MDKBD 5 KW Marine Generator

[barling]

My 2014 Ranger 31S has the above stated Generator. I know its engine is a 2 cylinder, 4 stroke, water-cooled 2900 RPM Kubota block diesel, which has a great reputation, but I really know nothing more. To date it shows it has run 9 hours. It's ratings are 5 kWe, 5 kVa, a Phase 1, Voltage 120, 41.7 Amps, which tells again doesn't tell me whether it is an efficient as a battery charger. I know it is best for the engine to run under a 1/4 to 3/4 load and that the generator will shut down or its line circuit breaker will trip if the sum of the loads exceeds the generator set power rating. What is its set power rating? The manual has a table which sets forth the typical appliance loads. I would like to know how efficient is it as a battery charger? How many phases does it go through when charging? How long will it take to recharge the four house AGM batteries? How do I know the engine is under a 1/4 to 3/4 load when I want to recharge the house batteries? How is it beneficial to my enjoyment of the boat while I'm on the hook. I don't think I'm want to start the generator when I want to use the microwave or the electric stove? Where might I find a good discussion about the usability of my generator?

 

[chicagosam]

Hmm wow, that's a lot of questions.

First thing first: Your generator is not a battery charger.
Think of your generator as a portable shore power that has the capability of 41.7 amps or 5000 watts at 120v.

Those amps @120v will feed your 3-Bank Battery charger which will charge your house, start and thruster batteries.
How quickly they charge depends on the size of your charger and state of discharge of your batteries.

Your battery charger (separate than your generator) dictates what types of charging that it does - bulk/absorption/float.

You will need to run your generator to run your microwave and stove, unless you have a large enough inverter and house battery bank - which you probably don't.

You have an approximately $10k generator that was installed on your boat. Use it to enjoy your air conditioner/ stove/ microwave /stereo /tv and anything else. Rest assured that with your generator you can charge your batteries at any point on the water far from shore.

-Sam

 

[BB marine]

Along with what was previously stated in the last post here are my thoughts.With only 9 hrs on your generator I would advise learning more about the generator and using it. You have a great resource for comfortable cruising. It is a resource that needs to be used. A generator with low hours of use over time will have reduced reliability. Most generator manufacture recommend a minimum of once a month operating the generator at 1/4 to 3/4 load. This helps reduce or remove moisture from the internal components stator and rotor windings. This also keeps raw water passages, from getting fouled, fuel systems from fouling, and helps remove moisture from internal engine components. Personally I recommend running a generator during boating season while the boat is moored in the water a minimum of once a week. A generator with hours on it will be more dependable than one that sits. When you are on the hook use the generator to maintain your batteries, heat your water for showers, cook, what ever you do with shore power do with your generator. Shore power is 30 amps your generator is 41 amps. The breaker panel has a main breaker 30 amps. I still recommend using power management ( don't run everything at the same time) I do that even when on shore power.

Batteries are charged from the battery charger Promariner or inverter/charger using shore power 120V or generator 120V. The generator does have an alternator for charging the generator start battery and to power the electronic controls for the generator. This charge output is minimal around 5 amps so relying on the generator as a sole charging source is not recommended to support the boats 12Volt system.

Use the generator. Read the manual. Know its basic functions. After that its as simple as flipping a switch. With 9 hours of use and a 2014 production boat. Before using the generator as it should be used I would recommend a raw water pump replacement, oil change, and fuel filter replacement. Start with good maintenance and then use it.