I want a add a generator (1500 watt) to my 26x. those of you who have a generator on your boat where did you palce it. my thoughts are under the seat at rear of boat. thanks for your response
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eu2000
I dont have an X, (26d). I have not heard of anyone installing a generator below decks. (ever in a mac) however, many do carry portable generators. the honda EU2000, would be my choice, as it is reported to be able to run a 5000 btu a/c unit. inverter technology, and quiet. however the thank is small. but they make kits to connect a 6 gal tank. (can only be used at anchor) -what is it you want to run? would a large bank of batts and inverter work? -make sure you put a co2 detector in the cabin, and dont kill yourself.
I dont have an X, (26d). I have not heard of anyone installing a generator below decks. (ever in a mac) however, many do carry portable generators. the honda EU2000, would be my choice, as it is reported to be able to run a 5000 btu a/c unit. inverter technology, and quiet. however the thank is small. but they make kits to connect a 6 gal tank. (can only be used at anchor) -what is it you want to run? would a large bank of batts and inverter work? -make sure you put a co2 detector in the cabin, and dont kill yourself.
generator
i'm talking about the under the cabtains chair at aft of boat? what do you thank abut that location
i'm talking about the under the cabtains chair at aft of boat? what do you thank abut that location
Please Don’t in our Quiet Anchorage
Please Don’t in our Quiet Anchorage Your Fellow boaters will not love your generator. Many cruisers despise those that destroy the tranquility of an anchorage, and many areas require boats with generators to anchor in designated places away from the rest of us. I know those so inconsiderate to pull into an anchorage and leave the generator running all night have angered many of us. Makes you want to paddle over in the middle of the night and push the little devil somewhere no one can hear it. There are recorded deaths from Carbon Monoxide overcoming swimmers as it lies on the water
Please Don’t in our Quiet Anchorage Your Fellow boaters will not love your generator. Many cruisers despise those that destroy the tranquility of an anchorage, and many areas require boats with generators to anchor in designated places away from the rest of us. I know those so inconsiderate to pull into an anchorage and leave the generator running all night have angered many of us. Makes you want to paddle over in the middle of the night and push the little devil somewhere no one can hear it. There are recorded deaths from Carbon Monoxide overcoming swimmers as it lies on the water
A GENERATOR in a MacGregor...
A FELLA within our MARINA has a generator within his new Mac-M. I havent seen it, but he has spent in excess of $40,000. for the boat along with the many trinkets. SO it seems anything is possible...all it takes is $$$$$. SEVERAL folks have toured his BOAT...but I havent had the chance yet. Folks say the BELLs & WHISTLES added are AMAZING !! I dont have "excessive" electronics, but did add a DECK SOLAR CHARGER to my Mac-X. However, our overnighters and camping on the boat so far have been with ELECTRICAL 110 V hookups with no need of the SOLAR SYSTEM.
A FELLA within our MARINA has a generator within his new Mac-M. I havent seen it, but he has spent in excess of $40,000. for the boat along with the many trinkets. SO it seems anything is possible...all it takes is $$$$$. SEVERAL folks have toured his BOAT...but I havent had the chance yet. Folks say the BELLs & WHISTLES added are AMAZING !! I dont have "excessive" electronics, but did add a DECK SOLAR CHARGER to my Mac-X. However, our overnighters and camping on the boat so far have been with ELECTRICAL 110 V hookups with no need of the SOLAR SYSTEM.
rv gen set
what do you want to power ???? you may want to look at the honda RV type generator... you're probalby looking at $5k to do a proper job. heat and exaust will be biggest issues. (you have a 4 stroke you can steal fuel from? (or you need another tank?)
what do you want to power ???? you may want to look at the honda RV type generator... you're probalby looking at $5k to do a proper job. heat and exaust will be biggest issues. (you have a 4 stroke you can steal fuel from? (or you need another tank?)
Space enough?
