I am looking for a small unit to run AC and possibly stero. It would go in a 42 triple fountain. It appears that the boat had one at one time. thanks for any help Tom

no one

I occasionally see them on ebay.

I also see recons (3kw) go for about $3,000 on the net.

I've got a 5KW Kohler on my SR357--it's footprint is about as small as they get and it's a first rate unit. Check with Bell Marine in Pensacola---that's where I got mine --about $5000 installed.

5KW will run everything and have power to spare--it may even be too much power for load but it worked for me.

You can also look at 5o cycle units--the frequency can be changed with one jumper in the control box.

Poorsche

www.boatmat.com

Question-does anybody know if the exhaust on a air cooled generator need to be water cooled or jacketed when the generator is permanently installed in a boat. My guess would be yes, but does anybody really know the answer?

I have a 6500 W Kohler water-cooled generator that was dealer installed in my 382 Poker Run Special. I found the receipt in a stack of papers with the boat ... $10,000!

I think the permanently installed units need to be water-cooled due to the confined space one would occupy (i.e. engine compartment, etc.). I don't know if there are specific regulations regarding this, however.

You cannot use an air cooled genset in a confined space, even a small one will generate a lot of heat. They are also not ignition protected so BOOM. Finally the exhaust need to be water cooled so it can't become a source of ignition-once again BOOM. A reman 5-6 k genset is usually around 3500 when you can find them and installation is relatively easy. Or get a Honda EU2000 and put it on the swim platform when you use it-can't even hear it run.

Be VERY careful with used, rebuilt, recond units. The smaller Kohlers, etc are aluminum block, high revving units. Rebuilds can be done well, but very frequently are not.
Just buy new. You probably have all the wiring, transfer switch, plumbing, etc. in place, so istallation should be easy.
Check out these guys, I've dealt with both. BTW the 7.5kW kohlers is actually the same as the 5kW with a bigger breaker installed.
Gary
http://www.genairsystems.com/fsair.htm
http://www.mabru.net/

I put a westerbeke 3k in my boat and love it! It is the smallest one out in term's of dimension's, it is also very quiet. they sell for about 4,000 new. Good luck!