Generator Installation

Probably the biggest project we have undertaken was to install a generator. We get many of our ideas from the Island Packet Discussion List, a forum to exchange ideas via email, hosted by Sailnet.com and from Islandpacketphotos.com a site hosted by Hayden Cochran also an IP owner. We had been searching for a small generator at a reasonable cost. We were drawn to a 4.2kw generator made by Entec West. The size and price were right, and they are very supportive of owner installation and maintenance. We made the decision and traveled to the Annapolis Boat Show to see the model first hand and to place our order. We started immediately to create a space for it on Ariel. We decided the best location was directly under the helm. This is on the centerline which we felt was important since the generator with sound enclose weighs 234 pounds. This space was already occupied by the hot water heater. We took a radical approach and moved the hot water heater all the way forward to a space under the berth. It just fit through the opening. This meant re-routing the water lines and running electric for the water heater to the new location. Normally the water is heated from one of two sources. While the engine is running the engine cooling system will provide heat to warm the water through a heat exchanger. The second source is 120 volt AC electric which is provided by shore power or a generator. We decided not to route the hot water from the engine all the way forward, but since we now have a generator we could produce hot water anytime from 120 volt AC electric. The space now occupied by the hot water heater is not readily accessible, as it is under the mattress, so we felt is was an easy tradeoff to make.

The generator needed a good solid base so during the winter a base was constructed which would beef up the existing platform that previously supported the hot water heater.

Most of the work in doing the installation was around all the supporting services. A new thru hull was installed to provide cooling water. Just after the thru hull a new strainer was installed to filter out any debris that may be drawn in. A new fuel line was required and well as a fuel return. We design a fuel system that included a fuel filter identical to that the support the main diesel engine. We also designed a manifold that permits the main engine or generator to use either fuel filter. If one fuel filter becomes clogged we can immediately switch to the other, continue on and then change the dirty fuel filter.We also had to install the cables from the starter battery to the starter motor. The generator shares the same battery for starting with the main engine. We added the control panel which is mounted in the cockpit. This particular one will shut down the generator if problems are detected, such as overheating or low oil pressure.

We added the electrical wiring which required a set of circuit breaker controls which prevent sourcing 120 volt AC from shore power and the generator at the same time. W e added the exhaust system which required running the exhaust through a water lift muffler and then routing to the transom where a new exhaust port was added. Marine engines mix the cooling water and the exhaust. We knew this would create a splashing sound but decided to try the system one season before deciding if we needed an air water separator. The air water separator does exactly as the name implies. It separates the air and water and then routes the exhaust air to the transom exhaust port and sends the water to an underwater thru hull. The following year we added this feature. While the generator has its own very good sound enclosure, we decided to add another layer of sound insulation to the area where the generator would be installed. Finally we lowered the generator into place, using a chain fall attach to the spare halyard. This operation went smoothly and after making the final connections and bleeding the fuel lines, it started quite readily. We have been very pleased ever since and are very satisfied with the sound level. The unit which produces 35 amperes which can power everything we have on board, but not all at the same time. We added a ampere guage at the electric panels so we can control our consumption and the load on the generator Accces to the generator for maintainence is through the star board cockpit locker. The sound enclosure is removed as shown in the first photo to provide access.