I wonder if there is space enough to place any generator under the helm seat of a 26X and do the following: 1. vent exhaust to the rear over the motor so it's at least three feet beyond the transom without interfering with motor lift or maintenance and the action of the rudders when up, so sinking exchaust gases will not fill up cockpit and drift into interior(remember when swinging on the hook the cockpit and main companionway is a low pressure area that sucks air into it.) 2. Avoid burns to the helmspersons legs or feet when seated 3. avoid interference with normal engine fuel operations or the steering links for motor and rudders. The reason we sail almost always at night (hence my screen name for this forum) is it's the way to sail without the crazy bass boat and jet ski traffic, and to avoid the very high summer daytime temps here in TX. A/C would be nice, but if we can't power with the solar panels and battery banks, we won't get an appliance because of the noise and maintenance factors. Maybe one day soon we can buy a tiny, lightweight, fuel cell powered, silent generator for big power items like microwaves and a/c units on our tiny 26 ft. boats!
I wonder if there is space enough to place any generator under the helm seat of a 26X and do the following: 1. vent exhaust to the rear over the motor so it's at least three feet beyond the transom without interfering with motor lift or maintenance and the action of the rudders when up, so sinking exchaust gases will not fill up cockpit and drift into interior(remember when swinging on the hook the cockpit and main companionway is a low pressure area that sucks air into it.) 2. Avoid burns to the helmspersons legs or feet when seated 3. avoid interference with normal engine fuel operations or the steering links for motor and rudders. The reason we sail almost always at night (hence my screen name for this forum) is it's the way to sail without the crazy bass boat and jet ski traffic, and to avoid the very high summer daytime temps here in TX. A/C would be nice, but if we can't power with the solar panels and battery banks, we won't get an appliance because of the noise and maintenance factors. Maybe one day soon we can buy a tiny, lightweight, fuel cell powered, silent generator for big power items like microwaves and a/c units on our tiny 26 ft. boats!
Handy generator
It's not 1500 watts but a desirable size for a boat where storage is at a premium. If your handy or know someone who is, you might add an exhaust extention. Or just bungie it somewhere outside. http://www.heartlandamerica.com/browse/item.asp?product=1000-watt-generator&PIN=34675&GUID=624DDC1D-EE89-4BCB-8363-0CED87FF70A9&DL=HWH4
It's not 1500 watts but a desirable size for a boat where storage is at a premium. If your handy or know someone who is, you might add an exhaust extention. Or just bungie it somewhere outside. http://www.heartlandamerica.com/browse/item.asp?product=1000-watt-generator&PIN=34675&GUID=624DDC1D-EE89-4BCB-8363-0CED87FF70A9&DL=HWH4
good choice
This is just like the one I have, except I paid $199 for mine. It works great. Charges up the batteries in about 2 hours, while I use the 110 for making coffee, and cooking breakfast.
This is just like the one I have, except I paid $199 for mine. It works great. Charges up the batteries in about 2 hours, while I use the 110 for making coffee, and cooking breakfast.
Ideas for the experimenter?
Actually, in all actuality, why take something that is portable and put it somewhere permanent? And oh yeah, don't forget the cooling requirements. These babies are air-cooled and will get mighty hot and seize-up in enclosed areas. My suggestion is not to trifle with perfection. The generator you are interested in is quite portable and lightweight. Small enough to be stowed and retrieved on demand. Redirect your energies to focus on storage and mounting. Something ideal would be a mount bracket that could be installed on the gunwale or stern that would serve as a quick 'drop-in-place' mount for this generator. However, for those of you who enjoy tinkering, or toyed with the idea of building your own genset, then you definately want to check this website out. One of my favorites.
