Generator/AC Power

[Michael Joyal]

I will be moving aboard my Hunter 310 for the summer and would like the convenience of AC power (the extension cord does not reach from the mooring to the shore). Does Yanmar or another third party offer a 1500 watt generator that can be belt driven and mounted on the standard 2gm? Is that too much to ask of the 18 HP 2GM? I would expect to fire the motor and run it for 30-45 minutes each morning. If utilizing the Yanmar is not feasible - any recommendations do's/don'ts for using a portable gen set mounted on deck and stored in the transom locker during transport?

 

[Steve Dion]

Gas generator!

Michael:Have you considered one of the small generators that can be used to charge your batteries as well as produce AC power. Something like a Honda. Practical Sailor or one of the rags did an article on a few of these unit not too long ago. One thing you must consider if you use one of these units is now you need GASOLINE aboard you vessel(yuk)!

 

[Ed Schenck]

Upgrade alternator?

Would a good alternator/regulator in combination with an inverter be an option? That is how I plan to deal with the need for 120VAC. My boat has a Heart Inverter/Charger and I wired two gels just for the house. I will replace the stock alternator on the 2 cyl Yanmar to keep those charged when away from shorepower. If you have seen the "Rainbow_Chaser" site there are pictures of Gene's alternative. He added a second alternator!

 

[Justin]

Solar Panels & Inverter

Michael, I suggest you look into Solar Panels or Wind Generator and an inverter.We have a 32 foot boat. We live on a mooring ball in San Diego. We have a 1500 watt inverter and 90W worth of solar panels. The 1500 Watt inverter will run my wife's hair dryer and that is the largest demand we have. We also have a 12V Adler Barbour refrigeration unit. With this setup we only run our engine once a week for about an hour. If the clouds stay away we don't even run it that often. Partly to mostly cloudy days and we need hour or two of recharging per week. Personally I think this is a nice arrangement as it requires basically no effort on our part. Generators are noisy, require the fuel & the cost associated with it. Gasoline is not desirable on a boat. Gas generators are not marinized and may not last long in the elements. An inverter takes up less space than a generator.  I don't know where you live, but most places get either plenty of sun or plenty of wind or both. Something to consider.