Using the Generator under way

[Capricorn]

Hello all,
I have a Kohler 5ECD Low CO generator on board and am just wondering if any of you other 290 owners have run the generator while under way.

I can't find any limitation to this in the owners manual for either the vessel or the gene. Just thought I would check with others as there may be some risks associated with opening the gene sea cock at speed. I cruise at about 18-20 knots in most conditions, which is both comfortable and pretty efficient with twin 250 Yammies.

For overnighters at the moment we run to our selected anchorage, set the pick and then flash up the gene for hot water and cooking. This works OK and I dont have any problems with it. But it would be handy to have the water hot and the aircon doing its job by the time we drop the pick. Particularly if we get to the anchorage a little later than planned.

Any takers???

[290Coastal]

I cant speak for the genny part but I leave my A/C Seacock open all the time (close in the winter). I do however have a honda eu2000i for the overnights but have not had the opportunity to try it while running at cruising speeds. My first time using it will be during a "light Parade" the weekend after thanksgiving.

[seabob4]

Capricorn,
Yes, you can run the gennie underway, even at cruising speeds. Won't hurt a thing...

[290Coastal]

While on the topic, I picked up a Honda Genny... Can I run my AC/Heat while underway? I was thinking about using it for heat during the winter months. Genny will probably be on the rear platform (strapped well)

[Bh525]

I run my genny and AC/Heat while underway. Haven't had an issue yet.

[seabob4]

Gensets use a standard mushroom head pickup with a circular external strainer. They simply need to be in water to feed the water pump. As opposed to AC units and livewell pumps, which use what we call "High speed" pickups, or, scoop strainers. These types of pickups will, because of their design, more or less force feed their intended equipment. Nothing wrong with that on an AC unit or a LW pump. But on a genset, this can force water into the combustion chambers. Just a little tidbit of info...

What I wouldn't do is fire up the genset while on plane, just because you never know what the water is doing under the boat when on plane. Fire her up when off plane, then have at it!

[Capricorn]

Thank you to all for the responses.

Ran the gene on the way over to the Islands over the Christmas period. Worked perfectly and certainly made things much more comfortable and convenient.

Currently got the lady up on the hardstand for a bum scrape and the annual service of the Yamie outboards. Back in the water in a couple of days. Picked a good time for it - weather is fine and hot but the 20-30knot easterlies trash the visibility for diving. Forecast is much better for the next week or so.