Does anyone have any experience with the 12 volt DC generators? (basically a large alternator -- 160 or 250 amps -- connected to a tiny engine). The only one I can find that even mentions the marine environment is the Power Genie form Ample Technology. This one runs on Diesel. There are a few others aimed at the off-the-grid housing market that use a small 2 stroke engine. (I will probably have a 2 stroke outboard, so the fuel may not be an issue, but I will have a lot more diesel capacity.) One article mentioned that it may be easy and cheap enough to construct your own, based on your favorite brand of alternator.
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DC Generator
I had a 12 volt, 150 amp alternator, powered by a Kuboda 13 HP diesel on previous boat. Unit was made by Balmar, and it cranked out the DC charge. It also had an engine driven watermaker attached. (20 gph) Used this setup for five seasons in the Bahamas to power Ref-freezer. Worked like a charm. It takes a lot of power to initially turn the alternator when it first starts up. System worked for me.
I had a 12 volt, 150 amp alternator, powered by a Kuboda 13 HP diesel on previous boat. Unit was made by Balmar, and it cranked out the DC charge. It also had an engine driven watermaker attached. (20 gph) Used this setup for five seasons in the Bahamas to power Ref-freezer. Worked like a charm. It takes a lot of power to initially turn the alternator when it first starts up. System worked for me.
One Resource, Debra: Apollo Diesel Gen's
I was thinking of installing one once. The 12 Volt model is really light. No website, so you have to call. Fairly popular in SoCal. Good luck. Apollo Diesel Generators. 714/650-1240. (The area code may have been changed. It is in Costa Mesa, CA.) RD
I was thinking of installing one once. The 12 Volt model is really light. No website, so you have to call. Fairly popular in SoCal. Good luck. Apollo Diesel Generators. 714/650-1240. (The area code may have been changed. It is in Costa Mesa, CA.) RD
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