"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:47:38 -0700, "nom=de=plume"
wrote:

We were looking at something similar to this boat:

http://tinyurl.com/yyoc997

It has a "genset" which I think is like a distinct generator. It's a 42'.

The Valiant 42 has a good reputation for sea worthiness and quality
construction. It does have a 5 kw Westerbeke generator, somewhat
unusual for a 42 footer but very desirable for serious cruising. It
adds significant weight of course and takes up valuable space but
certainly a good trade off for a boat that will be anchored out in
remote locations. For someone who mostly cruises marina to marina, a
genset is less useful.

I don' t know if all Valiant 42s have it... I just stumbled on this one when
you mentioned it. We're really looking for something on the west coast, but
I guess we'd consider somewhere else. It just presents different, perhaps
insurmountable problems.

The used boat market is extremely soft these days and all asking
prices should be regarded as *very* negotiable.

That's for sure. We just mentioned to a Beneteau dealer that we were in the
market and he practically followed us home.


I think maintenance is certainly important. I take my car in regularly. Of
course, if you're away from civilization for a long period, you'd have to
check it yourself and be thorough. I suppose some things are not really
fixable without a boat shop, but that's true for cars too.

It is much more difficult and expensive to get routine maintenance
done on a boat. The best mechanics are usually booked up and the 2nd
stringers can be dangerously unreliable. If you find a good one,
treat them well and *never* quibble price.

Definitely. I bring my car mechanic food when I take it in for service.


Why would charging a battery cause engine problems? We were talking to a
diesel mechanic a few weeks ago (interviewing him in case we found a boat
and wanted his opinion about an engine), and he said that diesels like to
be
run hard, so I could see if you're just charging batteries without really
"using" the engine to move the boat that wouldn't be running it hard. But,
why couldn't you just put the thing in gear and push the boat while you
charge the batteries? That would seem to solve the problem.

The mechanic you talked to is right. Running a diesel just to charge
batteries is not enough load to bring the engine up to proper internal
operating temperatures. The eventual result is carbon deposits,
stuck piston rings and/or turbo bearings, and premature engine
failure. This is obviously not a problem when underway but a big
issue when anchored out. Even gensets are susceptible to this kind of
damage if lightly loaded for extended periods of time. We frequently
turn on the heat or air conditioning when running the generator just
to keep it at the proper load level. That burns extra fuel but is
much cheaper than an engine rebuild.

Well, that's good... headed in the right direction, and we got his card.

--
Nom=de=Plume