Pre-Purchase Inspections
May/June 2010 - Exhaust System Reduction

Generators are wonderful appliances; they make it possible to bring all the comforts of home aboard a cruising vessel. Today, because of the variety of generators and models available to boat builders and boat yards it's not uncommon at all to find them aboard even the smallest of vessels.

Generators have been commonplace for so long that "repowering" is not uncommon. When an old generator has passed its prime, new models often offer a host of features and advances that were previously unknown.

One of the dangers associated with carrying out a generator "repower" lies in utilizing components from the previous installation. In some cases these parts were fine when the original generator was installed, fifteen years ago. Today, they are outdated, no longer serviceable or no longer compliant with the new generator manufacturer's or ABYC's guidelines.

In the image associated with this month's ad, taken aboard a vessel undergoing and SDMC Pre-Purchase Inspection, a generator repower is suffering from one of the aforementioned defects; it has utilized portions of the original generator's exhaust system. The vessel is over 20-years old; the new generator is likely larger than its predecessor and therefore requires a larger exhaust hose and overboard discharge. The installer, however, simply "spliced" the original hose, which in and of itself is seriously deteriorated; to the new exhaust system using a fiberglass hose reducer. A reduction of this sort almost certainly places the exhaust gas back pressure into the red zone, which will shorten the life of the generator, reduce its operating capacity, increase fuel consumption and void the manufacturer's warranty.

If you're interested in finding out more about Pre-Purchase Inspections like the one described above, system inspections, vessel selection assist, the Captains' Club (simply click on these words to be taken to the relevant sections of this website) or other services offered by Steve D'Antonio Marine Consulting, email or call 804-776-0219.