[C320-list] Help, Please with this questions: What is the minimum generator wattagenecessary to efficiently run my 30 AMP onboard charger?

[Robert E. Sloat]

The specs. for my Xantrex 20 amp charger on hull 894 requires 4.6 amps from 
120 volts so the amp requirement is about 550 watts on the AC side.  Check 
out the Honda site where there is a guide for size of generators needed for 
various AC loads.  There is the issue of inductance loading which is a heavy 
load start up phenomenon which can easily double the wattage requirement. I 
don't think it applies to a Xantrex type device.

The other items raised including hot water heater, air conditioning and 
other electrical devices which will be a temptation when an AC source is 
available away from the dock should be factored into the generator sizing 
decision.

I have the very light Honda 2000 which I used for emergency backup at home 
for small sump pumps and powering electrical hand tools at remote locations. 
It is very quiet and fairly light.  I don't bring it on board and think you 
would have to figure out where to safely store gasoline and the charger when 
under way.  I can't imagine a 1 or 2 gallon tank of gasoline to feed the 
generator sitting inside my boat when things get rough.  I guess you could 
lash the tank to the stern.


Bob Sloat
Savannah Hull 894
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rick Sulewski" <rsulewski at bex.net>
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 22, 2010 11:20 PM
Subject: [C320-list] Help,Please with this questions: What is the minimum 
generator wattagenecessary to efficiently run my 30 AMP onboard charger?


> Help, please!
>
>
>
> Understanding that there have been discussions from time to time about the
> size of the portable gasoline chargers to run the onboard chargers (I have
> 30 amp unit on my 1995 320), has anyone figured out the minimum wattage
> generator needed to efficiently run the charger?
>
>
>
> I am considering if it is best to go with a 42 lb Yamaha 2000
> inverter/generator rated at a max of 13.5 amps and 1,600 watts, or the 27 
> lb
> Yamaha 1000 rated at a max of 8 amps and 900 watts.
>
>
>
> I considered a larger Yamaha inverter/generator with a max 21 amp and 2400
> watts to run the 16.5K AC/Heat unit, but I understand that the weight 
> jumps
> to about 70 lb and is much too large and bulky to store in the aft corner
> storage lockers.
>
>
>
> Thanks for your help.
>
>
>
>
>
> Rick
>
> My-Ria #277
>