[C38] Diesel Generator

Sun Apr 19 20:52:42 EDT 2009

Thanks Tom I can't decide if I will build a box as a seat or side mount it
as on other owner. I do have a Honda 2000 I wonder if I can tap
the exhaust outlet for an extension to drop the exhaust to close to the
water. I am afraid of fumes.
Thanks Bill

On Sat, Apr 18, 2009 at 2:39 PM, Tom T. <tdtron at earthlink.net> wrote:

>  Hi Bill,
>
> Sorry for the delay.  I am way behind in reading my email and just today
> saw your's.
>
> If you have an inverter controlled Honda EU2000, you already have a very
> quiet genset.  Mine has a Honda engine but it is not inverter controlled and
> runs 3,600 rpm all the time so it's noisy load or no load.
>
> The box is constructed from 1/2" plywood and lined with lead lined foam
> acoustic insulation.  Then the inside is lined with light gage aluminum.  I
> welded a 3/4" female nipple to the muffler so I can screw in a typical
> lawnmower muffler to further quiet the engine.
>
> Since these pictures were taken, I've fabricated a baffled intake to the
> engine cooling vent hole which really helped quiet it down.  All three air
> intakes are separate and directly fed from the outside.  These include the
> carb, engine cooling and generator cooling.  There are two hot outlets, the
> muffler exit and a large vent on the bottom for venting the engine and
> generator section heated air.  The hot air from the bottom is directed to
> the rear where it hits the back of the cockpit backrest and is angled up.
> This reduces noise also.
>
> By putting the genset on the helm seat, it keeps the genset as far as
> possible from the cabin, downwind at anchor, and a great seat for the
> helmsman.  I remove the outboard tank from the genset and replace it with a
> throwable cushion for a really great helms seat.  I have a rope that
> attaches to the genset that connects to the toe rails to keep it in place.
>
> The two pictures of the lid are from both sides.  I wanted to show the
> aluminum liner protecting the lead/foam insulation.  The slot in the top is
> to allow the lid to be easily removed and replaced and still having quick
> access to the starter cord.  I rigged a remote lever mounted on the front to
> operate the choke.  Also, on one side is an electric button to kill the
> ignition.  There is also a screw out marine type port on the side for easy
> oil changing.
>
> Good luck,
> TomTroncalli
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> *From:* William Knowles <whk1965 at gmail.com>
> *To: *Catalina 38 Listserve <listserve at catalina38.org>
> *Sent:* 3/30/2009 9:50:57 PM
> *Subject:* Re: [C38] Diesel Generator
>
> Hi Tom, I bought a honda gen at the boat show, would like to see photos of
> your install. Sounds like the perfect fix for the honda.
>
> Thanks Bill Knowles
> flying goose
>
> whk1965 at gmail.com
>
> 2009/3/30 Max Soto <maxsoto at gmail.com>
>
>>
>> Hi Tom,
>> I definitely want to go with a permanent installed Marine generator in
>> order to run my air conditioning at anchor. You did a hell of a job with
>> your sound shield and thanks a lot for you input!! This way will be a lot
>> cheaper tan the price of a marine gen, but if I want it to be permanent, I
>> think this will be the right option......
>>
>> Anybody on the list have installed a diesel gen on their boats??
>>
>> Any toughts will be appreciated.
>>
>> Regards,
>> Max Soto
>> C38 #198 ESTANCIA
>> Puntarenas, Costa Rica
>>
>>  2009/3/30 Tom T. <tdtron at earthlink.net>
>>
>>>  Hi Max,
>>>
>>> You may not want to duplicate what I did.  Instead of buying  diesel
>>> genset, I used a 3kw air cooled generator.  I through away the frame and gas
>>> tank and put the motor/generator in a sound enclosure.  It was a very big
>>> job but I use the genset enclosure as a helm seat also.  The genset over the
>>> helm seat is very quiet in the cabin, being as far as you can get from us
>>> and still be on the boat.  The stern area is also downwind from us.
>>>
>>> The sound enclosure and additional muffler make the genset almost totally
>>> quiet.  You can't hear it from the cabin when it is running.  We lost no
>>> storage space and gained an elevated helm seat but it was an enormous job
>>> making the sound enclosure.  It is made from 1/2" plywood, lined with lead
>>> backed foam sound deadening material and finally covered by aluminum
>>> sheeting on the interior.  The enclosure is vented on the bottom for hot air
>>> exiting of the engine and generator portions of the genset.  The intakes for
>>> the carb, engine cooling and generator cooling are all separate from the
