2022 Cutwater Westerbeke Generator Issues since purchase

[Dojo1111]

Hi all, I have a 2022 Cutwater C32 command Bridge that I bought Brand new April 2022. I have had non-stop issues with the Westerbeke 5 k Generator and I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this? It has never worked consistently and I have been unable to use my boat for any anchoring for 17 months due to the absence of a functional generator since I bought it April of 2022 (I live in Florida and am married so AC is pretty important 🙂 ). Over a year of fighting with the Pocket Yachts distributor that sold me the boat (they don't even return my calls any more). 3 separate Westerbeke certified Mechanics trying to fix it with 10 different attempted fixes (all out of my pocket since Westerbeke has said so far it is a boatside issue and none of the "fixes" getting it to run for more than 20 minutes without shutting off.. Currently been in the shop for 2 months with the generator torn apart. The fuel pump module was sent to Westerbeke weeks ago to evaluate (even though Westerbeke insists it is a boat side issue) since they say they do not have a replacement available.

So Frustrating to spend $400k on a brand-new Flagship Cutwater and a year plus later still not have a boat I can use fully!

Am I the only one?

PS. We also had a 2019 Ranger Tug R29 Command Bridge (that I loved) before we moved "up" to the Cutwater.

 

[Andrew Custis]

Good morning,

First of all, I am sorry to hear of the issues with your generator. I would be more than happy to take a call and discuss with you what is going on to try and come up with a resolution. Feel free to call me on my direct line. (206)249-4225. If you do not get me on the first attempt, please make sure to leave a message and I will call you back.

Thank you,

 

[Dojo1111]

Andrew, thank you for talking to me at length yesterday. I am super impressed with your professionalism and I could not be any happier with the plan you proposed for solving the issue. Looking forward to next steps. D

 

[DC3]

I am in the process of buying 2022 C32. I would be very interested in how the issue with the Westerbeke generator turn out.
One additional question, any issues, limitation or concerns running a gas generator while at anchor?

 

[Rocky Lou]

Jeez, don't get me started. I've posted multiple comments about what a total disaster my Westerbeke generator has been since it was brand new. Just today, I replaced an exhaust heat sensor, it's the third one. The metal connectors randomly break off the plastic. Oh, and I mostly only run the generator so it won't be worse, it's never heavily used. Despite low hours and proper maintenance, I've had many many parts to replace. Definitely the worst part of my C302c LE.

 

[GCMFlyer]

Jeez, don't get me started. I've posted multiple comments about what a total disaster my Westerbeke generator has been since it was brand new. Just today, I replaced an exhaust heat sensor, it's the third one. The metal connectors randomly break off the plastic. Oh, and I mostly only run the generator so it won't be worse, it's never heavily used. Despite low hours and proper maintenance, I've had many many parts to replace. Definitely the worst part of my C302c LE.

 

[GCMFlyer]

Same for my 2019 C302…Nothing but trouble from the WB genset…Took that dead weight out…

 

[Rocky Lou]

Same for my 2019 C302…Nothing but trouble from the WB genset…Took that dead weight out…

I'm curious how this removal process went as it may come to that for me as well. The issues are many, but, most importantly the space is awful, it's basically the bilge and you cannot access most parts of the generator without a ridiculous amount of effort; even here in the Bay Area, there is no on site service available and many folks who have boats with generators don't trailer; Westerbeke parts constantly fail for no reason whatsoever.

While I have no idea if it would be actually feasible, the better options for our boats would be: a. BYO genset, make the boat able to function with a portable unit; b. LiFePO4, enhanced solar and control unit.

 

[GCMFlyer]

I'm curious how this removal process went as it may come to that for me as well. The issues are many, but, most importantly the space is awful, it's basically the bilge and you cannot access most parts of the generator without a ridiculous amount of effort; even here in the Bay Area, there is no on site service available and many folks who have boats with generators don't trailer; Westerbeke parts constantly fail for no reason whatsoever.

