R23 With Factory Installed Generator

[mmclaren]

Hi All,

I am a longtime lurker and finally registered today to list our 21EC for sale. But now that I am here, I have a question regarding the R23 and the factory installed generator. We will be upgrading to the R23, and I would really like to get feedback from others that have R23s with the generator. Does it really give you the electrical freedom that you expected? Are there problems or disappointments? Any tips? I am trying to decide if it is worth the initial outlay.

Many thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

I think boat size is irrelevant between the models for this question. Lots of consensus on a second solar panel. Unless you are in Florida and want to run ac all day

 

[ixlr8]

Some of this is going to depend on your use of the boat. I just bought the 27 and opted not to with the generator as I wanted the extra storage space and thought the generator was overpriced. We have only done local cruising so we don't know yet if not ordering the generator was a mistake or not. If we find we miss the generator... we will add a second solar panel and if that is not enough, we will get a small portable inverter generator. This option will be about $12K cheaper than ordering boat with generator.

 

[tpfahy]

I have an R23 with a factory generator. Yes it was an expensive option, but yes, it makes for nice meals, AC and the occasional movie at anchor or even underway all possible(I dont suggest cooking on plane!). These are expensive boats regardless of the options you choose. For our set of use cases, the generator increases our enjoyment and the functionality of our boat. The installed generator is safe, integrated fully into the boats systems, fuel etc. turn on the blower, give it a minute, hit the starter switch. RT discovered a need for a solenoid switch on the water cooling line, installed and tweaked under warranty far away from Kent on Lake Michigan. Happy to discuss directly

 

[mmclaren]

This is great information so thanks for the replies! While this is a general topic, I am especially interested in the experiences of R23 factory installed generator users (feedback from others is still very welcome). The cost is so much greater than just using a portable generator it is hard for me to justify spending so much just for integration. But maybe it is worth it...?

 

[SgtAlf]

I opted out of the R-23 Generator option. I did purchase a 2000w Harbor Freight Generator, w/2 yr. protection plan $450.00. I have read other posts on Tugnuts which state a 2000w will not run the AC. Mine does. Point of note, I ran same on the dock with a 25' 14 gauge extension cord. I have (had) a 6' extension cord for reaching over from the swim platform. 4th of July at anchor, on a very hot/humid night, guess what? The AC would not start. Checking my cord I discover I bought a 16 gauge 6' cord. Replacing that with the same cord in 14 gauge and everything runs just fine now. I'm sure Jim Gizzi can jump in here and explain why the proper gauge cord is needed to carry the load.