Adding generator to 28.5

[Burceh]

I am considering adding a marine generator to my H28.5 but the specs give a weight of 450 lbs and am concerned that that may be heavier than I would like.
Has anyone added a generator to a smaller mid size boat? Ant suggestions/ideas?

 

[Bill Roosa]

what loads are you wanting to power?
We will need a general idea of what size the load might be (watts?) and the type of load, battery charging, AC, water maker etc

 

[nolasafari]

I have a Fischer Panda 4.2 on my H33. Gives the boat a slight port list. I have sailed on a Catalina 30 with a Northern Lights Genset also gave a slight list. What is your budget, your looking at between 12 to 15 K. It is nice to run the AC when motoring or sailing if you need to. You will still hear some generator noise.

The Fisher Panda is the cleanest install, it is in a noise reduction shield. I think 4.2 is the smallest, did you find something smaller? Don't forget about the overboards, strainers, exhaust, wiring, fuel system.

 

[Johann]

I have a NextGen 3.5 in the port lazarette on my H336. It is compact and only 160 lbs (200 lbs with opt sound shield). I am happy with it and countered the weight with extra batteries to starboard.

Depending on your AC loads, maybe a high output alternator and inverter could work...

 

[Sailm8]

Wouldn't a small portable like the Honda 2000 make more sense? What are you trying to power?

 

[Burceh]

I guess the real question is how much do I think I need air conditioning. Sailm8, do you have a portable? I read an extensive thread that threw up huge red flags due to CO. I know we don't want to reopen that conversation here but if you are using one I would appreciate hearing your thoughts.

 

[Sailm8]

I don't use one but many of my friends use and swear by them. Personally I would rather sweat than run one due to the noise not the safety issue. There are a few nights here in south Florida when I wish I had one, but most of the time we swing into the breeze and can get comfortable. In the summer we sleep in the V berth under the hatch, in cool weather in the aft area. IMHO I think the safety issue is over blown. Like propane, the gas you store for a dink or run an atomic 4, you need to heed the safety issues and exercise care.

I would go for the Honda over a built in genset because you could leave it at home when the weather was cool or if you were just out for a day sail. You are up in Alabama and I would expect you to have many more cool night then down here in SW Florida. Ask yourself how often will I use it.

 

[Johann]

Well it's never too hot to go sailing when you've got AC. Installed price you've got genset ($8K min), or alternator + inverter ($3K min), or Portable gas ($1K). Genset or Alternator you can run AC while cruising, uses same fuel tank, and no CO worries for overnight use. Alternator + inverter takes up very little space. Portable gas is cheap and you can use at home for AC when the next hurricane hits.

If I had a 28.5 and was gonna stick with it for the foreseeable future, I'd go with the alternator and inverter...