>>> ends of the enclosure.
>>>
>>> I have tested the internal temps on a hot day with the genset running at
>>> full load and it never gets over about 15f above ambient
>>> temperatures inside.  The muffler is wrapped in heat wrap cloth to insulate
>>> it from adding heat inside the enclosure.
>>>
>>> The genset runs on a 6 gal gasoline tank when in use but I have a cushion
>>> to cover the genset instead of the gas tank when used as a helm seat.  The
>>> rope starter is led through a slot in the lid so it can be cranked without
>>> lifting the lid.  The choke is accessed from a lever on the front.  I also
>>> installed an engine kill switch on the outside of the enclosure so you can
>>> crank and stop the genset without lifting the gas tank or lid.
>>>
>>> Since these pictures were taken, I have put a deflector and grill over
>>> the engine intake which made it even quieter.
>>>
>>> I looked at several diesel gensets before I took this route.  We have an
>>> inverter on board so even in winter when we don't carry the genset we still
>>> have 120v service.  I use the genset on my other lake boat as well since the
>>> genset is portable.  The sound enclosure is heavy but you would be amazed at
>>> how quiet we tamed this beast.  My remedy isn't exactly a match for a good
>>> diesel genset but it was cheaper, portable, lighter, doesn't rob any storage
>>> space, and it gives us a high helm seat making it much more enjoyable from
>>> the helm seat with the fantastic view using it.  I have a small block and
>>> tackle on the backstay to lift the genset to access the rear locker. I can
>>> lift the genset one handed with this arrangement.
>>>
>>> Sorry I couldn't help you on a diesel genset but I did want to answer
>>> your question.
>>>
>>> If you are an idiot like me and decide to go this route, I will be glad
>>> to give your more information and photos.
>>>
>>> Good luck.
>>> Tom Troncalli
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>  ----- Original Message -----
>>> *From:* Max Soto <maxsoto at gmail.com>
>>> *To: *tdtron at earthlink.net;Catalina 38 Listserve<listserve at catalina38.org>
>>> *Sent:* 3/30/2009 4:58:13 PM
>>> *Subject:* Re: [C38] Measurement request
>>>
>>> Hi Tom,
>>> What kind of gen set are you using?? I'm planning to install a diesel gen
>>> but haven't decide wich one yet..
>>> --
>>> Max Soto
>>> C38 #198 ESTANCIA
>>> Puntarenas, Costa Rica
>>>
>>> 2009/3/30 Tom T. <tdtron at earthlink.net>
>>>
>>>>  Here is a picture of our microwave and air conditioner. I hope it
>>>> comes through.  They are in the navigation station foot well.  This area was
>>>> essentially useless so we used it for the microwave and air conditioner.
>>>> The water pump for the air conditioner is under the quarter berth where it
>>>> is easy to service and quiet.
>>>>
>>>> The microwave works from a transfer switch which allows us to use it
>>>> with shore power, genset, or inverter.
>>>>
>>>> The location of the microwave under the navigation station is also very
>>>> convenient to the galley.
>>>>
>>>> Tom Troncalli
>>>> Renata hull #95
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> *From:* Joseph Launie <jlaunie at cox.net>
>>>> *To: *Catalina 38 Listserve <listserve at catalina38.org>
>>>> *Sent:* 3/30/2009 3:29:03 PM
>>>> *Subject:* Re: [C38] Measurement request
>>>>
>>>> Charles,
>>>>     On Macavity we installed a small microwave in the galley by
>>>> inserting it in the bulkhead with the oven extending into the locker. We
>>>> installed it in the aft cabin side, above the fridge. I am going to the boat
>>>> this wekend and will send a picture. Joe Launie/Macavity
>>>>
>>>> Charles wrote:
>>>>
>>>> I am thinking of installing a microwave oven on the port-side shelf just
>>>> forward of the galley.  I am about 700 miles from my boat, so I was
>>>> wondering if someone a bit closer could send me the shelf measurement
>>>> (height and depth)?
>>>> Why a microwave?  We drink a lot of tea,  noodles, an soup and I have
>>>> the inverter capacity to run a 700 watt microwave. Microwave dimensions
>>>> are:  18" wide,  11 5/8 high, 13 1/2 deep.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>> Charles Finn
>>>> Mighty Quinn,  #114
>>>> Great Lakes
>>>>
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>>>>
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>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>>
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>
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-- 
W H Knowles
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