Portable generators
- Thread starter ALKA2710
- Start date
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2000
- RO Number
- 3238
- Messages
- 4,831
This is a frequent question. ( I'm biased, and would not have a non-marine genny aboard, but I will attempt to give a straight answer... )
Those who wish to use a small non-marine generator aboard seem to be in near unanimous agreement that the Honda is the most desirable. The Yammy has also been mentioned.
Most 2kw generators would find a 10k BTU A/C to be a challenge, at best, and won't work in some cases.
The consensus is that it should be placed on the swim platform, astern. Place it on something to raise it up a bit, to help avoid splashing.
In all cases a CO monitor should be used. Maybe two (2). Gas generators can ( and do ) kill. Be careful.
If I were to do such a thing ( I won't ) then the best choice seems to be to use the Honda 2000I and a smaller A/C such as 5k to 7k BTU.
Whatever you do, please be sure to keep safety at the very top of your list.
I hope that helps.
Those who wish to use a small non-marine generator aboard seem to be in near unanimous agreement that the Honda is the most desirable. The Yammy has also been mentioned.
Most 2kw generators would find a 10k BTU A/C to be a challenge, at best, and won't work in some cases.
The consensus is that it should be placed on the swim platform, astern. Place it on something to raise it up a bit, to help avoid splashing.
In all cases a CO monitor should be used. Maybe two (2). Gas generators can ( and do ) kill. Be careful.
If I were to do such a thing ( I won't ) then the best choice seems to be to use the Honda 2000I and a smaller A/C such as 5k to 7k BTU.
Whatever you do, please be sure to keep safety at the very top of your list.
I hope that helps.
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2006
- RO Number
- 20280
- Messages
- 444
Radio's advice is dead on. The only thing I would add, as a Honda user, is that the genny is not particularily quiet. If you put it on a swim platform, put a bathmat or rubber mat under it to soften the considerable vibration.
And....if moored, be courteous to your neighbors.
- Joined
- May 14, 2001
- RO Number
- 4570
- Messages
- 1,383
If you are looking at portable generators, the Honda EU2000 is your best bet, not exactly silent, but the quietest of any, with proper "load management" it will fill most of your needs and be very reliable. Be sure that you store it properly and be considerate if those around you when running it.
Radio sumed it up, one thing I would add is that if your generator is underpowered for the load, you can cause damage to you air condition unit. When figuring out what load the AC will draw, consider that on start up the electrical draw is much higher than when it is running.
Walter
Walter
I used to have a 26-foot Four Winns that I tried a Honda EU2000 with. (I've since moved to a larger boat with generator).
I had an air conditioner on the boat. The only way I could get it to work w/ the Honda was to start the AC with thermostat set so that the compressor would not turn on immediately. I turned it on with fan-only first for a few seconds, then turned the thermostat so that it kicked-on. The generator would struggle a moment, then once the surge passed, it ran fine. You might want to borrow one first to make sure it will work. I did worry a bit about damaging the AC; wasn't sure about that.
I had an air conditioner on the boat. The only way I could get it to work w/ the Honda was to start the AC with thermostat set so that the compressor would not turn on immediately. I turned it on with fan-only first for a few seconds, then turned the thermostat so that it kicked-on. The generator would struggle a moment, then once the surge passed, it ran fine. You might want to borrow one first to make sure it will work. I did worry a bit about damaging the AC; wasn't sure about that.
I have used a Honda 2000 on our boat. it will run the fridge, AC lights, batt charger, and tv all at once. if you plan on using the water heater and or the electric stove you are going to have to turn off most of the above. we have used a 8000btu air conditioner but it also requires you to turn off all of the above. the Honda is quieter than any typical, commercial grade genny but still quite annoying in a quiet anchorage. I have felt embarrassed with the racket that it can produce if the Honda is running at peak output. I have used it with our shore power cord and placed it far away from other boats and campers at one local state park in Biscayne bay. It works well in this situation noise wise. I have also placed it in our RIB dingy and let it float a little ways back on a line tied off too our stern. None of these methods I've mentioned are a proper solution. hence, I'm in the market for a bigger boat with a proper generator.
Mario
Mario
I agree. My last (3) AC's have all been 15,000 BTU units which will pull about 15 amps at full compressor load. My last genset was a 6.5kw with two circuits. (1) at 30 amps for hotel loads and (1) AC and another circuit at 20 amps that was dedicated to the second AC. A 20 amp genset will run your AC if its full load draw is around 15 with no problem.
Most air conditioner loads at start up are 2 to 3 times the running current. Constantly cycling the compressor with low current can damage the unit. For the record I am totally against portable gas generator use on a boat, it's dangerous and if you like Russian roulette then it would be perfect addition to your boat.
quote:
Originally posted by inkblue
So this means that I might not be able to use my AC with the EU2000i [:-indifferent][:-irked][:-bigeyes2]
ARGH!
We have a Cruiseair 10K in our Regal. Older manual 3 knob controls. The instructions with the A/C say run the fan for a while before switching to A/C mode, and that is what I have always done. Never had a problem starting the A/C. With the A/C running, I could also run the microwave. I could not run the microwave and have the A/C kick in. It would blow the breaker on the gennie. Overall it is a great little machine. I am in the process of designing an underwater exhaust to dampen some of the noise. It's in the design phase. It can be done. I just have not figured out how.
Devil's in the details!!!
I have a EU2000 I’ve used for a lot of different tasks and have been very satisfied. Without any other load and off the economy mode it does run my 16,000 BTU AC. In the econ mode it is very quiet, however not the case under full load with econ off.
Like someone else said, I would rent one and try it out first and don’t forget the safety issues said by others.
Like someone else said, I would rent one and try it out first and don’t forget the safety issues said by others.
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2003
- RO Number
- 11165
- Messages
- 82
I've got a Kipor 3000 which is rated for 23amps, but only if you bring the load up a little at a time. Hit it with 20 amps all at once and it will choke. It will not start my 16000 btu A/C. We can run everything else but the A/C. I would think that the Honda 3000 or the Kipor 3500 would run the A/C but they weigh 135 lbs which is hardly portable If you are having to handle it solo from the dock to the boat or cockpit to swim platform.
We usually overnight on the hook with a 2000 watt inverter to run the blender, fans and lights. Then in the morning, will fire up the generator to recharge the batteries, make coffee, run the hair dryer. The generator gives us more piece of mind than anything else.
We usually overnight on the hook with a 2000 watt inverter to run the blender, fans and lights. Then in the morning, will fire up the generator to recharge the batteries, make coffee, run the hair dryer. The generator gives us more piece of mind than anything else.
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2006
- RO Number
- 20280
- Messages
- 444
I live in the PNW. Used my Honda all winter long. No problems with moisture.
BTW...found mine on Craig's List. 3 months old...$750.