www.iFourWinns.com

I am sure that the kholer with the sound sheild is quiet but it won't be as quiet as a westerbeke 3.0 without a sheild. You can see videos of the westerbeke running if you do a google search for "westerbeke 3.0".




Message posted from my Blackberry(so please excuse any typos)

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Brett DiMichele

Hi Brett,
Just how big a job is the gen set install anyway.
I've been thinking of going that route on my 298. I seem to have lots of space and I've been trying to decide if I shoud do it myself or have it done by the marina.

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"ROCKHOUND"
2005 Vista 298
Georgian Bay, Ontario.

Planetalternative,

Well.... Lets see...

Ok you have to buy the genset and the remote start harness, you then need a properly sized thru hull for intake water (with a scoop if you plan to run the genset while underway) you also need a sea strainer for the intake water. You need a lift muffler, exhaust thru hull, properly sized and ABYC rated hose for the exhaust, the intake water and fuel. You need an anti siphon valve for the fuel tank and an available fuel tap in the tank (which I have) to install a pickup for the genset. You have to wire an Alternating Current Transfer Switch into the Ships AC Panel so that you can select either Shore Power or Genset Power but not both! You need to properly bond the genset and the intake water thru hull. I am sure there are some small details I am missing, but that's the overall requirements.

I honestly don't think it will be a hard install, but if you are not familiar with wiring and plumbing you may want to let the pro's do it.

The Westerbeke 3.0 will run just over $5400.00 and that's JUST the genset.. You can expect to spend about another $1000.00 on the fittings, hose, wiring etc.

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Brett DiMichele

Brett248Vista,
You could say that I'm somewhat mechanically inclined. For me it's more of a time issue but from what you are saying, it seems like a weekend job.
I think that the 298 is prewired for a genset or at least the panel is. All the proper breakers are there with safety tie bars so its just a matter of plumbing and exhaust.
As for the cost... its still alot less expensive than OEM.
Thanks for the info.
Cheers,

Pete

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"ROCKHOUND"
2005 Vista 298
Georgian Bay, Ontario.

Mine is in the white sound shield box. It must be the installation method then, dang it.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Brett, I've read several times that you should not install a scoop on a generator intake. I don't have any experience in this but I've read it on the grumpy board. It may be worth a check with your generator maker.

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2008 V358 Two-tone Blue V/P Dual Prop 320 HP
Lake Winnipesaukee, NH

"grumpy board" ??? Link Please.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Brett,

Here is a link on youtube that may be of some help...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9M28QXbFPo

Mike
Vista 298

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2002 Vista 298 VP 5.0Gxi

The boatered board.

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2008 V358 Two-tone Blue V/P Dual Prop 320 HP
Lake Winnipesaukee, NH

Mike,

Yep that video was what made me say.... Ok this is gonna be expensive

jrcinnh,

Any idea why you wouldn't want to run a scoop? I was always under the impression that if you were going to run the genset while underway, you need the scoop.


For shite's and giggles I went yesterday and looked at a new and used Chaparral 290 Signature (with gennny and twins). Talk about leaving the dealership TOTALLY UNIMPRESSED! Wow... Thanks a LOT Four Winns for ruining me....

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Brett DiMichele

Ok so there has been a change of plans..

I am looking at the Kohler 5.0Ecd genset and I am not eliminating my hot water tank. Instant hot water heaters for the boat are not feasible unless you have a 15KW generator on board! I am going to eliminate the 21 gallon fresh water tank, move the plumbing and install a 16 gallon tank on the port side of the midcabin where the gray water tank would be. This gives me much more room to work with.

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Brett DiMichele