Do I need a generator on 29' Glastron

[Dotson]

I am looking at a 29' Glastron cruiser (GS 289) w/o generator and 27' Larson (274) w/ built-in generator. Do I need the generator? If no generator, can I run any electronics (i.e. coffee pot, microwave, etc.) while on the water? Do these generators break down a lot? Thanks.

 

[tic]

Re: Do I need a generator on 29' Glastron

The short answer is yes, you need a generator.. We have a glastron GS-259 and a built in genny was not an option. We use a portable Honda EU-2000i that we bungie to the swim platform.. Without it, we would not be able to run the air conditioning/reverse cycle heat. microwave, hot water heater and stove.. You could always install an inverter instead but then you'd need a HUGE battery bank if you planned to run the AC with it.. The built in dedicated generators require constant maintenance, the honda doesn't.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Do I need a generator on 29' Glastron

As tic says, we use the generator on our boat (30' Sea Ray) to run the air conditioner, stove, microwave and water heater. Can't imagine not having one on a boat that size.

The built in dedicated generators require constant maintenance, the honda doesn't.

What do you consider "constant maintenance"? Our 4kw built-in Westerbeke gets the oil and filter changed once a year, only maintenance it has required in 22 years is the replacement of a fuel pump about 5 years ago. Still on the original distributer cap and plugs! Boat engines have just over 600 hours on them, generator probably has at least twice that many.

 

[arks]

Re: Do I need a generator on 29' Glastron

You don't NEED a genny on your boat, but is sure is nice to have!
My Kohler has been trouble-free, well except for the sea strainer clogging when anchored over seaweed (DUH).

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Do I need a generator on 29' Glastron

As others hinted at, it depends whether you want to run high current devices continuously or not. AC uses lots of juice and runs continuously. You need a Genset to use the AC. if you want to run flood lights all night to fish, you need a genset.

if you want to brew a pot of coffee or heat up a snack in the microwave oven, you can get by w/o a genset.