Actually, in all actuality, why take something that is portable and put it somewhere permanent? And oh yeah, don't forget the cooling requirements. These babies are air-cooled and will get mighty hot and seize-up in enclosed areas. My suggestion is not to trifle with perfection. The generator you are interested in is quite portable and lightweight. Small enough to be stowed and retrieved on demand. Redirect your energies to focus on storage and mounting. Something ideal would be a mount bracket that could be installed on the gunwale or stern that would serve as a quick 'drop-in-place' mount for this generator. However, for those of you who enjoy tinkering, or toyed with the idea of building your own genset, then you definately want to check this website out. One of my favorites.
Monster BoatYard!!!
amazing! home brew power! But I have always wondered If I could hook up one of the one wire alt to my OB... wasnt sure if I'd use the prop shaft, or, flywheel... but it might just work! I wonder how long the 2 stroke generators will last. 50hrs? 100 hrs? anyone? the price is nice... but like the briggs I guess the Sound will be Un-Acceptable to anyone.... not on your boat. great idea though... -http://theepicenter.com/tow02077.html-
amazing! home brew power! But I have always wondered If I could hook up one of the one wire alt to my OB... wasnt sure if I'd use the prop shaft, or, flywheel... but it might just work! I wonder how long the 2 stroke generators will last. 50hrs? 100 hrs? anyone? the price is nice... but like the briggs I guess the Sound will be Un-Acceptable to anyone.... not on your boat. great idea though... -http://theepicenter.com/tow02077.html-
A few points to ponder mrBill
Nothing maintains the levels on automotive batteries, or ap unit for that matter than a Delcotron (GM)altenator. Particularly the 2 or 1 wire (internal solid state regulated) type. Earlier in the year, I got fed up with my Ford truck altenator and retrofitted it with a GM altenator. Took me less than two hours and two beers to do and now my headlights don't flicker and my batteries stay stacked. A 70 amp GM altenator will pump what it takes to charge a battery (in most cases) to within 30 minutes tops. The internal sensing regulator is intuitive and can provide a 50 amp hot charge at around 3500 rpm. POINTS TO PONDER: As we know, AC current cannot be stored. DC current can. And so, storing power can be reformed into AC on demand by implementing an INVERTER. Generating AC power on demand requires a motor-generator or genset equipped with an ALTENATOR that will supply CONSTANT houshold currents on demand. To supply CONSTANT AC to power airconditioning and other appliances that cycle on and off periodically is a waste of gas. Much of the power generated is radiated off in heat and because the engine speed maintains a precise 60Hz, it must run at a gas guzzling high RPM. Even when setting idle without demand, the engine revs away your money. On the other hand, power that in pre-canned in such things as batteries, can be manipulated more efficiently. On a pair of 12v optima 'blue tops flip on a 2400 watt inverter and run a 5000 btu airconditioner (6 amp) 120VAC for good 3 or 4 hours easily. This includes losses in heat energy! Beginning to see an advantage here? That's right. Power a Delcotron GM altenator to spin 3500 rpm on the batteries and like a top it will spin them back up within 3040 minutes! How much gas will that take as opposed to AC power gensets? Sounds to good to be true doesn't it. Consider this ... you ran your battery down in your car because you left the lights on all day. You get a jumpstart and drive it home. If the battery was in good shape it will have recovered by the time you get home if you lived within 40 minutes trip time away. You may have even had to run your headlight to boot. Were you impressed then? Ahhh the GM altenator. Cheap to buy. Purchased mine at the local junkyard for 15 bucks. Easy a pie to rebuild. Brush and bearing kits at Auto zone, Napa and many other parts places for 20 bucks including a new regulator and bridge rectifier. Being as servicable as these babies are, they are born to live forever! And incidently, run a AC genset in an anchorage all night long and you might wake up to find you are already gone! Folks won't like you anymore and that's the point. Run a DC to DC recharge for half and hour and no one will get twisted over that. Pass the potatoe chips
