, but figured this one is a project a professional should do.
Install the guess(since my boat wasn't there to survey) was another $2000-3000.

I'll wait for the next boat that already has one. I don't need that much power. I really just want to be able to recharge the batts while on the hook. The goal is the next boat is a diesel.
Click to expand...

Check the Westerbeke dealers in the surrounding area. IIRC, Engines 1 in VA had remans with a warranty same as a new for cheaper than you could find a lot of used.

HTH.
 
Thank you all for this great information. I'm going to check with my local mechanic group BayShore Marine and others in the Annapolis area including Clarks Landing Sea Ray to see if anyone has access to rebuilt Westerbeke or Onan's and then get a price quote on it and on install. When I get that, I'll post again here for future reference of others.

Nate
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,186
Messages
1,428,173
Members
61,097
Latest member
Mdeluca407
Back
Top