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Generator Installs East Coast of Florida

Discussion in 'Generators' started by wsdemmer, Jul 29, 2012.

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  1. wsdemmer

    wsdemmer New Member

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    Corpus Christi
    We are heading back to Florida in several weeks from a summer spent in the Bahamas and we will need to replace both generators. We have already purchased the generators and would like to have them installed while we are living on our boat. Does anyone have recommendations for a good installer located somewhere between Fort Lauderdale and Ft. Pierce Florida? We will probably do some additional maintenance while we are there.
  2. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    UMMMM, what type of boat? What type and size generators? And how much access is there to install them?

    I've heard from several people that Cracker Boy's rates up in their Ft. Pierce yard has been extremely reasonable lately and the quality of work good......
  3. wsdemmer

    wsdemmer New Member

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    61' Hatteras extended to 74' with 2 - 20kw Koehlers replacing with 21kw Phasor and a 14kw Phasor. Galley up model with the generator access forward towards the bow.
  4. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I don't know if I'd go with a Phasor. We had one in the 75' Hatteras I ran. It was a good running generator, normal maintanence items were very reasonable such as fuel, oil, etc filters......however hard parts were VERY expensive for it. Our heat exchanger failed, and a new one was $4700, for example.

    Why do you want to replace 2-20kw's with a 20kw and 14kw? If you're using that boat in a warm climate or cold climate and have the a/c or heat on, you're going to be pulling 15kw minimum......and it's good to have both the same so spare parts are the same and you only have to run 1 at a time all of the time.
    Cable Marine is one place that can swap them out in Ft. Laud.
  5. dennismc

    dennismc Senior Member

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    They already have the new gensets, you want them to replace already ??
  6. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    No, but it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to downsize a generator that was sized properly from a good company such as Hatteras. Especially when I know that on that size Hatteras, you can pull the full 20kw (and then some) pretty easily. I'm just saying that it's penny-wise and pound foolish.
  7. Liberty

    Liberty Senior Member

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    Bit late to be recommending other gensets now ...
  8. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    It is debatable... It all comes down to how the boat is used.

    With an older well ventilated Hatt, you don't need AC when anchored out except in the hottest months. For instance Here on the Bay from nov thru April, with the side windows as PH doors open the saloon is very comfortable and you may just end up running one or two AC down below resulting in a very light load on the genny. So using a smaller unit does make sense

    Now with a modern boat and no ventilation, indeed you will run much heavier loads year round and two larger gensets make sense

    Also, with an owner operated boat, you will often run fewer things than in a boat used for charters.. On charters with the Johnson 70 I run, at night I may need the second NL20 if we re cooking while running the water maker and washer dryer...


    One last thing, many Hatt motor yachts were factory delivered with a smaller "night" genset

    Again it s not one size fits all

    As to install, harbor town on the dania cut off is a good yard, at meat when I had work done there 4 years ago
  9. dennismc

    dennismc Senior Member

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    On my 70 ft here in the PNW, I can run the entire Yacht on one 20 kw and that includes 2 a/c units running out of 7, I rarely need the 2nd 20kw, I could get by with a 10 and a 20.
  10. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Generally, you want one generator to run everything, then the second generator is used to alternate generators and you also have a spare so you can run everything if one breaks down and it doesn't ruin your trip. Also on long trips you can run one for 24-36 hours, start the other one, get it online, then shut the 1st one off to check fluids etc....Also having 2 generators that are the same allows for carrying the same spares and you could have an entire spare raw water pump, etc etc.......but it is what it is.......
  11. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Here in south Georgia (Jacksonville Florida), the lower labor rate and slower pace could be of interest. I would guess that an panel, fuel and return management, exhaust and sea water feeds inspection would help your new system also. Any other work?
    Here in Jacksonville FL (that distant foreign place) there are a number of yards that can do great work, in budget, good schedule and maybe make worth the extra fuel getting her up here.
    These kids up here are hungry and I can suggest a few great yards for you to call directly. I'd love to quote on your work myself. For hit and giggles, call some shops further north (of liquordale) and compare attitude and labor over the phone. For sure nobody is going to give a quote over the phone but you may enjoy a fresh conservation.
    Fine yacht service is not just in south FL.
  12. SHAZAM

    SHAZAM Senior Member

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    If you want no headaches and no bull**** then go to Rolly Marine in Ftl and ask for Greg.
  13. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I agree, but I've found some of their work can be a little pricey....although the quality of their work is very good and Greg is a straight shooter.....