On our 1990 H35.5 we have an installed Rotary Aire 10,000 BTU AC unit. I am interested in installing a genset to allow the use of the unit while at anchor. Researching, I found that the AC draws 21 amps at start-up, and requires 8 amps to run. If my figuring is correct, this would require a genset capable of producing around 2500 watts. I am interested in ideas concerning 1) good, lightweight, QUIET gensets and, 2) locations to place it. It would seem that the Honda line of super-quiet units would fit the bill....can anyone offer first-hand experience with these? Also, is it possible to store (but not run) the unit in one of the lazarettes on the stern platform?
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Quiet Honda
Honda stopped making the 2500EX so far as I know. I remember someone else trying to buy one a couple years ago after seeing one that my friend bought about 10 years ago. ChuckWolfe@innocent.com
Honda stopped making the 2500EX so far as I know. I remember someone else trying to buy one a couple years ago after seeing one that my friend bought about 10 years ago. ChuckWolfe@innocent.com
10,000 btu's ????
I am thinking of putting an a/c unit on my h34 and I have seen people putting 16,000 btu units on boats this size. Is that over kill? What part of the country are you operating in?
I am thinking of putting an a/c unit on my h34 and I have seen people putting 16,000 btu units on boats this size. Is that over kill? What part of the country are you operating in?
Be Careful!
Be careful about running that genset while you are sleeping - even if it's outside, on deck, a wind shift can blow enough of the exhaust into the cabin for long enough that you just might not wake up. Don't depend on a CO detector to warn you of this - they don't always work.. MC
Be careful about running that genset while you are sleeping - even if it's outside, on deck, a wind shift can blow enough of the exhaust into the cabin for long enough that you just might not wake up. Don't depend on a CO detector to warn you of this - they don't always work.. MC
Air Conditioner capacity
Chris, I installed a 16,000 btu reverse cycle air conditioner last summer in my 1988 H33.5. The boat is used on the Gulf Coast where heat and humidity are a constant. The unit seems to be adequately sized for the 33.5. My advice is to get the larger unit; the cost differential is not that great. The consequences of an undersized system will be costly to correct not to mention the dissatisfaction. David.
Chris, I installed a 16,000 btu reverse cycle air conditioner last summer in my 1988 H33.5. The boat is used on the Gulf Coast where heat and humidity are a constant. The unit seems to be adequately sized for the 33.5. My advice is to get the larger unit; the cost differential is not that great. The consequences of an undersized system will be costly to correct not to mention the dissatisfaction. David.
Size of AC unit
Chris, I am operating in the upper Chesapeake Bay and have found that the 10,000 BTU unit works very nicely in this area.
Chris, I am operating in the upper Chesapeake Bay and have found that the 10,000 BTU unit works very nicely in this area.
Won't Work
You will not be able to instantly load a 2500 watt generator with a 2310 (21amp.x110 v.) watt load. Probably would take at least a 3500 watt unit. You will find the fuel tank will not run the unit very long, and you will be refueling a hot GASOLINE motor. The reason you have that expensive diesel engine in your boat is so you don't mess around with gasoline and blow it up! You know what they say... If you can't do it right, don't do it. Good Luck and Be Careful
You will not be able to instantly load a 2500 watt generator with a 2310 (21amp.x110 v.) watt load. Probably would take at least a 3500 watt unit. You will find the fuel tank will not run the unit very long, and you will be refueling a hot GASOLINE motor. The reason you have that expensive diesel engine in your boat is so you don't mess around with gasoline and blow it up! You know what they say... If you can't do it right, don't do it. Good Luck and Be Careful
Capacity
We are in the Chesapeake as well, and recently installed 12,000 BTU of air in our H-34. It has been adequate even over the July 4 weekend (highs of 105 +). But I figured that 16,000 would be better for the Keys or Gulf Coast of Florida in summer. My plan is to install a second 4-5000 BTU cool only unit (draws 4 amps and can be run off of an inverter according to the manufacturer, Marine Air). The smaller unit will cool your boat on those hot, humid nights (but not do too well on sunny days) with just the type of generator you are contemplating. It will also help the larger unit cool the boat under extreme conditions. I fear that a generator adequate to start your 10k BTU unit will be large and heavy, even if it is a Honda.
We are in the Chesapeake as well, and recently installed 12,000 BTU of air in our H-34. It has been adequate even over the July 4 weekend (highs of 105 +). But I figured that 16,000 would be better for the Keys or Gulf Coast of Florida in summer. My plan is to install a second 4-5000 BTU cool only unit (draws 4 amps and can be run off of an inverter according to the manufacturer, Marine Air). The smaller unit will cool your boat on those hot, humid nights (but not do too well on sunny days) with just the type of generator you are contemplating. It will also help the larger unit cool the boat under extreme conditions. I fear that a generator adequate to start your 10k BTU unit will be large and heavy, even if it is a Honda.
H34 A/c
On my 34, installed 16000 BTU, which is just adequate for a hot summer Texas day. I would not want 12000. As for generator.. only run it at the dock. Jim
On my 34, installed 16000 BTU, which is just adequate for a hot summer Texas day. I would not want 12000. As for generator.. only run it at the dock. Jim
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