[C320-list] Generator - change subject

[Rick Sulewski]

Alan,
 If you have the space to store another Honda 2000, you might want to
consider getting a Honda Companion 2000 unit so you may link the two
together to have enough power to handle the "surge" when the AC compressor
kicks on. Check the specs for the Honda 2000 when combined with the Honda
2000 "Companion model" to be sure your compressor surge is handled by the
two Honda 2000 units linked together.  If my memory is correct, my 16K BTU
AC/Heat unit required something like 13 amps running and  as much as a 19-22
amps for the compressor surge that was easily handled by 2 Yamaha 2000 is
units.  I went with the Yamahas because they both fit well in the starboard
aft locker and because they both weigh about 45 lbs. each so they are easy
to move about and use on the rear helm seat area nearest the 120V power cord
plug inlet. When the two Yamaha units are linked together and on eco mode,
the two generators accelerate for a moment when the electrical demand is
increased to start the compressor and then they both roll back to a much
lower speed while the compressor & fan are running. 

When I did my research I learned that a Honda 3000 was too big to easily
handle as it was well over 120 lbs.  Also, the 3000 unit dimensions did not
fit anywhere on a 320 but in the cockpit, providing one could give up a good
portion of the cockpit floor ahead of the pedestal. Also, based on what I
observed in a campground, a single Honda 3000 that is straining to produce a
large amount of power is much louder than a pair of smaller generators
linked together that provide even more combined  total power. The cost of a
Honda 3000 is similar to a pair of Honda 2000 gens. A few years ago when I
purchased my Yamahas 2000is units including the  linkage cable, I paid
something like $1,800 total delivered to my door (free shipping) during a
mid-winter sale. I noted today that a similar Yamaha deal may run around
$1,890, or less, if one is willing to do some internet research, identify
all available prices and the season to get your best deal (that may also be
negotiated to  include free shipping and the linkage cable). For me,
speaking directly to internet sales staff provided the best info & deals.

Just a side note, when storing the gen units in the aft locker, I make sure
that all of the fuel is run out or removed from the tank and carb before
storing  the units. That way there is no danger of having gasoline or fumes
in the cabin area while the fuel is kept under the helm seat or in the
anchor locker.
Rick

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf
Of Allan S Field
Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2015 8:38 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Generator - change subject

Thanks Warren.  I tried the Dometic and it didn't work.

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf
Of Warren Updike
Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2015 1:43 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Generator - change subject

Allan, the problem with not starting the AC, probably has to do with the
initial load. One solution I've heard is to put a switch in the water pump
circuit. Open the switch, start generator, start AC, once AC is running,
close the water pump switch. This separates the load of the pump and AC so
the generator may be able to handle it.
There is also a "slow start" device sold by Dometic that does the same thing
for more $$$. I have no experience with either idea.

Warren and Pattie Updike
1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62

-----Original Message-----
From: Allan S Field [mailto:allan.field at verizon.net]
Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2015 9:42 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Generator - change subject

Rick - I have a Honda EU2000i generator that won't start my 12K AC/heat
unit.  But I never thought of doing what I think you are talking about below
- somehow tying 2 of them together.  Can you tell me how you do this?  Thank
you!

Allan S. Field
Sea Shadow - #808
Columbia, MD

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf
Of Rick Sulewski
Sent: Friday, July 17, 2015 8:24 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Adding ballast

Warren,  Are you ever in need of generator power while at anchor? The reason
I ask is because I keep two 2KW Yamaha generators in the starboard aft
locker (90 lbs.) that are easily set up to run everything including our 16K
AC/heat unit. The gen sets more than balanced out the weight of the port
locker AC unit.
Rick

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf
Of tharrison at innovations-plus.com
Sent: Friday, July 17, 2015 6:12 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Adding ballast

Warren, this is my third season with Magic Moment. The original owner put
two pieces of lead weights up against the batteries in the starboard settee.
I have put wood between the batteries and the weights

I have air on the port side under the port locker as well - love it. 

Ted
Hull 424

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 17, 2015, at 5:51 PM, Warren Updike <wupdike at hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Two years ago we added an air conditioner in the port locker. Works great.
> Sorry we didn't do it sooner. However, the additional 60lbs only added 
> to the port list. I located a company in Baltimore that makes a 
> product specifically for custom molded ballast. It's a cement type 
> product to which you add water to create a ballast of a desired shape.
> I've been thinking of adding about 100-125 lbs of ballast to the port 
> side to compensate for the list which is now an issue for me. I can't 
> determine where to put the ballast. There is no room in the battery 
> area under the settee, nor outboard of the holding tank. I could place 
> some in the space under the little seat in the aft cabin, and in the 
> storage holes behind the head cushion in the aft berth. Perhaps under 
> the fuel tank, maybe in the bottom of the hanging locker, or in the 
> stbd
storage space under the aft berth.
> 
> Anyone done this or have ideas?
> 
> 
> 
> Warren Updike
> 
> Towson, MD
> 
> 
>