Are 9 kw generators really that much?

[sgharford]

I'm getting tired of goofing with my Onan MDJE 7.5kw every year and made a call to a very reputable outfit in the New York area about replacing with new one. They really like Kohler and Northern Lights, one for dealer back up and lesser cost, the latter for flat out reliability and simplicity. Apparently both manufacturer's make a 6kw, then a 9 kw. A Kohler 9kw with sound shield goes for about $11k, the Northern Lights (with sound shield) around $14k, plus installation. I've been under the impression, from where I don't know - think it was a vendor at a boat show, that new generator with installation was around $9k. Think I'll be goofing with the Onan again this winter, but for peace of mind, anybody suggest a good 7.5kw+ generator for around 7-8k?

 

[TommyB]

I'm getting tired of goofing with my Onan MDJE 7.5kw every year and made a call to a very reputable outfit in the New York area about replacing with new one. They really like Kohler and Northern Lights, one for dealer back up and lesser cost, the latter for flat out reliability and simplicity. Apparently both manufacturer's make a 6kw, then a 9 kw. A Kohler 9kw with sound shield goes for about $11k, the Northern Lights (with sound shield) around $14k, plus installation. I've been under the impression, from where I don't know - think it was a vendor at a boat show, that new generator with installation was around $9k. Think I'll be goofing with the Onan again this winter, but for peace of mind, anybody suggest a good 7.5kw+ generator for around 7-8k?

Discussion on this topic

http://www.samsmarine.com/forums/showthread.php?24849-Retiring-Onan-7.5&highlight=beta+marine

 

[Bob Bradley]

I replaced my Onan 7.5 with a Norpro 9kw about 5 years ago. Cost me just over $6k at that time. I did the install myself. Its been flawless.

 

[sgharford]

Thank You! I remember that thread and what I had in back of my mind, but couldn't find it.

 

[Boatsb]

We sell beta's to many travelers especially ones going outside the country. Parts are easy to find. It's a good solid unit at reasonable cost.

 

[sgharford]

So I just talked to Stan at Beta, nicest guy one could hope to speak with - salt of the earth. Due to law passed in 2002 regarding EPA emissions with milestones that went into effect about 3 years ago, they can't really compete on the smaller engine generators the way they once could. Phasor appears to build similar generator to Beta, going to check them out based on a recommendation I just heard

 

[Boatsb]

Thank the blowboaters and tree huggers. The fuel economy suffers to clean up the exhaust. The pumps and injectors suffer from ULSD crap fuel. The cost of buying engines went up. The cost of fuel went up. the cost of service went up. Reliability went down. Thats progress.


Its time to put the tree huggers under our boats with the manatee where they belong.

 

[gbharrington]

Phasor. Simple, reliable and a good value.

 

[jim rosenthal]

What NOT to buy is a Fischer-Panda. PM for details, or you can take my word for it.

You might want to look at used sets, too- deals come up, especially if you aren't in a hurry. 9kW is a popular size.

I have a NL set and I like it a lot. Westerbekes are good, as are Kohlers, Phasors, Norpro. One of our members has a Beta Marine set and loves it- it is very quiet and compact.

I would not buy a new Onan, but that is mostly because of what they did to get a lock on the generator market up here in MD. I don't think they are bad sets.

 

[TommyB]

What NOT to buy is a Fischer-Panda. PM for details, or you can take my word for it.

You might want to look at used sets, too- deals come up, especially if you aren't in a hurry. 9kW is a popular size.

I have a NL set and I like it a lot. Westerbekes are good, as are Kohlers, Phasors, Norpro. One of our members has a Beta Marine set and loves it- it is very quiet and compact.

I would not buy a new Onan, but that is mostly because of what they did to get a lock on the generator market up here in MD. I don't think they are bad sets.

I have the 20KW beta marine with the Kybota / marathon pancake gen
Love it, quite no issues since it was brand new in 2011. Has about 800hrs on it now

 

[TROUBLE]

Wasn,t there just a listing here for an 8kw onan diesel takeout for $1000.00 ?
http://www.samsmarine.com/forums/showthread.php?26455-Onan-8KW-Marine-Generator

Art

 

[jogginalong]

I have the same problems in my 43DCMY, the 7.5 runs great but the little age issues just make it unreliable to maintain and I need to replace it.

1- I need a place to get parts for the older MDJE for now. (Fuel solenoid shut off)

2- I need to know how you make out with your new generator choice, I am in South Florida and the best deals are at the Boat show in October, though all the service people seem to be very busy.

At these prices I think the most reliable for our boats will be the best value.

I will keep watching and good luck.

THX

 

[34Hatt]

My dock neighbor had to put a 5k northern lights into his boat he just boat last fall it was almost 10k for it
That was from a friend in the business and he shop for 2-3 months. That is why I bought the sister to my 8k onan from a member here the sticker shock was a wake up call mine runs great but I have every part in stock for it.

 

[rob71]

I also have a 43 DCMY. I recently replaced the Onan 7.5 with a NL 6.0.
It makes enough to run all normal needs. Both ACs, large old fridge,ice maker, hot water etc.
Extra space in ER also!
I was able to find a used (400) hrs. from a generator dealer/repair shop for $5,000.
Capt. Rob