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Tips and Advice for Owners of Marine Generators

If you own a yacht or boat, you’ll know just how important it is that you have a reliable power generator onboard to supply you with electrical power when you’re at sea. Here are some essential tips and advice on how to get the best performance from your marine generator.

Tip #1


Good habits are key to keeping a boat or yacht in great condition, keeping you in touch with the boat’s systems as well as helping you spot maintenance issues early. Add these items to your list to include your marine generator:
  • Oil level check
  • Coolant level check (at the pressure cap)
  • Water pump belt/alternator check
  • Leak check
Tip #2
Always turn off the shore power breaker on the dock before switching on your marine generator. If your power generator connects to the shore-based electrical power supply for even a moment, it will result in a life-threatening and high-risk event.

Tip #3
Switch your AC load breaker or switch to the off position before starting your marine generator. Let your power generator warm up a few minutes before adding load. When you return, let it run for a couple of minutes without load to cool down.

Tip #4
Change your power generator’s seawater pump on an annual basis and change the oil and filter on a biannual basis. When changing the seawater pump, use silicon dielectric grease on the new and old impeller for easy installation and removal.

Tip #5
Always carry spares on your boat or yacht. This includes a couple of fuel filters, a spare water pump belt, additional fuel, oil and coolant. In an unexpected situation, these spares can be a life-saver.

Tip #6
Steam in the exhaust, high temperature readings and hot muffler hoses can mean a seawater restriction in the heat exchanger. This could be anything from a worn impeller to a carbon plugged exhaust elbow but having your heat exchanger serviced every two years should prevent this issue. It’s also a good idea to replace the coolant at the same time.

Tip #7
If you’re experiencing dirty exhaust from your power generator, it can mean that you are putting on too little load. This causes carbon plugging in the exhaust elbow, leading to smoke, overheating and even component failure. Instead, try not to go below 40-50% of its rated KW load at least while it’s running and use an inverter to supply electrical power for light loads.

Energy Power Systems Australia is a specialised CAT engine dealer, supplying high-quality, high-performance marine generators and commercial power generators across Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. For more information on our electrical power solutions, generator products or world-class after sales support, please contact us today.
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