Posted: July 30 2008 at 09:31 | IP Logged

We use our 1999 270DA as a weekender and overnight often.  In the past we have survived on battery power but now I am thinking of adding a generator, new or used.  have anyone made this addition and have suggestions or ideas?

Posted: July 30 2008 at 10:11 | IP Logged

I have a 6.5 kw Westerbeke generator on my boat.  It works great but I prefer no noise or exhuast when at an anchorage.

A few years back I installed a 2 kw Xantrex (Heart Interface) inverter and improved house battery bank.

The Xantrex is: quite, inexpensive (compared to a generator), convenient, no exhaust fumes, generates less heat and is easy to use.  As well, it takes up less space.

You need an appropriate sized battery bank.   I have qty. 4 6VDC batteries as my house source and would prefer qty. 6.  Also you may want a high output alternator on your engine to charge the bank.

If you go this way, only deal with specialists when specifying the equipment you buy.  Don't go cheap.  As I am in Canada I worked with Ontario Battery (www.ontariobattery.com).

My current boat is 36'.  If I bought another boat (larger or smaller), I would put my money into a proper inverter system rather than a generator.

Posted: August 05 2008 at 09:36 | IP Logged

We have lived using just house batteries since buying the boat in early 1999, and have only had AC when at a marina or dock with power, but due to a physical condition my wife will need AC when the temp gets high so either we do not use the boat of get a generator.  Can you run the AC off the  Inverter?

Posted: September 01 2008 at 10:41 | IP Logged

After reading thru this, it would seem there might be a place to purchase a marine generator with water cooling to mount in that 270DA. 

We just purchased a 260DA, but didn't purchase the genset.  Big mistake.  I know many folks who will strap a Honda 2000i generator to the swim platform or to the bow, but if I could find a 2Kw or 3Kw water-cooled genset for my 260DA for a reasonable price I might just purchase that.

Posted: September 02 2008 at 12:02 | IP Logged

If you find either Gas or Diesel at a great price let me know.  The 3KW Westerbeke is the best I can find but it is still over $5,000 without instalation.