Carter-Creagh’s most recent addition is the Fischer-Panda 4kw generator. Some of our favorite weekends on our boat have been at quiet anchorages in nearby harbors. But the quiet always had to be interrupted by the sound of our 42-hp diesel engine to recharge our batteries. So we have been researching the generator solution for a couple of years. At the Annapolis Sailboat Show in October 1998 we first saw the Fischer-Panda and had it demonstrated for us. It was indeed quiet on the back of their truck and it got us excited.We approached our marina about the possibility of them installing it for us and found out that Brewer Yacht Yards was a Panda dealer (though our particular yard had not installed one yet.). At the Annapolis show this past October we talked to Panda again, this time about more of the particulars of the installation. We found out that Catalina now offers this generator as an option with the new C 400 MKII model. The only real difference in the MKII model and ours was the size of the opening of the aft seat lockers. We would have a tight squeeze trying to get the unit in.
Convinced that it would work out we made the arrangements to purchase the generator and discussed its installation with the yard mechanic who would be doing the job. He made many calls to Catalina Yachts in Florida and to Fisher-Panda to get all the information he could including photographs. We decided that the unit would sit in the port side rear seat locker opposite the rudderpost from the refrigeration unit. He had to cut a notch out of the seat frame to fit the unit through. He has since replaced the notch so it is no longer noticeable. He also had to shave down one of the lateral struts a little to install two runners that the generator would sit on. And he raised the wood shelf an inch or so above it.
The electrical interface box was mounted on the forward bulkhead of that locker. He replaced the dock power circuit breaker with a dual circuit breaker that allowed only one breaker to be on at a time (either dock power or generator power). So we didn’t have to run new electric power up to the nav station. 
The Panda control panel and an AC voltmeter were installed on the electric panel in the nav station for easy starting and voltage reference.The fuel source and return were connected to the already existing secondary locations on the fuel tank. The through-hull for the raw cooling water
was placed near the one servicing the propulsion engine. The exhaust water separator was mounted on the aft bulkhead of the starboard rear seat locker. The water exhaust through-hull was mounted underneath it below water level to eliminate any water splashing noise. The exhaust air through-hull was placed next to the engine exhaust.Since we don’t plan on running it while anyone is sleeping in the aft cabin the “hum” created by the generator is little more than noticeable. In the main cabin we were able to speak at a normal level with no problem being heard. That was impossible with the other engine running. And because we are concerned about any exhaust leaks we have installed a CO monitor in the aft cabin.
The great advantages of the generator and the reasons we decided to make the investment were: (1) it will provide virtual dock power (30-amp) while at anchor; (2) it is a much quieter method of recharging batteries; (3) it is far more fuel efficient; (4) it will be less wear and tear on our Westerbeke diesel engine.
We know of only two downsides to our new generator (aside from the initial cost). One is that we have to be more of a contortionist when climbing down into the two rear seat lockers. But it still is possible (and we’re a little on the chubby side). And the second is that instead of our friends coming over to our boat late at night asking to “borrow” ice they are now asking what type of plug they need for their extension cords!