Relocated my generator forward in the engine room 44EB

Odyssey

Active Member
Jan 8, 2007
1,346
Delray Beach Florida
Boat Info
44EB
Engines
CAT 3116
Earlier this summer, I had to remove the generator due to mechanical issues. After it had been taken out, I thought about moving it forward in the engine room. In its old location, it was very difficult to service and access to the aft portion of the room was almost impossible. Those of you that have a 44EB will know exactly what I mean. After much deliberating and discussions with those who know more than I do (thanks Frank), I went ahead with the project. To save costs, I did most of the work myself (I didn't rebuild the genny). It turned out to be more work than I was expecting plus I found a bunch of work in the aft portion of the engine room that I didn't know about.

I kept a photo log of the project but thought I would post this video of the final product.

[video=youtube;pdMydfGDf94]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdMydfGDf94  [/video]
 
Wonder why the designers didn't lay it out that way originally. Much cleaner look.
 
Wonder why the designers didn't lay it out that way originally. Much cleaner look.

good question

cleaner look
accessible for genny maintenance
accessible aft portion of the engine room/bilge area
accessible aft portions of the main engines
moves weight forward
 
Very nice.
 
Very nice job. The amount of work involved there is incredible. It looks like it came that way. Moving things around is one thing but to make a major modification like that and have it still look like the factory did it is very difficult. Real nice job. I like the color of the Bilge Paint you used. If you don't mind me asking, who manufactures it and what color did you use?
 
Fantastic Job! I was wondering where you have been, now I know you've been busy! Thanks for the video post. Can I ask what happened to the genset? Where are your engine start batts? I've sent you a PM
 
Excellent Job! Thanks for sharing.
 
Randy,

Your project turned out great!

The individual photos you sent me during the generator repair and relocation process showed the step by step. This was a far more involved project that just "I'm moving my generator". Your video shows what can happen when experienced boat owners think outside the Sea Ray box. Thanks for sharing your experience with everyone.
 
Very nice job. The amount of work involved there is incredible. It looks like it came that way. Moving things around is one thing but to make a major modification like that and have it still look like the factory did it is very difficult. Real nice job. I like the color of the Bilge Paint you used. If you don't mind me asking, who manufactures it and what color did you use?

Thank you very much. You are right about the amount of work. For every item I knew about, there was 5 that I didn't. I might post the complete narrative (with pictures) if anyone is interested.

The boat came with that grey color already on it. After removing the genny, there was oil, rust and grime an inch thick on the rear of the floor and on the 2 generator support beams. The rust came from a disintegrated generator rail which was caused by a leaking genny water pump. I tried in vane to clean it all off but couldn't. After the genny went back in its new location, I cleaned and lightly sanded the floor, removed any hoses or other attachments and had the grey color matched in an epoxy paint. I filled all the holes in the stringer (from all the hoses, strainers, etc that was relocated) and touched them up when I painted the floor (2 coats). I then bought a 1/4" closed cell neoprene mat and cut it to fit for a floor mat. The floor mat will protect the paint and provide a cushion for working in the room. The floor mat is not shown in the video.
 
Fantastic Job! I was wondering where you have been, now I know you've been busy! Thanks for the video post. Can I ask what happened to the genset? Where are your engine start batts? I've sent you a PM

here is the work to the genny....


  1. new T stat housing, T stat and gasket
  2. new vent that goes on top of T Stat housing
  3. new air filter and gasket
  4. newl filters
  5. new exhaust manifold/expansion tank combo unit and gasket
  6. new heat exchanger, end caps and zinc plugs
  7. new fresh water pump and gasket
  8. new rail and 4 new rubber mountings
  9. raw water pump rebuild
  10. new hoses for everything
  11. new fuel pump

My mechanic did all the work to the genny, I just did the engine room while he was rebuilding it in his shop.

My main engine batteries are located inside the stairs leading to the bridge. I debated putting the genny battery there (no room) and also debated using the main batteries for the genny. I decided to keep the genny's battery and put it under the shelf in the ER.
 
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Weight distribution?

In the 44EB, the engines and fuel tanks are all located behind the salon (unlike the 48). Since it is a bridge boat, the bridge helps balance the weight but I always felt my boat was ass heavy. The genny was moved about 6 feet. If it had any impact on the distribution, its isn't much.
 
.... I decided to keep the genny's battery and put it under the shelf in the ER.

IMO, this is a good decision. On boats of this size reducing batteries is not the best course of action. Having dedicated batt for genny is a great option. I wish I had it.
 

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