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Hi Guys ,Well my next plan on the list is to make plans for a portable generator for the 268,In NZ our power supply is 230-240volts,so I have bought a stepdown transformer which will be mounted in the boat,this allows me to plug into shorepower here and still use my appliances etc,So the next thing is to buy a generator that will be powerful enough to power things while on the water,I was looking at a 2000 or 2800 watt generator which is also 230-240volts,but figure it will also run through the stepdown transformer ,so this should be fine ,correct? the other question I have ,is 2000 watts enough or should I go to the 2800 watts? or can I get away with using a smaller wattage generator? does anyone else run a similar set up? I was planning on putting the generator on the swimplatform with some straps while in use and the boat is on a mooring for the night,any suggestions or thoughts? cheers everyone ,Mike

To be on the safe side, a genset should be installed. There are a lot of reasons why. As to the generator, you need to decide on what you will be powering (refrdge, battery charger, hot water, .......) and add it up. I am sure there is a 5 to 10% loss from the transformer too, step down transformer are not cheap. Which will off set the cost of a genset.

Pros and cons. A genset runs off of the boats fuel tank and some have there own starting battery. No adding gas to it or storing gas on the boat for it. Most generators are not ignition proof. Gensets are prewired wired, just turn a switch or it can be automatic to power the A.C. panel. No cords to be connected or stored. Gensets are vented overboard, a better chance of no or less CO2 coming back into the boat. A genset will cost 2,3 or even 4 time as much depending on the size generator you buy. I am sure there is more......

You need to out weigh if ether one is right for you!!

Some folks swear by the Honda series of small portable generators. They are pretty nice, and quiet too.

Me, I'd rather avoid the whole range of safety issues portable units entail. The units get hot so you have a safety and then cool-down and storage issue. Pouring gas into them is not something I'd want to be doing on a boat. Especially not if it's already been running and needs a refill. Then there's the issue of where to safely store the gas you're going to pour into it. And these risks are there every time you use it. Oh, and don't forget the risks of having it fall overboard. Either in rough weather or when you're moving it around. Plop! and there goes a grand (or more) into the drink.

Gensets are designed to be operated in a boat. They cool themselves from the seawater and fuel themselves from the same tanks as the engines. Sure, they cost more but they save you from the repeated safety risks.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista