Replacing Westerbeke 8.0 on my 400 sedan

[Arl798]

Well the dreaded day has come. When I bought my boat 4 years ago the broker and my mechanic told me not to spend a cent on the Gen as it was in rough rough shape. It ran for about 3 years and its in such rough shape I had it removed to be refurbished and the mount that it and the batteries and oil change pump sit on changed out for a 1 inch starboard piece, as the original was rotten do to water coming in the hatch.

Once I received the estimate to refirbish mine I think I am just going to replace it.

So my question is if I don't want to go with Westerbeke what should I go with? Phasor makes a similar output Gen set that weights 100 pounds less and costs $4500 Less. Also exhaust elbow is in basically the same spot, and I am having the new starboard mount made anyways so the customization should be minimal.

Any recommendations?

 

[SR400DB]

Northern Lights makes a generator that fits in the same foot print. This will be my choice when the time comes (if it comes).

 

[fwebster]

In South Florida there are a couple of companies that sell remaned generators. I'd give them a look-see.

I"ve had good luck with Westerbeke. The 8BTD is low tech which means that if you care for them they last a long time and have no quirks from electronic interfaces or failures. I am also partial to anything with a Kubota engine. I've run them thousands of hours in off-road equipment since the early 70's and have never replaced a part that I didn't break, other than maintenance items like filters…..Onan uses Kubota diesels, so I'd have to consider them as well.

 

[Arl798]

Thanks for the info...Here is where I am at so far. Boat show price for Westerbeke is $8941 which is almost 25% off. On the other hand the Onan with the Cummins is $8600 but has the sound shield built in. I think it may need it as it revs 2800rpm rather than 1800 on the Westerbeke. Not to mention likely some custom fab work to be done...The whole reason I need a new one is water leaking through the hatch ruined it. Def getting a custom cover built for a new one.

 

[Skybolt]

I agree with fwebster, keep it simple. The Westerbeke BTD line is so very uncomplicated from electronic issues. I would look into a reman. if possible. NorthernLights is worth the money as well, that's a commercial unit that will go forever, if well maintained.