(Above) Inside the access door on the front
of the generator is the dipstick;
The generator is to starboard aft of the
starboard engine in a sound shield. Main
circuit breaker is behind door at arrow.
there is a significant chance of getting a shock or just as bad, a chance that running gear
outside the boat will be subject to rapid corrosion, because the boat is immersed in sea water,
a good conductor of electricity.
To protect the vessel and its crew from such contingencies, a “Reverse Polarity” light
will illuminate when the connection turned on.
If the red “Reverse Polarity” light should illuminate when connecting to
Shore Power, immediately disconnect the cable and contact the harbor
master advising him/her of the problem. Do not risk shock or system
damage!
4F6: AC Source Alternatives: Generator
The ship’s Westerbeke
Generator provides 10,000 watts of
AC power to the vessel and is used
for battery charging, heating hot
water, the washer/dryer, all air
conditioning, and operation of
incidental AC appliances.
The generator is in the engine
room. For full service access,
unlatch and remove the panel on port
side of the sound-shield cabinet.
Access for oil checks is through the
little door on that same side, while to
check coolant, the coolant tank is to
starboard of the aft end of the genset.
Also important is checking the sea
strainer (see page4.47) to be sure it has not
accumulated substantial debris while the
generator was run for extended periods,
particularly at anchor.
Starting the Generator:
The generator controls that are
normally used are on the breaker panel in
the pilothouse.
1)
Press the Pre Heat switch and hold
for 15 seconds;
2)
While holding the Pre Heat switch,
press
the start switch
until it starts,
only when it is started and running
should
you release the two switches.
However, do not hold the switch for longer than 15
seconds! See “if generator does not start” warning
under “Generator Problems” below!
(More next page)
Upper door on the generator sound shield
accesses the instrument panel.
In this photo you can see the
generator’s sea strainer,
seacock, and coolant tank.
Generator with the sound shield off. Yellow
tag is on dipstick.
Generator Controls
Section 4F: Electrical Systems, AC 4.12