Nothing maintains the levels on automotive batteries, or ap unit for that matter than a Delcotron (GM)altenator. Particularly the 2 or 1 wire (internal solid state regulated) type. Earlier in the year, I got fed up with my Ford truck altenator and retrofitted it with a GM altenator. Took me less than two hours and two beers to do and now my headlights don't flicker and my batteries stay stacked. A 70 amp GM altenator will pump what it takes to charge a battery (in most cases) to within 30 minutes tops. The internal sensing regulator is intuitive and can provide a 50 amp hot charge at around 3500 rpm. POINTS TO PONDER: As we know, AC current cannot be stored. DC current can. And so, storing power can be reformed into AC on demand by implementing an INVERTER. Generating AC power on demand requires a motor-generator or genset equipped with an ALTENATOR that will supply CONSTANT houshold currents on demand. To supply CONSTANT AC to power airconditioning and other appliances that cycle on and off periodically is a waste of gas. Much of the power generated is radiated off in heat and because the engine speed maintains a precise 60Hz, it must run at a gas guzzling high RPM. Even when setting idle without demand, the engine revs away your money. On the other hand, power that in pre-canned in such things as batteries, can be manipulated more efficiently. On a pair of 12v optima 'blue tops flip on a 2400 watt inverter and run a 5000 btu airconditioner (6 amp) 120VAC for good 3 or 4 hours easily. This includes losses in heat energy! Beginning to see an advantage here? That's right. Power a Delcotron GM altenator to spin 3500 rpm on the batteries and like a top it will spin them back up within 3040 minutes! How much gas will that take as opposed to AC power gensets? Sounds to good to be true doesn't it. Consider this ... you ran your battery down in your car because you left the lights on all day. You get a jumpstart and drive it home. If the battery was in good shape it will have recovered by the time you get home if you lived within 40 minutes trip time away. You may have even had to run your headlight to boot. Were you impressed then? Ahhh the GM altenator. Cheap to buy. Purchased mine at the local junkyard for 15 bucks. Easy a pie to rebuild. Brush and bearing kits at Auto zone, Napa and many other parts places for 20 bucks including a new regulator and bridge rectifier. Being as servicable as these babies are, they are born to live forever! And incidently, run a AC genset in an anchorage all night long and you might wake up to find you are already gone! Folks won't like you anymore and that's the point. Run a DC to DC recharge for half and hour and no one will get twisted over that. Pass the potatoe chips
good theory, but has it been proven?
I have 2 wet cel grp 27's, and cant get more than 2 days running very small loads. (lights and fans)... maybe there shot... -using a auto charger, they get up to 12.8 volts max, but 2 days later there at 12.3 to 12.5 (this charger is a 10amp/2amp auto) have you used the blue top optima's? yeah, I guess you could run a high charge alt for only an hour to charge them up.... just like a diesel does..
I have 2 wet cel grp 27's, and cant get more than 2 days running very small loads. (lights and fans)... maybe there shot... -using a auto charger, they get up to 12.8 volts max, but 2 days later there at 12.3 to 12.5 (this charger is a 10amp/2amp auto) have you used the blue top optima's? yeah, I guess you could run a high charge alt for only an hour to charge them up.... just like a diesel does..
