[PCaskey]

I'm looking to purchase a 1997 3100 Open that has no generator.  What do boaters typically use to add a generator to the boat?

[MC1600]

Just a thought, but maybe consider living without one for a while and see how it goes? By the time you factor in the initial cost, weight, and maintenance, you might be better off with an inverter or even just working off battery power. Before we bought our Tiara, we had a 35' Chris Craft that had no generator and we thought for sure we'd add one. Seven years later, we never really needed anything more than the battery bank for a day out. Fast forward to today with our 4000 Express, and there's no way we could use it how we want without a generator. All depends on how you intend to use the boat.

[ReelMagic]

I currently own a 2003 38 Open w/Onan 9KW generator (lots of access in engine room) and use it when traveling long distances as we are generally docked with shore power. When on the hook 6-10 hrs or even overnight we use it only as needed and never overnight when sleeping.... With that said I owned a 1997 31 for more than 10 years and traveled extensively w/o a generator. Didn't really miss one and did see the need over those 10 years. One big down side to installing a Gen on a 1997 31 Open is the fact the engine room is cramped enough without the Gen. Maintenance would be more difficult and space for engine access limited that much more.. A buddy had a 1998 31 Open and removed the Gen after several years due to space limitations for maintenance... I would suggest you use the boat for a season or so to see if you really need one.... M2C

[PCaskey]

I'll give it a try. I know the heat in my area can be brutal but I'll try it without it and see. Thanks for the replies.

[bruce33]

I had a 1990 33 Open. I installed a 5k at the transom, under the fish box. It was truly easy. If your Interested, I think I have some picture yet? Let me know.


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[Matta0413]

I have a 2002 31 Open. This will be my 5th year with it. We travel a lot but always go to other marinas for week ends etc.. It you are planning to stay on the hook for long periods of time then the genny is nice. The one time we stayed on the hook for a weekend I used a Honda Genny that I put up on the bow and ran a shore power cord to with an adapter. We didn't need the A/C that weekend but I did turn it on just to see if the Honda can handle it and it did with no problem. The only time the Honda struggled was with the Microwave but it did not trip. I do all of my own maintenance and can say that I cannot imagine working in the engine room with a genny in there. Just getting in and out of the engine room would be a tough job with the genny between the engines, and my hatch lift pistons are on each side, not in the middle like the older 31's.

[maddie]

You don't mention diesel or gas, but I took mine out a few years ago. It was a 5k Westerbeke diesel. I had hired someone to do it that turned out to be a mistake. In any case I did it myself and it's a tight fit in the boat, and just as tight getting it out.
Now, I bring a small honda with me if the situation warrants one, but have only used it once. Engines can charge batteries, we cook on propane, heat hot water for coffee, and if on the hook enjoy the fresh breeze. The extra space in the engine room helps to gain engine access, and I keep a full toolbox where the genset was. I have more pics if needed.