Untimate Generator Platform

damason · Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 10:00 pm Post subject: Untimate Generator Platform

This is my example of the Ultimate Stowable Generator Platform. It is made out of 3/4 inch Starboard (available from West Marine) and stainless steel flat head countersunk screws. I can remove and store the Platform and Honda 2000i Generator away from the boat when not in use. Do not ask for any plans as I built it from my mind and did not write anything down. It sits level in the engine well and rides high enough to not flood with water. With the boat anchored out the engine exhaust is pointing aft. I modified a 12 foot Marinco 30 amp power cord to plug into the Generator and the boat. I can cruise with the Generator running to provide 120vac power to the air conditioner. Here in Florida you really need air conditioning most of the summer. My air conditioner also provides heat in the winter. We boat all year around in Florida.

You people "Up Nawth" laugh about air conditioning and you may not need any but you have to shovel snow all winter long and chop ice.

When we do have a hurricane we may lose 120vac power for several days or more than a week. I use the Honda 2000i to provide 120vac power to my refrigerator and a small window air conditioner in the bed room. We sleep cool and we eat well.

bshillam · Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 11:13 pm Post subject: mikey likey

Very cool mod, have you thought about what you would charge to make one for others? this looks like it might be a very popular mod.

jkidd · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 12:14 am Post subject:

A very nice job, might have to steal that one.

JamesTXSD · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 5:15 am Post subject:

That is the best generator solution I've seen for these boats! Thumbs Up

Best wishes,
Jim B.

Levitation · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 7:50 am Post subject:

Needs a strap to restrain the genny from being launched overboard when the idiots go roaring by leaving a curling 3' wake...

SGIDave · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 8:34 am Post subject:

Hello Dave,

That is a very nice generator pedestal. GOOD JOB!

I have a question about operation of the genset whilst underway. Are you ever concerned about the salt spray getting into the front panel of the genset? You know, the part where the outlets & switches face seems to be right where spray would soak it.

.david

damason · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 9:57 am Post subject:

Dennyo, I do use a strap to keep the genny tied to the boat while running. I usually cruise at 15 to 16 knots and have not seen salt spray in the generator area when the water is smooth. If it is rough I usually stay anchored in a quiet place until the water calms down. I also have a chain in a vinyl hose with a padlock to slow down people with sticky fingers.

I am retired, have no where to go and all day to get there.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 12:53 pm Post subject:

Dave-

Great job! If I had more time, I'd re-create it and go into production selling completed units as bolt together kits that coulod be easily mailed! Laughing

Joe.

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 7:17 pm Post subject:

I like it. How much cost was in the 3/4 in starboard. I price a piece of 1/2 today about 2X2 and it was around $80.

damason · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 11:32 pm Post subject: Starboard price

A 24x27x3/5 inch starboard costs is $107.99 in the 2009 catalog from West Marine. On a hot day it was worth the price. You could use 3/5 inch marine plywood. I would coat/soak it in West Systems epoxy before assembly.

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 7:56 am Post subject:

I just ordered a 24" X 54" X 3/4" piece of white starboard from Custom Creative Plastics in FL for $82.00 plus $15.00 for UPS grd shipping. I needed another project for Anna Leigh.
I am going to see if I can make a stand similar that also folds flat when stored.

patrick and linda · Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 11:12 am Post subject:

DAVE,
GREAT IDEA AND VERY NICE JOB. I'D LIKE TO ORDER ONE OF THOSE BOLT TOGETHER KITS. PLEASE SHIP ASAP!
i have twin engines and room in the splash well is very tight, how about sharing the dimensions, from memory, with us. also, do you secure the generator platform to the boat?
pat

Alyssa Jean · Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 9:28 am Post subject:

Here is my low profile Honda stand. This keeps the weight low, uses much less expensive Starboard material and is easy to store.
The Honda rides 2 inches below the top edge of the transom and still exhausts cleanly to the aft. I never use it while under way and only put it in the well when at anchor or at a dock with no power or close neighbors.

YACD · Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 10:44 am Post subject:

A general question about this type of generator mount: if carbon monoxide is about the same density as ordinary air, to lessen the chance of contamination wouldn't it be most advantageous to mount the generator lower rather than higher?

thataway · Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 11:30 am Post subject:

You want the generator down wind, and in a place where the breeze or wind currents carry the exhaust away. Usually the stern works for us, since we anchor bow to the wind.