just some thoughts
MrBill, I'm looking this up for grp cells but for lead-acid cells if you're not placing 14.0 volts across the battery terminals you will consistently undercharge your batteries. This voltage drop can be from an improperly adjusted voltage regulator, circuit impedance and or isolation diodes where the .5-1.0 voltage drop hasn't been compensated for. Check to see what the circuit drop is from the alternator to the battery terminals. I highly recommend the Nigel Caulder book "Boatowner's Mechanical and Elecrical Manual". I bought mine used off the net for about 22 bucks. He has a great long section on batteries and charging systems. It's a must have for a boat owner. I'm not sure what your batteries are: water flooded lead acid, gel or agm. Voltage levels do make a difference between these types but all batteries as I'm sure you know have limitations and in fact are rated on number of discharge cycles before they die. I use the frugal method, solar charger, 55 amp charger on my engine and unse inverters where needed but for short periods of time. I find my batteries need replacing every 4-5 years no matter what I do for them. Steve
MrBill, I'm looking this up for grp cells but for lead-acid cells if you're not placing 14.0 volts across the battery terminals you will consistently undercharge your batteries. This voltage drop can be from an improperly adjusted voltage regulator, circuit impedance and or isolation diodes where the .5-1.0 voltage drop hasn't been compensated for. Check to see what the circuit drop is from the alternator to the battery terminals. I highly recommend the Nigel Caulder book "Boatowner's Mechanical and Elecrical Manual". I bought mine used off the net for about 22 bucks. He has a great long section on batteries and charging systems. It's a must have for a boat owner. I'm not sure what your batteries are: water flooded lead acid, gel or agm. Voltage levels do make a difference between these types but all batteries as I'm sure you know have limitations and in fact are rated on number of discharge cycles before they die. I use the frugal method, solar charger, 55 amp charger on my engine and unse inverters where needed but for short periods of time. I find my batteries need replacing every 4-5 years no matter what I do for them. Steve
inverters
pretty good tests in last months cruising world (nov 2005) the mastervolt 2000 looked like a best buy(imho), at $1900. lowest weight (20#) and low emi / rfi... 91.3% efficent. it really makes me want to mount a GM type alternator on the O.B. flywheel. My problem is battery maintenance. (lack of) I thought it a great idea to stick them under the sink.. now I'm thinking of cutting the counter top, just to be able to check the water levels... my back hurts just thinking about it. I'd much rather buy some optima glass mat type if they are maintenance free. (than start another boat project)
pretty good tests in last months cruising world (nov 2005) the mastervolt 2000 looked like a best buy(imho), at $1900. lowest weight (20#) and low emi / rfi... 91.3% efficent. it really makes me want to mount a GM type alternator on the O.B. flywheel. My problem is battery maintenance. (lack of) I thought it a great idea to stick them under the sink.. now I'm thinking of cutting the counter top, just to be able to check the water levels... my back hurts just thinking about it. I'd much rather buy some optima glass mat type if they are maintenance free. (than start another boat project)
Generator vs Charging System
mrBill et al; When looking over the GM altenator rig and comparing it to the likes of an AC generator, you have to keep in mind that you are comparing two totally different systems. A charging system versus an auxillary power system. Although like beans and bacon, you don't want to confuse the two. But like I said earlier. This takes a bit of pondering. In a practical sense, I cannot tell you first hand on the charging system as I am in the process of building one from an old pressure washer a friend tossed my way. However, I can tell you what I know for sure: A GM (Delcotron) Altenator will output 14 volts at 50+ amps at 3600 rpm. Actually, on my pickup truck, I replaced the altenator with a GM model and it does the above at less than 2300 rpm. This is because the engine will not spin beyond that. (353 Detroit Diesel) which is a two stoke diesel that I installed a long while back. Remember when I said that now my lights don't flicker and fade with engine speed? I run 2 12 volt batteries with no more problems. Now you know why I am so 'pumped' over this marvelous little gem of an altenator. While researching the change-out, I came across that nifty website which convinced me the GM altenator was the best for the job and more. I run marine grade batteries (dry cell) optima blue tops I purchased from Auto Zone for $120 apiece. Aside of higher amphour ratings, these batteries support deep cycle charging. Suitable for golf cart and marine applications. When looking at charging system, and amperage it becomes a bit like filling a container with a fixed capacity. If you trickle a 2 to 10 amp flow into a capacity to hold 800 amps you could be there awhile. If you flow a 50 amp flow into the same capacity, you will be done with it a lot sooner. When using a battery(s) and invertor to power an appliance or other AC device, you must make sure that the inverter has a high enough rating to handle the load. Also you must determine the number of batteries (in parallel) you need to sustain the length of service time you desire. The run time depends solely on the amount and size (capacity) of your batteries. FORMULA: Total the amps on your batteries and divide by 12. Take that number and set it aside, we'll get back to it in a moment. Total the amps on the devices you will use on the inverter, add another 1/2 amp for the inverter itself. Take THAT total and divide into the first number you came up with. The result will be your runtime in hours. The more batteries you put in parallel the longer runtime you can expect. You will find my estimate in an earlier post to be quite conservate. Realistically there would be energy losses not fatored in, so I cut the estimate in half.
