Can You Replace Your Marine Generator with a Portable Generator? Let’s Find Out!

Can You Replace Your Marine Generator with a Portable Generator?
Hell yes, you can! There are some considerations, but it’s absolutely possible and affordable. Don’t let the naysayers and internet know-it-alls scare you into thinking you can’t get creative and think outside the box. This isn’t any more dangerous than half the shit people do on their boats every day. Most folks don’t even bother to check their engine compartments for fuel leaks or inspect the wiring. It’s all about using common sense.
In this video, I’ll show you the process and introduce you to a custom part I designed and made from stainless steel. If you’re interested, I’ll sell you one! But I’m not here to sell you parts - I’m just happy to help a fellow boater out.
I made this video because everyone told me I couldn’t do it. After being frustrated with my original piece of shit Kohler generator that died with only 72 hours on it, I told myself I wasn’t gonna spend $10,000 on a new one just on principle. I know boats are expensive, especially mine, but I’m not gonna be shaken down like this.

[@mymobilemechanic8896]

Nice job man! I'm thinking about doing this to my Grady

[@briancrosson176]

Amazing conversion. I am thinking about going the same route on my Trojan Tri-Cabin

[@concreteguy9453]

@@briancrosson176 I should do an update video, but I’ve been using this setup all summer and it works great! I did add a couple of fans to improve airflow, so if you’re doing something similar, make sure you have plenty of air circulation around it. Also, ensure your water pump is high-quality and placed in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from the generator, to prevent overheating.

[@adamtedder1012]

You got a contact for someone to make that exhaust manifold?

[@fxprocc]

I need one of these.

[@mymobilemechanic8896]

Same

[@anaselmir-g3g]

Is the oem blower motor enough to suck out the fume or should add another one? I’m worry from the sparking and too much fume in there then its exploding?

[@concreteguy9453]

@@anaselmir-g3g I’ve got two large factory-installed blower fans that I run before starting the generator and keep on the entire time it’s in operation. I also added a neatly wired 12v fan above and behind the generator, connected to the blower switch, to improve airflow. My boat is equipped with built-in fuel vapor detectors, and I highly recommend installing those before attempting anything similar. I regularly inspect the engine bay, and if I ever notice fuel leaks or anything suspicious, I wouldn’t run the generator or the boat’s engines, period.