generator for boat
BISON is a Chinese boat generator specialist enterprise, dedicated to manufacturing boat generators, gasoline diesel and inverter generators.
BISON was established over 20 years ago to provide custom generators for recreational and professional applications.
custom & wholesale boat generator
Most recreational boats over 28 feet (8.53 meters) in length, as well as workboats of all sizes, carry boat generators to provide power to various boat systems and accessories. Generators,While not strictly necessary, generators for boats are handy in situations where the main engine is off, or shore power is unavailable. This backup power conserves battery power and uses significantly less fuel than the main engine.
Like all mobile generators, typical boat generators burn diesel or gasoline. Therefore, a diesel-powered boat will usually carry a diesel generator, a gasoline-powered boat, or a gasoline generator. Onboard generators are often connected to the boat’s engine fuel lines, so there is no need for a separate, space-consuming fuel tank. These days, the boat community is excited about the advent of efficient, clean-burning hydrogen-powered boat generators. The only downside to hydrogen-powered boat generators is the need for a refueling station to supply the hydrogen fuel.
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why choose BISON boat generator manufacutrer
BISON boat generator
BISON boat generator are the perfect choice for continuous power supply needs, offering safety and high quality. All models are available with single-phase or three-phase input and optionally incorporate sound enclosures. Also, kit formats have different options to customize groups as needed and applied. BISON boat generators are compact, reliable, quiet and durable. You can discover the many possibilities we offer, such as the synchronization of parallel operations. Wide range of models with Type Approval certification.
boat generator manufacturer
We manufacture generator for both pleasure and professional vessels, with the option of customizing them to suit the customer’s needs. All our boat generators offer high performance and can supply electrical energy in a constant and safe way.
Available with canopy or without canopy and with various configuration options, such as synchronization for parallel operation.
In addition, we offer a range of Type Approval certified models that meet the most demanding conditions.
corrosion resistant
BISON boat generators are made of corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel and galvanized steel. They are also coated with an anti-rust coating, making them highly resistant to various types of corrosion. durable and versatile
Fully Customizable
BISON can customize boat generators according to your requirements. Every aspect of the generator can be personalized as desired. Their dimensions and other specifications can be fully customized.
mass production
BISON has advanced manufacturing machines for mass production of boat generator manufacturing. We supply high quality generators and accessories precision manufactured to your specifications.
Low Cost
BISON provides various services for boat generators at super prices. We make sure to produce better quality and more reasonable models. Bison boat generators require less maintenance. They are also easy to install and service.
BISON: chinese generator manufacturer
BISON Chinese boat generator suppliers
BISON offers unique advanced technologies that make boat generators a unique choice. You can customize your own dedicated boat generator according to your needs.
We provide generator production services for all kinds of boats, recreational and professional. Our custom generator services include custom gasoline generators, diesel generators, portable generators, home generators, three-phase generators, and more.
BISON will work with you to develop a manufacturing strategy that fits your budget.
BISON provides generator manufacturing services for a variety of vessels in a variety of industries. We have been an expert in the manufacture and wholesale of boat generators in China for many years.
By offering boat Generator Manufacturing, we can manufacture different boat Generator Accessories with outstanding precision. All final generators are designed according to your requirements. Every generator accessory is ideal for restoration, repair and replacement.
We are fully capable of producing unique but cheaper customized products. We are supported by advanced machines. With decades of experience, BISON provides precise and aesthetically pleasing designs for your projects.
How to choose the suitable generator for your boat
1) Inverter vs conventional generator
Does your boat need a conventional generator? Or is an inverter a better option for you? Let’s find out!
While installing a quality genset for your boat can cost you around $15,000 to $20,000. On the other hand, the cost of installing an inverter is relatively low, i.e. about $3000 for a 3 kW inverter.
Inverters can run devices that require little power, for example, to charge devices or watch TV. If your electricity needs are not high, an inverter can come in handy. But don’t rely on the inverter to provide 120 volts.
Gensets also have disadvantages – additional engines, frequent oil changes, and weight and space issues. Still, if maintained properly, a generator can definitely make your boat experience feel right at home.
2) AC vs DC
Alternating current uses high voltage to transmit power over long distances and thus becomes the primary current for power distribution. Many appliances today run on alternating current. Those appliances that run on DC have their own internal transformers that convert AC to DC.
However, suppose you are purchasing a generator for a boat for the sole purpose of charging the battery rather than distributing it to many appliances. In that case, it makes more sense to have a small portable DC generator.
Keep in mind that high-quality boat DC generators are not as common on the market as AC generators, and existing generators are relatively noisy.
3) How much power do you need?
To determine how many kilowatts you need, many recommend adding the wattage rating mentioned on the label of your boat’s AC appliance, then dividing the sum by 1000 to convert watts to kilowatts.
While this approach sounds in theory, in practice, you need to ensure that your generator set provides approximately twice the power output.
This is because you definitely want to avoid having a generator loaded 24/7, do you? Excessive drain on a boat generator can lead to overheating and other problems that can shorten its lifespan.
Sometimes AC draws more power than what is mentioned on the label. Sailors should, therefore, not use more than 80% of the genset power output.
