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.