More Mase Generator blues

[aintmissb]

Question for the forum: I have a 2012 Cutwater 28 with the Mase 2.7 Generator. I only saw this generator run once during my sea trial in May 2017, when it seemed to run perfectly. Unfortunately, being new to power boating, and having never owned a generator before (and now wish I didn't) I didn't try to run it at all my first season, then just before haulout I tried and it wouldn't start. My mechanic tried to start it last season 2018 but was not able to. Now he tells me the engine had serious water ingress, and needs to be rebuilt. And not by him. He is a an honest guy and I have no reason to doubt him.

So, should I: (i)forget the generator (what are they for again?) and just enjoy boating (ii) Try to find someone who can rebuild the Yanmar 1 cylinder engine or (iii) buy a new Yanmar engine for $3500 and have my mechanic install it. or (iv) another option?

Thanks to all - this forum is great!
Roger Ware
Kingston, Ontario
(Almost spring)

 

[Martin610]

Generators are a great thing if your're doing trips, hanging on the hook. You get some hot or cold nights and you want to run the HVAC, that generator becomes a prized asset. Being able to charge the batteries comes to mind as well.

If you do only day trips, a genny may not be important.

One common issue when a diesel doesn't start is air in the fuel line. Although the MASE is supposed to purge air on its own, I think there are limits to that. Last time I had that issue I opened the bleed nut on the genny fuel filter, turned on the genny (don't hit start) and let it cycle for 2-3 minutes. Closed the valve, and she started right up. This is the LOW pressure side of the fuel supply. If that doesn't work you many to bleed the HIGH pressure side too.

The genny can take in too much water if you tried to start it many, many times. Close the sea cock. Drain it, or pump out some water if that's a concern.

Are you seeing any error codes on the display?

I have actually really learned to appreciate the MASE. Incredibly compact and useful for the size.

I think all generators need to be run on a regular basis though. I try to run mine for a few minutes every month.

-martin

 

[aintmissb]

Thanks Martin. I was told by my surveyor in 2017 that the exhaust (intake) for the genny (factory installed) did not have a proper U coupling and that there was a danger of water ingress. Looks like he was right. But it sounds like the secret is to run it on a regular basis. My current problem, however, is to fix this one.

Roger

 

[Brian B]

You can call Mase in Florida for advise, https://www.masenorthamerica.com/en/contact
Ask for Sergio.
Yes the generator should be run monthly but also put it under a load. I've read that running a generator without a load can be harmful.

 

[BB marine]

Mase has a good PDF installation manual on there web site. There are good drawings for installation and specification requirements for installation to provide dependable operation. If you elect to replace the engine I would suggest all the original installation be inspected and make sure it fulfills the requirements. Confirm that the correct thru hull pick-up was used. The wrong pick-up could cause water ingress. Confirm proper elevation of exhaust and water lines, a couple inches off is the difference of water ingestion or not. Your surveyor may have been correct.

Replacing the generator as already stated should be based on the intension of use. We do not have a generator. I couldn't justify the cost of the generator and the loss of storage space when we purchased our boat. I elected to install a larger inverter and rely on 120V from it. There have been a few times when I wished I had the Generator. Its a nice option especially when its already there. Its unfortunate that yours failed.

 

[scross]

Not sure how easy this could be done on your Cutwater but in our 2009 RT-25 Classic the generator space was used to add two additional batteries to the house bank. We have six batteries in total - one thruster+windlass, one engine and four house. The four 90AHr house batteries give us about 3 days of normal usage on the hook or mooring buoy without needing to recharge. We do not have solar. All our lights are LED.
I do have a Honda EU2000 portable generator that I could use if the cruise plan was for more than 3 days at any single stop. Haven’t taken it with us yet.