[C320-list] Generators

[Robert Seastream]

We have the Honda 2000 Eu-i 'Companion' generator on our 320.  I selected
the 'Companion' because it has a twistlock outlet whereas it's cheaper
cousin only has a conventional three prong outlet, and I wanted insurance
against the plug falling out.  I made a five foot jumper to connect the
generator to the shore power input.  We store a spare gallon tank of gas
under the helm seat; a well ventilated location.  The Honda resides in the
port cockpit lazarette when unused (quite cool location-never a smell of
gas venting although I don't know what the USCG would say), else it sits
either on the aft port quarter hatch seat or on the swim platform (lashed
to the secured swim ladder) when in calm waters.  It starts/runs a 5KW
window A/C unit (mounted in the cabinway entrance with a custom fit
washerboard), and the electric water heater (not both at once) along with
other onboard AC devices without problems.  Yes, it has some rusting around
the muffler, having been exposed to salt air, but no other problems.  Use
it at home in the winter when the power goes away.  Oh, the rubber
'isolator' feet do break down, but they're available at $12.50 each, or I
guess you could just buy a rubber mat and place the genset on that.

Bob Seastream
Intuition # 906

On Sun, May 20, 2012 at 8:20 PM, resloat <resloat at comcast.net> wrote:

> Herb-You need to consider the start up amperage needed (inductive loading)
> to start the motors for the AC to determine the wattage of generator
> needed. Once you get through the inductive loading pead and the motors are
> up and running, they require a lot less amperage.  Check out the Honda site
> which has inductive loading guidelines for various types of electrical
> motors to see what spec is needed for your AC.  I assume your AC is a 120
> volt system. You will need to get the hp and amps requirements from your AC
> motors or your owners manual.  Also, if you want to run computers you need
> some specific sine wave patterns that the Honda site documents.   Sometimes
> you can cheat and use a smaller wattage generator and get away with it, but
> you risk generator cut out or damage to the AC motors having insufficient
> amps to start up.
>
> From what I have seen on the market and from C320 chat, you could pick up
> a fairly high wattage (2000 watts) light weight Honda or equivalent
> generator for a little over $1000.  They are elegant, light weight, pricy
> machines (compared to the $450 Wal-Mart offering having 2000 watts, but
> weighting 90 lbs.) and really quiet.  I have one for my basement sump pump
> and if ever needed can be run in an outdoor sheltered location.  The
> problem, is they have 4 cycle gas engines so you need to deal with safely
> storing gasoline and the generator with a quart or more of gasoline.  I
> don't think you would pass a Coast Guard inspection with a gallon can of
> gasoline stored anywhere below deck in anything but an approved gasoline
> tank like in a power fuel tank.
>
> Bob Sloat
> S/V Savannah 894 (2002)
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: <hcreech at comcast.net>
> To: "C320-List" <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
> Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 6:42 PM
> Subject: [C320-list] Generators
>
>
>  Hate to bring this subject up again but need advice. My wife loves to
>> anchor out, but we only have a limited window due to the hot humid
>> Baltimore summers. I am considering adding a diesel generator to my 99'
>> boat, but it has to run all systems including my 16k BTU Cruise Air. I know
>> that all the previous discussions dealt with portable generators that were
>> not capable of running AC. Has anyone on the list installed one or does
>> anyone have a recommendation? I always thought that an installed generator
>> was about 16K, a budget breaker, but I think they have come down in price.
>> Any advise appreciated.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Herb Creech
>> Cloud Chaser 606
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>