While I have no idea if it would be actually feasible, the better options for our boats would be: a. BYO genset, make the boat able to function with a portable unit; b. LiFePO4, enhanced solar and control unit.

Rocky Lou,

We removed by taking off all external generator components we could until the remains would fit through the opening available. When just the gas motor and generator piece was left she came right out…Probably could have removed the generator portion from crankshaft, but that would have required fabricating a tool. Mostly the exhaust and manifold were the size limiters, other stuff was removed to lessen the weight. The “experts” wanted to cut fiberglass structural panels. It was pretty easy job, just took our time. We did remove the “floor/hatch” cover at the hinges to facilitate easier access. Secured the exhaust for future replacement with a “diesel” gen set.

 

[GCMFlyer]

Rocky Lou,

We removed by taking off all external generator components we could until the remains would fit through the opening available. When just the gas motor and generator piece was left she came right out…Probably could have removed the generator portion from crankshaft, but that would have required fabricating a tool. Mostly the exhaust and manifold were the size limiters, other stuff was removed to lessen the weight. The “experts” wanted to cut fiberglass structural panels. It was pretty easy job, just took our time. We did remove the “floor/hatch” cover at the hinges to facilitate easier access. Secured the exhaust for future replacement with a “diesel” gen set.

New NEXGEN 3.5 diesel generator install was completed September 2025. We have been busy using the boat and forgot to post our post install update. Thought I would share a few photos in case others might be interested in details. Not to difficult, just required patience and many, many pieces and parts for the connections, exhaust, etc. We calculated the weight savings at about 200# compared to the original Westerbeke 5.0.....Although the NexGen is only 3.5, it runs both air conditioners on our C302 just fine.....We have not overloaded it yet, but we also turn one air off to run hot water heater or grill just to be cautious....One really interesting thing on the NexGen is that it only has 1qt oil capacity....It does come with a remote drain hose set up and we improved on that a bit with valves and dedicated drain container to make oil changes super easy...We added a couple of valves and connections so that after running generator in salt water we can hookup fresh water garden hose for flushing while the generator runs during cooldown period.....Both Cooling Water (Blue Hoses) and Exhaust "Anti Siphon" loops fit well on aft port area at transom and provided just enough height for positive slope of exhaust to existing gen exhaust through hull......The fuel tank is installed at forward end of "engine bay" storage area under cockpit floor. We also have a diesel heater installed although we have the LE version of C302, so both genset and heater were set up to draw off the newly installed 19 gallon diesel tank. The diesel heater is 12V and we have a full enclosure in the cockpit area. The diesel heater was installed in the cabinet where we removed the cockpit fridge. The compartment was sealed to protect from any gasoline fume intrusion. We also installed fume detector sensor system in the bilge area as an extra measure. The NexGen clamshell cover is very easy to remove for super easy maintenance....We elected to orientate with the service points aft and hose, electrical inlets aft....Easy access to both front and back of genet with covers removed. We also replaced the wood mounting floor with a Starboard replacement. Fuel burn is about .2 gallons per hour with both air cons running. (of course they do cycle). As part of the install we installed new bilge exhaust blowers and man o man are they quiet in comparison to the originals (we have to put our hand over air outlet to make suer they are running with cockpit floor closed...We set it up so one is intake and the other is exhaust to keep good fresh air flow that is used for combustion and cooling inside the enclosure...Any questions are welcomed. We are very pleased with set up and our cruising has been very comfortable...We are back to "GenSet ON, Engines ON, Lines OFF, let the cruise begin!!!

