diesel gen set

[rarel01]

Looking for opinions as to what brand gen set in the 4.5 to 5.5 kw should we install in our boat. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Bob

 

[F/V First Team]

What is it for a boat?
If space is limited I would suggest a Fischer Panda setup.
Small power plant that is all enclosed and it is very quiet.

Fischer Panda 6500 Diesel Marine Generator

 

[MDI45]

Nice and compact...hows she priced compared to a nothern lights?

 

[F/V First Team]

Same, both are in US Dollars

Dunno, it's been a while since I talked to Bill about pricing one out

 

[rarel01]

Its for our 32 levy. If Bill sells them i would like to contact for pricing ect. Do you have experience with fisher panda, they seem pretty complicated. I was leaning towards northern lites orwesterbeke but am open to anyone with first hand experience.

 

[F/V First Team]

The panda was a slick easy install. Had an external control box that is situated elsewhere from the engine portion. So you don't need a huge space, we hid the engine under the deck and the control box above it in the settee. A little water lift muffler with a vented loop and it was all done.

 

[boot]

A little more info........................


Fischer Panda Generators PMS 6500

 

[djmarchand]

I have two recommendations:

1. For a heavy duty, rock solid generator that will last almost forever (if used and maintained properly), buy a Northern Lights.

2. For a much lighter one at half the weight but fine for casual use, buy a NextGen.

David

 

[Blitzen]

I can't agree more.

Fischer Panda is an over engineered complicated unit. I knew a German that had one in his NB 36 and hated the thing.

I have two recommendations:

1. For a heavy duty, rock solid generator that will last almost forever (if used and maintained properly), buy a Northern Lights.

2. For a much lighter one at half the weight but fine for casual use, buy a NextGen.

David

 

[Eslang]

I can't agree more.

Fischer Panda is an over engineered complicated unit. I knew a German that had one in his NB 36 and hated the thing.

Northern Lights might be more money but they are bullet proof

 

[Blitzen]

Northern Lights might be more money but they are bullet proof

Northern Nights makes a great unit, I think it is well worth the money if it is going to get a lot of use.

 

[MDI45]

Northern Lights might be more money but they are bullet proof

Just dont hydro lock it..like i did

 

[MBILL]

I have the Northern Lights genset in a 35 Duffy and it's been a very reliable unit.
Never "over crank" the engine if you've got a water lift muffler (I have one too). You can cause water to flow back to the engine and bad things happen...

 

[tunaorlater]

Just dont hydro lock it..like i did

I was just gonna say,not bullet proof. I blew mine up the same way. Generators don't like side exhaust on a downeast.

 

[rarel01]

Guys, This has been fantastic! I was leaning towards northern lites or westerbeke. The mechanic at my marina did not have alot of good things to say about fisher panda. Thepoint is thst I am anticipating aproximately using the gen set 500 hrs or more a year. The exhaust limitations and over cranking could anyone eliborate on . The kind of $$$$$ we are talking i want to do it once do it right. Thanks again Bob

 

[F/V First Team]

Cranking turns the engine over, which in turn rotates the impeller over to cool the engine as well as the exhaust. However while turning over the engine is not producing enough exhaust to displace and move the water being introduced to the exhaust stream from the impeller, letting it build up to potentially back-flow into the cylinder via the exhaust valve.

One of those "uh oh" moments

 

[Blitzen]

Moral of the story is, it it doesn't fire right over after the first few cranks close off the water intake and try again. This way you are not filling your lift muffler with water which will back up into your engine when it doesn't start and is full of water.

 

[tunaorlater]

Check out nor pro also. 5 year 5000 hour warantee and there in ct.

 

[MDI45]

Hey Mike did you have her rebuilt or did you buy something different??

 

[CEShawn]

We had a Northern Lights, bullet proof until it mysteriously had water damage. Sadly it got winterized/commissioned when I was oversea's so I can only imagine what was done.

Anyone have ball park pricing on these units?