Repair vs. Replace

Your old, unreliable generator has failed yet again, dashing plans for that long-planned family cruise. It’s not the first time the generator has done you wrong. A day of reckoning in the form of a complete overhaul is long overdue, but is repair or replacement the better option? Here’s a look at what to seriously consider when deciding whether to overhaul or upgrade your old Edsel of a generator.

Factors to consider

If facing major engine or electrical repairs to a generator over five years old, replacement should at least be considered. Depending on the extent of the repairs, you may find that the cost of replacement versus repairs is not that far apart. Below are some other factors that can effectively reduce this gap even further.

Locating parts for an older, outdated generator can be an ordeal. The same is true of finding someone with the knowledge to install them, as well as work on your generator in the future.

Replacing an old generator allows you to enjoy the latest technology, from greener footprints and improved fuel efficiency to less vibration and quieter operation. These benefits will also typically be delivered in a smaller, lighter package than your existing generator — one that may also provide easier access for maintenance (such as having all service points located on one side).

Today’s diesel generators are cleaner emission-wise than those from even five years ago. In addition to the green side of things, one of the most visible benefits offered by a new generator is the use of digital remote-control panels. Simple on/off switches have evolved as manufacturers hop on the digital panel express.

Digital technology such as NMEA 2000 allows “electronic” (digital) generators and other products that are NMEA 2000 certified to communicate across the same network. This means more information is available to the owners of today’s generators. Ease of installation, coupled with the plethora of information provided by these modern panels (precise monitoring information, error codes to assist with troubleshooting, etc.) are two instant benefits when installing a new generator.

Other vessel upgrades

If your future plans include the installation of new, power-hungry equipment (such as another air conditioning unit or that new gyrostabilizer you’ve been eyeing), your old generator may not be able to meet the additional power requirements. Replacing it with a more powerful unit may be just the ticket to take your boating experience and enjoyment to the next level.

If you decide to replace your generator, always consult the manufacturer or an authorized representative as part of the selection process to determine which model best suits your current (and future) power needs. A generator that’s too small will be constantly laboring to meet demands, leading to poor performance and a shorter service life. Conversely, installing a generator that’s too large (the “bigger is better” syndrome) will lead to “underloading” problems, such as carbon buildup in the engine, incomplete fuel combustion and overall inefficient operation.

Long-term goals

How long you plan on keeping the boat and your future plans (such as extended cruising) are also things to consider when contemplating repair or replacement. For those planning to sail off into the sunset in search of paradise and tropical drinks with those little umbrellas in them, the peace of mind that comes with replacing an aging, questionable generator can be a significant factor.

The bottom line…

While important, the decision to repair or replace extends beyond simply comparing the price of installing a new generator with the cost of repairing your current unit. After all, if you do a complete rebuild on a 10-year-old generator, at the end of the day, you still have a 10-year-old generator — one with the trouble of finding parts and without the warranty provided with a new generator.