Running Generator while underway?

NaughtyDog

NaughtyDog

Member
Sep 29, 2013
210
Surrey, B.C.
Boat Info
2001 Sea Ray 400 Sedan Bridge
AB 320 VS RIB w/25hp Merc 2-strk
Engines
3126 Cats, propped @ 22x23
I'm in my second season with my first "big boat", a 400 Sedan with a westerbeke 8kw gen. As this is my first boat with a generator, I'm still a newbie when it comes to it so forgive me if this is a silly question...Can I run the genny while underway to help quickly charge up my battery bank? We've been anchored on the Sunshine Coast and would like to make the run up to Desolation Sound and have a full bank when I get there. Any helpful hints work also be appreciated. Thanks!


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Gennie is the first thing started and last thing shut down on my boat. The worst thing you can do to a generator is NOT use it. I don't know the math or physics behind it, but the more they are stressed, the longer and better they run.
 
Like David said, run the genny it is common practice. Enjoy the sunshine! Mike
 
Run mine underway all the time.
 
dpmulvey said:
Gennie is the first thing started and last thing shut down on my boat. The worst thing you can do to a generator is NOT use it. I don't know the math or physics behind it, but the more they are stressed, the longer and better they run.
Click to expand...

+1

Mark
 
Same boat, same genny, and run it all the time. As soon as I unplug shore power, I switch over to genny.....even if its a 20 min ride.
 
Do you guys turn it off when going to refuel?
 
not to hijack the thread but this is a related question....can you start the genny and AC while underway or is it best to start them while the boat is not moving?...

cliff
 
Last edited:
Your engines will recharge the batteries underway using the alternator on each engine, but running the generator is acceptable practice.

The trick with generators is not just to run them, but run them fully loaded.

Yes, turn the generator off and de-power the panel when re-fueling.

I don't like to start the generator at anything more than idle speed because I can't hear what is going on, when it starts, if it runs a bit and then quits, etc. If you crank the generator at idle speed or at the dock, let it warm up then put a full load on it, if it runs, its gonna run all day.
 
When at a fuel dock, I kill the mains, but leave the genset running.

Is this a mistake?
 
FootballFan said:
When at a fuel dock, I kill the mains, but leave the genset running.

Is this a mistake?
Click to expand...

I don't like the fact that there is 120/240VAC running all sorts of stuff on the boat while I'm fueling. If I am going to ever have a situation where I have loose fuel in the boat it is going to be at a time when I am putting fuel in the tanks. Any relay on the boat whether it is a water valve on an ice maker or an AC compressor, has the potential to arc. Electrical arcing and fuel don't mix.

I admit, that I am ultra conservative about boat safety...........I don't want you guys posting a news article about me and a boat fire!


But, here is one more point for you in particular.......you have QSC engines and the high pressure fuel line on your boat can and probably will break at some point. That turns a running QSC into a mobile flame thrower since the fuel in that line is under about 2600 psi of pressure. I think we talked about this when you were shopping for the 47DB, but I don't remember if you had Cummins repair this or not, but the fix is a $5 clamp and is worth doing.
 
How else can you run the blender for frozen drinks (virgin of course) while underway?
 
fwebster said:
I don't like the fact that there is 120/240VAC running all sorts of stuff on the boat while I'm fueling. If I am going to ever have a situation where I have loose fuel in the boat it is going to be at a time when I am putting fuel in the tanks. Any relay on the boat whether it is a water valve on an ice maker or an AC compressor, has the potential to arc. Electrical arcing and fuel don't mix.

I admit, that I am ultra conservative about boat safety...........I don't want you guys posting a news article about me and a boat fire!


But, here is one more point for you in particular.......you have QSC engines and the high pressure fuel line on your boat can and probably will break at some point. That turns a running QSC into a mobile flame thrower since the fuel in that line is under about 2600 psi of pressure. I think we talked about this when you were shopping for the 47DB, but I don't remember if you had Cummins repair this or not, but the fix is a $5 clamp and is worth doing.
Click to expand...

Yes, fix has been applied to both sides. I always shut down the mains anyway.

Thanks,

Mark
 
What fix are you talking about? The QSC and other modern common rail diesels run at fuel pressures in excess of 20,000psi. I haven't heard of any common rail diesels turning into flame throwers.
 
The fix that we were discussing was a bracket which over time could impact the integrity of the high side line. Cummins had a service bulletin out on it. Simple fix.

If you have a certified cummins mechanic pull the cummins service history for the engine, it will show whether or not it has been replaced. If it hasn't, I don't think there is a charge (not 100% on that point).

In my case, I had hired an authorized Cummins service location for my engine surveys. When I asked about the issue, they knew exactly what I was talking about. The records indicated it had been applied to my boat. I had them confirm when they were on the boat during the survey.

As far as I know, this was specific to the QSC 600's during the time frame that my engines fell into. No idea if this applies to other Cummins engines, or at what point it was no longer an issue.

I am sure at some point, the engines came out with the updated bracket. If a person wanted to explore, my suggestion would be to go to a Cummins certified service location with your SN's.

This would have never entered my mind, no knowledge of it. That's where the wealth of knowledge and experience that I tapped into talking with Frank really paid off.

Mark
 
I agree with everything said but would like to add that I'm pretty sure it's better to start the genny while not moving to pick up cooling water better.
 
FootballFan said:
The fix that we were discussing was a bracket which over time could impact the integrity of the high side line. Cummins had a service bulletin out on it. Simple fix.

If you have a certified cummins mechanic pull the cummins service history for the engine, it will show whether or not it has been replaced. If it hasn't, I don't think there is a charge (not 100% on that point).

In my case, I had hired an authorized Cummins service location for my engine surveys. When I asked about the issue, they knew exactly what I was talking about. The records indicated it had been applied to my boat. I had them confirm when they were on the boat during the survey.

As far as I know, this was specific to the QSC 600's during the time frame that my engines fell into. No idea if this applies to other Cummins engines, or at what point it was no longer an issue.

I am sure at some point, the engines came out with the updated bracket. If a person wanted to explore, my suggestion would be to go to a Cummins certified service location with your SN's.

This would have never entered my mind, no knowledge of it. That's where the wealth of knowledge and experience that I tapped into talking with Frank really paid off.

Mark
Click to expand...

Thanks, as I understand it, the issue is the brackets that support the common rail. I have a 2011 model QSC 600. I bet this issue predates my motor. I will ask Cummins to look it up to make sure. Would you have any details on the service bulletin?
 
Wow, thanks for all of the responses. Apparently we've been slumming it! I probably should of mentioned that my goal was to charge my house bank of 6 6v batts in addition to my starters. Gennys on now and I'm underway, we'll see how she does. Thks! Love CSR!


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