4) Fuel: diesel vs petrol
Diesel generators are long-lived and highly efficient despite requiring minimal maintenance. On the downside, these can be very expensive and noisy. In addition, diesel generators are also associated with environmental concerns.
In contrast, gasoline generators are readily available, cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The petrol generator also runs quietly. Additionally, gasoline can be explosive, requiring the generator to be non-sparking.
Still, despite all these pros and cons, it is imperative that the generator you invest in is matched to the primary fuel of your boat engine.
5) Generator size
If you invest in an undersized generator that is running at more than 75% of its total load capacity, overloading can cause several problems.
On the other hand, if the generator is oversized, i.e. running at less than 25% of its output, too much energy is wasted. Therefore, choosing a generator of the right size and power is imperative.
Generators with a power output range of 5-8 kW are the best generators for small boats under 20 feet in length. These small generators are great for charging your electronics and boat batteries. This power output also supports mini-fridges, small cooking appliances and audio systems.
If your boat is between 30-39 feet in length, a 10-25 kW boat generator will be your best choice. Refrigerators, televisions, and air conditioners are some of these ocean-generated appliances that operate effortlessly.
Finally, a boat generator with an output power of more than 30 kilowatts is definitely needed for large ships. You can operate many household appliances at the same time, including an electric stove, oven, refrigerator, and oven.
6) Engine
In-line generators, that is, generators with cylinders arranged in a straight line, are easy to install and maintain.
By default, three and six-cylinder engines run balanced and smooth, while two and four-cylinder engines vibrate. On many four-cylinder engines, counter-rotating shafts balance the resulting vibrations.
Also, where single-train automotive engines cannot pick up supplementary loads when producing maximum torque at higher speeds, generator-based engines designed for industrial applications provide low-end torque and take on additional loads while running at full power.
Also, look for generators with safety shutdown features in the event of hot water, loss of coolant flow, or low oil pressure. Also, instead of a dry manifold, opt for a design with cast iron liquid-cooled manifolds to prevent fire hazards.
7) Cooling
Boat generator engines are designed to be liquid cooled with any of the following three cooling systems: direct seawater cooling, keel cooling and heat exchangers.
Direct seawater configurations circulate untreated seawater through the engine, making it susceptible to corrosion and contamination. Therefore, despite being cost-effective, this cooling system is the least popular of the three configurations.
A heat exchange configuration is the most common cooling system in boat generators. They have two cooling water circuits: a seawater cooling circuit and a jacket water or fresh water circuit.
A centrifugal pump on the seawater cooling circuit pumps seawater through the heat exchanger, and the outlet emerges through the exhaust elbow.
Likewise, the circulation pump in the jacket water loop pumps the coolant mixture through the heat exchanger and then through the exhaust manifold.
Keel-cooled engines have only one freshwater circuit, and a circulation pump moves the coolant through the cooling grille. Finally, remember that your generator engine cooling system must match the main engine’s liquid cooling system.
8) RPM
In the United States and Canada, the fixed voltage and frequency with which electronic products must be used is 120 V and 60 Hz AC. To do this, the engine’s revolutions per minute (RPM) must be 1200, 1800 or 3600 RPM.
Alternators with an engine speed of 1800 RPM are the most common, and rightfully so. These models are cost-effective, quiet and fuel-efficient. The downside to the 1200 RPM models is that they are big and heavy.
In the end, the 3600 RPM model is economical and powerful, even for the smaller portable boat generator sizes. However, they are often noisy and have a short lifespan. If you own a 3600 RPM generator model, consider adding an acoustic enclosure with removable panels to reduce noise.
9) Single-phase electricity vs three-phase electricity
Three-phase power motors require an extra wire than single-phase motors, are generally cost-effective and are considered a better choice for boat generators because they can transmit three times the power of single-phase motors.
However, small portable boat generators with an output of 20 kW or less usually use single-phase motors.
10) Installation and access compatibility
Look for engines with service points, such as filters, oil and water fillers, and dipsticks, grouped on the same side for easy access during maintenance. This is also an excellent strategy to save space by mounting the other side of the generator on the bulkhead.
Also, make sure the generator is compatible with your boat. You will need to install water inlets for cooling purposes and pipes and filters for cooling water discharge.
Conclusion
The best generators for boats provide a steady flow of electrical current for the boat’s appliances and meet your selection criteria.
These days, many people prefer an extra portable boat generator to charge and run low-wattage devices, given how easy it is to use.
We hope this article has given you enough insight and helped you decide which type of generator set is best for your boat.
generator for boat FAQ
Can I use a portable generator for the boat?
Yes, portable generators can provide onboard power for boats that are too small to fit a marine genset. But portable generators can pose serious safety risks if used incorrectly. However, when used properly, portable generators are safe to run on a boat.
Can you add a generator to the boat?
Boat or marine generators can provide power to keep heaters, electronics and appliances running even when the main engine is shut off. If you purchase a generator, it is essential to choose one that is properly sized and maintained.
How to determine the size of the generator for the boat?
According to some experts, the best way to figure out the size of the genset you need is to sum up the total wattages of all the AC appliances you anticipate using at once, then divide by 1,000 to obtain the number of kilowatts needed to power them.