What are your power requirements? That will determine size. A westerbeke Lo-CO fuel injected 3K should do you fine. Will you be able to cook, run the AC, Microwave and water heater at the same time....NOPE. But with a bit of power management it should prove to be more than enough to do a lot.

MAKE SURE YOU GET THE 1800 RPM UNIT.

They are as quiet as a church mouse compared to a 3600 RPM unit.

If you mention Honda on the transom here, prepare to get the back of your eyes jabbed with an ice pick.

 

The generator will cost you almost as much the boat... a new generator installed will cost between $10-14,000. It would be cheaper to sell your 290 and buy a boat with a generator in it. Also, IMHO, the 94' 290 engine compartment is small for a generator. There are probably a few '94-'97 300 DAs with generators out there for between $20-30K... I would look for a boat with a genny in it, if I had to have a gennerator...

 

The generator will cost you almost as much the boat... a new generator installed will cost between $10-14,000. It would be cheaper to sell your 290 and buy a boat with a generator in it. Also, IMHO, the 94' 290 engine compartment is small for a generator. There are probably a few '94-'97 300 DAs with generators out there for between $20-30K... I would look for a boat with a genny in it, if I had to have a gennerator...

I hate to agree with something like this, but he's right. That is a tight ER for adding a genny. Of course you could half-ass it and probably get the job done for $3-4k, but that is always the wrong way (plus you gotta "know" folks in the biz). Take this opportunity to step up to a 300 or 310.

I am a do-it-yourself guy and I would have a tough choice on this...... But in the end, it is much easier, cheaper and logical to just go with a boat withone already installed.

Or you could mount a 2k Honda in your cabin where it won't get wet. Lol!!! ;-) Let the flames begin!

 

Thanks, appreciate the input! As for going "up" in size, I just bought this one and it's an upgrade from my 25' Sunsation Aggressor. So I already have a rather large learning curve lol...baby steps. Guess the inverter is my answer for now. Safe boating everyone

 

FYI, I've got a Kohler 4CZ generator in my '96 290. It adds a lot of flexibility to boating especially if you enjoy cruising. - Bob

 

FYI, I've got a Kohler 4CZ generator in my '96 290. It adds a lot of flexibility to boating especially if you enjoy cruising. - Bob

I have a genni also but we both have single engines the original poster has twin engines which will make it tougher to install.

 

Hey Quint - Yes I recognized that. My response was to the "too small for a generator" opinions. One of the reasons I bought a 290 with a single was because I wanted a generator and room to work on it and the engine. I also believe it's possible to use a swimstep mounted generator safely and courteously but we know where that opinion always goes. Oops! - Bob

 

:smt038I am finally getting my gennie! Westerbeke, and while it's a bit pricey it's not nearly as high as some thought. The Genset total was 8k.:thumbsup:

 

Good for you. I am seriously thinking of removing mine this year to lose some weight. We slip the boat and have electric at the dock.....used it only a few times last year.

 

I am docking at a friends this summer on the seawall and at my BF's parents condo so no dock power. I'm happy with my decision so that I don't stress out on long weekends out with the kids using tv, microwave, fridge, radio, xbox, hot water etc.:smt101
Now for Garmin - my extra's are gonna be more than what I paid for this boat:smt001

 

You will love it for your situation.