SeaCock Open/Closed when underway for GenSet

[Alpina]

While underway, do I have to close the sea cock to the generator if I am not using the generator? I may start with the sea cock open as I am running the generator but want to turn off the generator before arriving at my destination without having to open the engine hatch cover and close the generator sea cock. It's a hassle to do so as I have to get my passengers to get out of the way, open the engine hatch, turn off the engine because I don't want my hand to accidentally caught in the serpentine belt and close the sea cock. Is it required?

I have a 2019 R29-CB with a NextGen generator and a D4-300 inboard.

Thanks in advance for your help.
Franco

 

[tdellaviola]

I have C30 with genset. When I am "boat camping" cruising from Island to Island in the PNW I leave the valve open and have not had any issues.

 

[Bosn Mate]

Franco:

Here is my standard SOP based on a career in the Coast Guard and responding to numerous cases where someone damaged/lost their boat because they left the seacock open when they didn't have to and something happened.

Unless I am using the machinery fed by the seacock, I ALAWAYS keep it closed. Otherwise, I have a hole in the bottom of my boat that I am hoping that a rubber hose will not rupture and flood the engine room. Yes, it is a little extra work but I have peace of mind knowing there is one less thing to go wrong.

FYI - I have been underway with the generator off but seacock open if I thought I would be using it. However, I mitigate the risk by doing a visual check of the engine room every hour.

Hope this helps!

Mike

 

[Alpina]

Franco:

Here is my standard SOP based on a career in the Coast Guard and responding to numerous cases where someone damaged/lost their boat because they left the seacock open when they didn't have to and something happened.

Unless I am using the machinery fed by the seacock, I ALAWAYS keep it closed. Otherwise, I have a hole in the bottom of my boat that I am hoping that a rubber hose will not rupture and flood the engine room. Yes, it is a little extra work but I have peace of mind knowing there is one less thing to go wrong.

FYI - I have been underway with the generator off but seacock open if I thought I would be using it. However, I mitigate the risk by doing a visual check of the engine room every hour.

Hope this helps!

Mike

Mike, thanks for your reply. I agree that being extra cautious is always the best route when it comes to boating. For my situation, I am not going very far (maybe 30-60 minutes) on a trip, and halfway through I might want to turn off the A/C, and, hence the generator for the duration of the trip. I wanted to understand if I must stop and turn off the sea cock because of damage that I might be doing to the generator, or if it's just good practice. The sea cock leads to the impeller housing but it's not clear if water can push past the impeller and get into the exhaust and then cylinder if there is no exhaust pressure from the engine running. Franco.