Click for JetForums Click for Delta Click for Ocean Alexander Click for Westport Click for Walker

Liveaboard Info/Help?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by creepin, Feb 15, 2009.

You need to be registered and signed in to view this content.
  1. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2008
    Messages:
    11,205
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    I think you'd find the amount of elec. generated insufficient for a 40' motoryacht and gennerally a PITA compared to just plugging in. Roughing it is OK for a weekend, but not so great for day to day living. IMHO that's more of a 1960's lifestyle than now. Besides, if you plan to follow the sun air conditioning will be real nice.:D
  2. Blackthorn

    Blackthorn New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2009
    Messages:
    14
    Location:
    Chesapeake
    I hope I didn't give the impression I don't intend on plugging in. I certainly like my stuff cold and juice for the laptop, warm water, etc.

    I'm just kicking around some ideas, is all.

    Its just a passing interest I have, and probably wouldn't pursue it unless the device was already installed by the previous owner. One thing I've learned, even here on land, is don't stick your hands into a running machine. Cutting in to a well designed system would be a mistake, for the few hundred hours per year I may be away from the dock.

    Say, how many hours can you typically get on a normal, consumer model genny? I've seen them advertised with about 1700-1800 hours, usually no higher than that.
  3. NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2008
    Messages:
    11,205
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Not sure of the lifespan. It depends on a lot of factors. Considering that the average 40' yacht only runs about 100 hours a year, and live aboards often less....
  4. Blackthorn

    Blackthorn New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2009
    Messages:
    14
    Location:
    Chesapeake
    Good to know.
  5. chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2009
    Messages:
    1,776
    Location:
    Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay & S.Jersey
    I've got a 30 yr old, noisey rattletrap Onan genny with 3400 + hrs on it.
    1980, 7.5 Kw Diesel w/ glow plugs and sound shield.
    Change the oil every 100 or so hrs, keep it clean.
    I've had some minor repairs over the years ( the raw water pumps suck on these ) but nothing major.
    Every time I leave the slip, I run the genny and I load it up.
    They don't like to run no load that much.
    I think not running them is worse than putting hours on them, same with the engines.
    For your comparison list. . . .
  6. Blackthorn

    Blackthorn New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2009
    Messages:
    14
    Location:
    Chesapeake
    Ah! Thats more like it. Living proof!

    The more I read on these Onan's, the more impressed I am. I'm focusing on gennies and engines, and my concerns are beginning to fade a little.

    Thanks neighbor.
  7. hat4349

    hat4349 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2005
    Messages:
    249
    Location:
    Tampa, Florida
    I have a Kohler 20kw that I run every time I go out and if I don't go out run it for at least 1/2 hour on Saturday morning under a regular load on the boat. In the past 8 years I have replaced the thermostat and changed the oil every year. I think if you use it regularly you will get longer life out of it.

    We live aboard but usually go out twice a month, I don't want a dock queen and I believe my diesels like the gen set need to be used.
  8. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,432
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Yes that is true......Most Onan's and westerbeke's will go 4-5,000 hours if taken care of. Northern Lights can go 20,000 hours if used all the time.
  9. Alf

    Alf New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2009
    Messages:
    19
    Location:
    Tel Aviv
    Intent upon moving to live on a boat in the east Mediterranean I am opting for a motor-sailer boat, that I didn't find yet.
    I need to narrow my search or I'll never be able to find what I'm looking for.
    Any thoughts and informed opinions and reccommendations about the prospect of living aboard an Island Trader 46 ( built by Marine Trader in Taiwan) would be highly appreciated.
    Or would you suggest something else? Why?
    Thanks to one and all that would take the time to reply.