How to Take Out a Generator From a Boat

Boat generators are very heavy objects located in the engine room of the boat.

The generator is an essential part of powering a boat. Removing the generator for repair or replacement takes great communication between a crane operator and one in the engine room of the boat. This can be a dangerous and strenuous process, and requires careful attention.

Things You'll Need

• Operating Crane
• Skilled Crane Operator
• Set of two-way radios
• Large oil pan

Instructions

1. Dock your boat.

2. Switch your spare generator out with the generator to be removed. Isolate your old generator near the main breaker panel.

3. Examine the breaker switches. Locate the breaker that powers the generator. Turn off the breakers. Lock out the switches by placing a padlock through the hole of the breaker's handle. Retain the key for the switch.

4. Shut down the generator motor and disconnect the fuel, fuel return, and water hose from the motor. Set large, empty pans under it's oil drain hose, then disconnect the hose.

5. Disconnect the exhaust ducts and air ducts from the generator motor.

6. Disconnect all electrical wires from the generator and its motor. Disconnect the electrical start-up and engine monitoring systems from the generator.

7. Open the overhead panel slowly (also called a hatch cover) of the engine room located above the generator. This is secured into place by bolts, so it can be completely removed. Instruct your crane operator to lower the four-part slings of the crane onto the deck. Assemble hooks on the end of the sling onto the open panel.

8. Make sure all bolts have been loosened, and put aside for re-attachment. Instruct the operator to raise the hatch cover from the boat's deck, and remove it from the vessel.

9. Remove the generator's hex nuts and generator motor from the engine mounts.

10. Instruct the operator to attach a fifth sling to the main hoist (main hook) of the crane and to lower all five slings into the engine room. Hook four of the slings into the lifting rings located on top of the generator, and hook the fifth ring on top of the actual generator motor.

11. Have the crane operator lift the slings up just enough to pull up on the generator and generator motor to test the placement of the sling. This is to ensure that the objects are well-mounted onto the hooks, and will not fall from the crane while being lifted from the boat. This can cause serious injuries and damage to the boat.

12. Make sure all people not associated with the lift are clear of the dock before bringing the generator up. Using your hand held radio, instruct the operator to lift the generator.

13. Instruct the operator to set the generator and motor onto the docking area, in a dry place.

Tips & Warnings

• Once the generator is attached to the slings, and is lifted, steer clear of the crane. The generator may swing back and forth, in a pendulum motion.

References

• New Boat Builders