Stowable generator bracket

snal · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 2:32 pm Post subject: Stowable generator bracket

Fabricated this from stainless angle, flat bar, and perforated stainless sheet. Clips onto the gunnel underneath the lazaret lid (either side) and the lid still latches.
Folds flat to 18" x 20" x 1.5"
Generator shown is a Honda EX700 which is the same physical sie as the EU1000i.

rogerbum · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 3:24 pm Post subject:

That puts the generator fairly close to the water line so I presume the intended use is for while at a very calm and very protected anchorage or while on the trailer. Correct?

I also assume that hanging it over the side was done to keep the exhaust low and out of the cockpit. I like the idea, but I am a bit worried about a small wake or similar exposing the generator to water.

Will-C · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 3:50 pm Post subject: Stowable generator bracket

Snal,
I'm loving it! Of course some would shorten the drop down for bumpier water. Boating in some areas might require the addition of a lock of some sorts. Great idea, great pictures. Thanks for sharing!
D.D.

snal · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 3:55 pm Post subject:

Correct...but like you say, it may be too low. We'll be trying it out on the Cumberland river next week.
It currently sits 11" above the waterline, and I probably should fashion some type of box to raise the unit up a bit just in case.
I can easily raise the shelf 6 more inches if need be.

Valkyrie · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 4:22 pm Post subject:

Very nice, Larry! Just I would expect from the guy who fabricated the ingenious rack system that you have on your boat. Marcia and I enjoyed visiting with you and Jo at the NC CBGT last year.

Nick
"Valkyrie"

snal · Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 7:32 am Post subject:

Thanks Nick! We enjoyed visiting with you and Marcia as well!
The rack/enclosure is working well, but as usual, I am finding that I would make a few small design changes if I ever do it again

patrick and linda · Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 9:51 am Post subject:

nice job, larry,
now, will it accommodate a honda 2000? when you work out the kinks, how much will this puppy retail for, including delivery to ohio?
pat

YACD · Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:06 am Post subject:

Thanks for this nice idea!

A (not so?) small possibility for the next iteration: perhaps the vertical frame could be shaped like a parallelogram aimed sternwise. That would move the generator exhaust further from the cabin. Suspension of the platform might be tricky.

snal · Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:40 am Post subject:

I'd be happy to fab up a few for the members here, but I have no desire turn this into a business venture Laughing

The shelf measures 19.375 x 10.75 (inside the angle frame and support arms) and the EU2000 measures 20.1 x 11.4...it would likely fit since the footprint is slightly smaller.
Mine uses hand made hardware (support arms and gunnel brackets), which is expensive to make, so I'll be looking around for something generic and less expensive.
Mine is a "first-try" and it usually takes me 3 tries to get it perfect, so some changes would be made to improve the design...likely going to aluminum rather than stainless.
I think a vertical parallelogram would work fine if I could come up with a way to allow it to fold flat for storage, and also use similar shelf support arms....hmmmm.

bshillam · Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 6:29 pm Post subject: Mikey likey

Yeah - Same question, when you get the kinks out I'd like to find out what you'd charge for another. I would think you could bring it up another six inches or so just by cutting the drop down in half so the support arm comes straight off the side. Again, great job!

C-WEED · Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 11:17 pm Post subject:

I like the idea as well. The mount frees up interior space and the geny is out of sight from the cockpit. Keeping it down low would help block some noise. How about a box to protect the geny from a splash? Another idea for the exhaust: It looks like you could clamp on a 3" extention to the current outlet larger diameter. Then clamp on a downpipe when the geny is in position. You might even run it below the waterline like an outboard. Not sure how much bubbles or heat from backpressure might be generated. Some experimentation would tell. But it would get the fumes down low. Solid pipe or flex pipe would work.

It looks like you could easily make two more arms to hold the mount out parallel to the water and then it would make a nice rack to hold any $25 charcoal or gas portable grill. No need to buy those expensive stainless jobs! I like things that are multi-useful.

Doryman · Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 12:14 am Post subject:

One other thought -- wonderful design, but screams, "steal me!" So I think some sort of locking mechanism for both genset and bracket would be in order...

Warren

snal · Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 7:01 am Post subject:

Chris, the current design will double as a step. I tested it with my (155#) weight yesterday Laughing

The 1x1 angle may distort over time with this use.

Warren, I plan to use a bicycle cable lock thru the aft cleat, the bracket's perforated shelf, and the handle of the generator.

All of this great feedback has me thinking that I should post pics of design "drawings" from now on Thumbs Up

snal · Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 3:23 pm Post subject:

Currently fabricating a second design sized for the EU2000i. It will hold the generator 5" higher and still fold flat. Redesigned clips for easier mounting in the same spot. Still stainless.

Valkyrie · Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 5:44 pm Post subject:

SOLD!!

Nick
"Valkyrie"