Generator Parts

Boat Generator Components Resources and Information

PartsVu offers a complete selection of generator components from top generator suppliers, including CAMCO-ARMADA, Dallas Manufacturing Co., Voltec Industries, Dinosaur Electronics, Sealand, Fireboy-Xintex and others. Browse from our extensive collection of generator products, including Parallax power supplies, Xintex optional relay control modules, VDO generator senders, and more.

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Marine Generator Parts FAQs

Can I use a regular generator on my boat?

While marine generators serve the same essential function as regular generators, it’s important that you only use marine generators on your boat. Unlike regular generators, marine generators are designed to withstand the conditions associated with marine environments. Water, weather, and salt can corrode standard generator parts, leading the generator to fail. Marine generators are made out of more durable material, feature higher-grade insulation, and hydraulic pump systems capable of functioning in virtually any marine environment. 

Why do I need a marine generator? 

Many boaters wonder why marine generators are necessary for providing additional power on their boats when boats already have marine batteries. While marine batteries are perfectly capable of powering small components, for products and appliances that consume more electricity, a marine generator is necessary. Choosing the right kind of generator for your boat can save your battery power and keep components functioning for long stretches of time. 

What does a marine generator do? 

A generator is essentially a gas-powered motor that turns motive energy into electrical energy, providing an external energy source capable of powering the components and appliances on your boat. 

What are the safety concerns associated with marine generators?

As with any type of generator, marine generators are powered by a combustion engine that produces carbon monoxide as a byproduct. Not only is carbon monoxide bad for the environment, but it’s also toxic to humans and can even be fatal when inhaled for long enough. If the fumes produced by your generator accumulate in an enclosed space in your boat, it could be harmful to you or your guests. To prevent this, we recommend researching the emission information on any marine generator you’re considering. We also recommend purchasing a marine generator with a built-in carbon monoxide sensor. Additionally, you can install carbon monoxide sensors in other enclosed locations on your boat. These sensors will sound whenever carbon monoxide fumes reach an unhealthy level. 

How do I choose the right marine generator for my boat? 

Before purchasing a marine generator for your boat, you’ll first need to determine how many kilowatts you’ll need to power your on-board components and appliances. The best way to find this number is to add up the total wattage of your appliances and components, then divide that number by 1000 and multiply it by 2. This figure should be roughly double the capacity necessary to power your components. Naturally, you may be wondering why we recommend purchasing a generator with a capacity that is double the capacity of what you technically require. The reason is that you don’t want to max out your generator’s capacity for extended periods of time, as this runs the risk of overheating the generator, potentially leading to failure. In general, you never want to exceed 80% of your marine generator’s capacity. 

Should I use a gasoline-powered generator or a diesel-powered generator? 

Generally speaking, your marine generator should be powered by the same fuel that your outboard engine is powered by. So if you use a gasoline-powered outboard engine, use a gasoline-powered generator. However, you may still want to consider a diesel-powered generator, as these types of generators are less prone to explosion.

Should I use an AC or DC marine generator? 

Whether you go with an AC or DC marine generator largely depends on what you intend to do with your generator. If you need to power components or appliances, then an AC marine generator is necessary. However, many boaters only want a generator for charging marine batteries. Historically, DC generators have been used for this application. However, we find that these generators are a bit too bulky and noisy by modern standards for such a simple purpose. These days, small, compact DC battery chargers are a far better solution. 

What is the difference between a marine generator and an inverter? 

A marine generator typically generates an AC by utilizing a combustion engine to convert motion into electrical energy. An inverter converts a DC current from a battery bank into an AC current to power AC-powered equipment and appliances. While inverters work well for boats with power demands around 1000 to 3500 watts, marine generators are more often necessary to power boats with more demanding electrical systems. Sometimes, both a generator and an inverter may be required. 

How does the operating speed affect my marine generator? 

Electrical products consume electricity at a certain speed, which is measured in a unit called hertz. Hertz is equal to one cycle per second. Electrical products in the US and Canada consume power at a standard rate of 60 Hertz, while electrical products in most European and Asian countries use 50 Hertz. Choose the right marine generator for your region by checking the standard Hertz rating in your country. For 60Hz, you’ll need a marine generator that runs at around 1800 to 3600 rpm. For 50Hz, a generator will need to run at around 1500 to 3000 rpm. In general, there are two types of marine generators: Two-pole generators and four-pole generators. Four-pole generators are known for their dependability, low fuel consumption, and low noise output. While two-pole generators and lighter and more compact, they’re much louder than four-pole generators, and run at twice the speed, decreasing their life expectancy. 

How does a marine generator cooling system work?

Unlike standard generators, marine generators are designed specifically to withstand harsh marine conditions, including continued water exposure, intense heat and cold. The cooling system is integral to your marine generator’s continued performance. Marine generator engines typically feature one of three types of cooling systems: heat-exchange, keel-cooled, and direct seawater. 

Heat exchangers move fresh water and coolant through the engine block by way of a circuit known as a water jacket. Using either a rubber impeller or centrifugal pump, water is carried from outside the boat and passed through a heat exchanger before being ejected from the engine. Meanwhile, the coolant is circulated through the engine block and exhaust manifold by way of a circulation pump. 

 A keel cooler is a cooling component mounted to your vessel that sits below the water line. Coolant circulates through your engine and then runs through the keel cooler to transfer heat before returning to the engine to repeat the process. 

What is a variable-speed marine generator? 

Historically, rpm generators were the only type of marine generators available. This meant that they could only operate at a fixed rpm. The problem with these types of generators is that either large engines are required to generate a relatively small amount of power, or smaller engines, resulting in louder noise outputs and shorter lifespans. Because the rpm is directly related to the engine speed, there has never been a way around this problem– until now. Variable speed generators make it possible to adjust the rpm of a generator to match the load power required. This results in a smaller generator size and lighter weight. Because variable speed marine generators are able to adjust their rpm on a case by case basis, they waste less fuel, last longer, and produce less noise.