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Marine Generators – Diesel Gensets from Compact to Commercial
Shop our full selection of marine generators (gensets), from compact units under 10 kW for smaller cruisers to mid-range and large commercial-grade systems built for sportfishing yachts and larger vessels. Whether you need reliable auxiliary power for a weekend cruiser or a full backup power system for a liveaboard or commercial application, our lineup covers trusted brands across every power range.
Shop Marine Generators by Brand
We carry marine generators from five of the most established names in the industry: Cummins Onan, known for a wide power range with robust control systems and strong reliability; Kohler, a dependable mid-size choice with corrosion-resistant enclosures built for the marine environment; Westerbeke, a long-standing name in marine auxiliary power with a broad lineup across boat sizes; Fischer Panda, recognized for its variable-speed series offering exceptionally quiet, smooth operation for boats where noise matters most; and Northern Lights, a trusted choice for larger sportfishing yachts and motor yachts needing dependable backup power. Not sure which brand or size fits your boat? See our guidance below or reach out to our team.
Choosing the Right Power Range
- Small/compact (under 10 kW): suited to smaller cruisers and sailboats needing basic auxiliary power for essentials like refrigeration, battery charging, and limited AC use. Compact footprint and lighter weight make installation easier on smaller boats.
- Mid-range (10-40 kW): the most common range for cruising sailboats and mid-size motor yachts running air conditioning, appliances, and electronics simultaneously. This range includes many variable-speed and inverter options for quieter operation.
- Large/commercial (40+ kW): built for larger yachts, commercial vessels, and applications with heavier continuous power demands, often available in single or three-phase configurations with advanced digital control systems.
Sizing depends on your total electrical load — add up the continuous draw of everything you’ll run simultaneously (AC units, appliances, electronics, battery charging) and choose a generator with enough headroom for startup surges, particularly from air conditioning compressors and other motor-driven loads.
Sound Shields and Quiet Operation
Most marine generators are available with a sound shield enclosure, which significantly reduces operating noise — some compact models are designed to run at conversation-level noise from inside the enclosure. If minimizing noise and vibration is a priority, look specifically at variable-speed and inverter-type diesel generators, which adjust engine speed to match the load rather than running at a constant RPM, generally resulting in quieter, smoother operation and better fuel efficiency at partial loads.
Diesel vs. Gasoline Generators
The large majority of marine generators are diesel, valued for reliability, fuel efficiency, and compatibility with diesel-powered boats. Gasoline marine generators exist for boats already running gasoline engines, letting the whole boat run on a single fuel type, though diesel remains the standard choice across most cruising and yacht applications due to its safety profile and durability under continuous use.
Key Features to Look For
- Freshwater cooling / heat exchanger: keeps the engine running at consistent temperature, common on generators intended for regular or continuous use
- Digital control panel / remote start: lets you monitor voltage, current, and power output, and start the generator remotely from the helm rather than at the unit itself
- Voltage regulation: maintains stable output for sensitive onboard electronics, typically specified as a percentage tolerance
- EPA Tier III certification: confirms the generator meets current emissions standards for marine auxiliary engines
Frequently Asked Questions
What size generator do I need for my boat?
Add up the continuous electrical load of everything you plan to run at once, including AC units, appliances, and charging systems, then choose a generator with enough capacity to handle startup surges from motor-driven equipment like air conditioning.
Are diesel generators better than gasoline for boats?
Diesel is the standard choice for most marine applications due to its reliability and safety profile, especially for continuous or frequent use. Gasoline generators are mainly chosen to match an already gasoline-powered boat.
How loud are marine generators?
It varies significantly by model and enclosure. Most generators come with a sound shield to reduce noise, and variable-speed or inverter models are generally the quietest options if noise is a top priority.
What’s the difference between a fixed-speed and variable-speed generator?
Fixed-speed generators run at a constant RPM regardless of load. Variable-speed generators adjust engine speed to match demand, typically resulting in quieter operation and better fuel efficiency at partial loads.
Shop Cummins Onan, Kohler, Westerbeke, Fischer Panda, and Northern Lights marine generators below — from compact to commercial power — to find the right genset for your boat.