Mark & Jo

 

[Rocky Lou]

New NEXGEN 3.5 diesel generator install was completed September 2025. We have been busy using the boat and forgot to post our post install update. Thought I would share a few photos in case others might be interested in details. Not to difficult, just required patience and many, many pieces and parts for the connections, exhaust, etc. We calculated the weight savings at about 200# compared to the original Westerbeke 5.0.....Although the NexGen is only 3.5, it runs both air conditioners on our C302 just fine.....We have not overloaded it yet, but we also turn one air off to run hot water heater or grill just to be cautious....One really interesting thing on the NexGen is that it only has 1qt oil capacity....It does come with a remote drain hose set up and we improved on that a bit with valves and dedicated drain container to make oil changes super easy...We added a couple of valves and connections so that after running generator in salt water we can hookup fresh water garden hose for flushing while the generator runs during cooldown period.....Both Cooling Water (Blue Hoses) and Exhaust "Anti Siphon" loops fit well on aft port area at transom and provided just enough height for positive slope of exhaust to existing gen exhaust through hull......The fuel tank is installed at forward end of "engine bay" storage area under cockpit floor. We also have a diesel heater installed although we have the LE version of C302, so both genset and heater were set up to draw off the newly installed 19 gallon diesel tank. The diesel heater is 12V and we have a full enclosure in the cockpit area. The diesel heater was installed in the cabinet where we removed the cockpit fridge. The compartment was sealed to protect from any gasoline fume intrusion. We also installed fume detector sensor system in the bilge area as an extra measure. The NexGen clamshell cover is very easy to remove for super easy maintenance....We elected to orientate with the service points aft and hose, electrical inlets aft....Easy access to both front and back of genet with covers removed. We also replaced the wood mounting floor with a Starboard replacement. Fuel burn is about .2 gallons per hour with both air cons running. (of course they do cycle). As part of the install we installed new bilge exhaust blowers and man o man are they quiet in comparison to the originals (we have to put our hand over air outlet to make suer they are running with cockpit floor closed...We set it up so one is intake and the other is exhaust to keep good fresh air flow that is used for combustion and cooling inside the enclosure...Any questions are welcomed. We are very pleased with set up and our cruising has been very comfortable...We are back to "GenSet ON, Engines ON, Lines OFF, let the cruise begin!!!

Mark & Jo
View attachment 26822
View attachment 26823View attachment 26824

Amazing work...one of the best projects that I've seen on Tugnuts. I think you have a photo winner if they have a category for 'best boat improvement project'.

Unfortunately for me, I have no diesel on my boat and I don't often use my generator. It's there for the times I need backup power or sometimes I switch it on when I think I'll use the thrusters in heavy winds. So, it's possible for me to go this route but a bit more involved.

Were you able to wire into the current controls in the quarter berth so it's operates in a similar manner to the Westerbeke?

 

[GCMFlyer]

Amazing work...one of the best projects that I've seen on Tugnuts. I think you have a photo winner if they have a category for 'best boat improvement project'.

Unfortunately for me, I have no diesel on my boat and I don't often use my generator. It's there for the times I need backup power or sometimes I switch it on when I think I'll use the thrusters in heavy winds. So, it's possible for me to go this route but a bit more involved.

Were you able to wire into the current controls in the quarter berth so it's operates in a similar manner to the Westerbeke?

Paul,
Thank you for the kind words. We actually enjoyed the process! Learned lot’s too! We ran new control harness/control head and removed old one (fit in same opening) Diesel has a “pre-heat” function, but basically works the same with start/stop, monitoring, etc.

 

[Eagle 2]

Jeez, don't get me started. I've posted multiple comments about what a total disaster my Westerbeke generator has been since it was brand new. Just today, I replaced an exhaust heat sensor, it's the third one. The metal connectors randomly break off the plastic. Oh, and I mostly only run the generator so it won't be worse, it's never heavily used. Despite low hours and proper maintenance, I've had many many parts to replace. Definitely the worst part of my C302c LE.

I've had the same issue with my Cummins/Onan 5.0, Exhause Heat sensor shut it down after a 1/2 hour of running. Made a jumper wire to bypass the sensor until the new sensor came in. All good since, but I kept the jumper wire and taped it in a baggie right next to the sensor in case it happens again, which I am anticipating. 😎