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FORUMS arrow Maintenance arrow 10kw Kohler vs Westerbeke
Topic Title: 10kw Kohler vs Westerbeke
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Created On: 07/06/2011 06:30:40 PM
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07/06/2011 06:30:40 PM
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Nordic28
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Posts: 3
Joined: 07/06/2011

I currently have a Westerbeke 5.0BCG, which is a carburetor generator, built in 2007. The generator preformed ok, until I installed AC in the houseboat… and it has never been right since. So now it is time to step up to a 10kw, and I’m looking at the Kohler 10EGD-Low CO and the Westerbeke 10.0 SBEG Safe CO. They are both similar in cost. It seems that the industry just seems to use Westerbeke, but I have had nothing but problems with the one I have. Not to mention the parts are a rip off, seriously $20 for a spark plug, $35 for an oil filter, come on! It just makes me shy away from Westerbeke. Is Kohler a bad choice? Both are fuel injected and apparently the carburetor is the cause of the delay when the AC kicks on… Any thoughts would be appreciated.
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07/13/2011 04:35:43 PM
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houseboat8972
Admiral

Posts: 307
Joined: 05/05/2006

I would choose the Westerbeke any day over the Kohler. Parts may be expensive, but they are readily available. I've had nothing but great performance out of my 12.5BTD. Many friends have the gas powered Westerbeke and they never seem to give any trouble.
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07/14/2011 08:29:03 PM
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CaptRon
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Joined: 08/08/2010

I second the Westerbeke suggestion. I have a 12.5 and it's a great unit. I have had a couple of problems but fixed them my self. It is a very reliable unit.
My oil filter wasn't very expensive at all.

-------------------------
 Capt Ron
Boat at Norris Lake Tennessee
Escape 2004 12X35 Myacht with twin 60hp Mercurys
Sold 2011 16X70 2003 SunStar Houseboat
Sold 2007 16X68 1996 Lakeview Houseboat
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07/14/2011 09:19:27 PM
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OLD HOUSEBOATER
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Joined: 10/18/2002

Truth is you cant go wrong with either one. Take the best deal. Another truth is your present unit should have no truble running one air conditioner. Get a good mechanic to breath on it.

-------------------------
 OLD HOUSEBOATER

Edited: 07/14/2011 at 09:20:39 PM by OLD HOUSEBOATER
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07/15/2011 07:11:05 PM
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Dan
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Posts: 132
Joined: 07/10/2008

I might throw another twist into this. Do you do your own mechanical work? If not I would suggest you see which unit your marina is an authorized service center for. When you say Westerbeke at my marina the techs look at you like your speaking a foreign language.

-------------------------
 Dan
Lake Monroe
Bloomington, IN
1986 Gibson 50'
Twin 454's
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08/07/2011 04:25:39 PM
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joetil
Admiral

Posts: 293
Joined: 09/10/2006

I know that this wasn't part of the initial question but the Northern Lights Lugger gets my vote. I just spent the last 2 weeks anchored out on a friend's Bertram in the Northern Bahamas. This 10 year old Lugger ran 24/7 without a hiccup. It's quiet and dependable. We checked the oil and belt tension once a week and found nothing wrong. I've spent a lot of time with a lot more comfort in the AC made possible by this generator over the past years and the problems have been minimal (1 water pump and impellers changed annually).

-------------------------
 joetil
50x15 Burns-Craft in South Fla
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08/08/2011 08:00:01 AM
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endurance
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Posts: 135
Joined: 11/01/2005

I would listen to Dan about what your marina works on even if you do your own work. Parts availability is important. I always take comfort doing my own work at the lake if I know all I have to do is jump in a small boat or walk down the dock for parts to keep things working for a trip rather than let something stay broken until next trip when I can return with parts.
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FORUMS : Maintenance : 10kw Kohler vs Westerbeke

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