mrBill et al; When looking over the GM altenator rig and comparing it to the likes of an AC generator, you have to keep in mind that you are comparing two totally different systems. A charging system versus an auxillary power system. Although like beans and bacon, you don't want to confuse the two. But like I said earlier. This takes a bit of pondering. In a practical sense, I cannot tell you first hand on the charging system as I am in the process of building one from an old pressure washer a friend tossed my way. However, I can tell you what I know for sure: A GM (Delcotron) Altenator will output 14 volts at 50+ amps at 3600 rpm. Actually, on my pickup truck, I replaced the altenator with a GM model and it does the above at less than 2300 rpm. This is because the engine will not spin beyond that. (353 Detroit Diesel) which is a two stoke diesel that I installed a long while back. Remember when I said that now my lights don't flicker and fade with engine speed? I run 2 12 volt batteries with no more problems. Now you know why I am so 'pumped' over this marvelous little gem of an altenator. While researching the change-out, I came across that nifty website which convinced me the GM altenator was the best for the job and more. I run marine grade batteries (dry cell) optima blue tops I purchased from Auto Zone for $120 apiece. Aside of higher amphour ratings, these batteries support deep cycle charging. Suitable for golf cart and marine applications. When looking at charging system, and amperage it becomes a bit like filling a container with a fixed capacity. If you trickle a 2 to 10 amp flow into a capacity to hold 800 amps you could be there awhile. If you flow a 50 amp flow into the same capacity, you will be done with it a lot sooner. When using a battery(s) and invertor to power an appliance or other AC device, you must make sure that the inverter has a high enough rating to handle the load. Also you must determine the number of batteries (in parallel) you need to sustain the length of service time you desire. The run time depends solely on the amount and size (capacity) of your batteries. FORMULA: Total the amps on your batteries and divide by 12. Take that number and set it aside, we'll get back to it in a moment. Total the amps on the devices you will use on the inverter, add another 1/2 amp for the inverter itself. Take THAT total and divide into the first number you came up with. The result will be your runtime in hours. The more batteries you put in parallel the longer runtime you can expect. You will find my estimate in an earlier post to be quite conservate. Realistically there would be energy losses not fatored in, so I cut the estimate in half.
The 50% rule
Battery makers and other authorites recommend you not discharge a battery below the 50% level of it's capacity because it will diminish the cycle life, and will take considerably longer to charge. So, for example, to stay within that parameter, if one has two new fully charged 60 amp hour batteries in parallel, one can figure on using 60 amps for one hour, or 5 amps for 12 hours, or 2 amps for 30 hours, etc. Using this technique has worked well for me on the boats, vehicles and RV.
Battery makers and other authorites recommend you not discharge a battery below the 50% level of it's capacity because it will diminish the cycle life, and will take considerably longer to charge. So, for example, to stay within that parameter, if one has two new fully charged 60 amp hour batteries in parallel, one can figure on using 60 amps for one hour, or 5 amps for 12 hours, or 2 amps for 30 hours, etc. Using this technique has worked well for me on the boats, vehicles and RV.
This has been informative.
This has been a terrific topic. Thanks very much for that additional info Night Sailor. I keep stuff like this in my PDA so that I don't have to hassle with trying to remember it all. Happy Sailing
This has been a terrific topic. Thanks very much for that additional info Night Sailor. I keep stuff like this in my PDA so that I don't have to hassle with trying to remember it all. Happy Sailing
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