Install Diesel generator in the Bavaria?

[Kings Gambit]

Me boat is now 22 years old, and I’m starting to think more about long periods away from services, on the scale of weeks. I’m generally pretty well set-up for DC power needs. As for AC needs, as I understand, one must draw from an inverter that draws from a 12/24v battery bank, or from a generator that is actually running and producing 110-120/230 vac while using an appliance. What “appliances?” Freezer? Coffee maker? Water maker? Hot water? Microwave? TV? Hair dryer?, & AC (where needed)? Is it worth installing a generator to support such appliances (none of which I presently have on the boat) other than the AC in hot (FL) climates, or better just to beef up the battery bank and install a correctly-sized inverter? Supporting an AC-powered water marker would seem the most general need. The Hanse 495 we chartered a couple of years ago had an inverter; battery support was via a high-output alternator with serpentine belt drive. Freezer, yes. No water maker or the other appliances mentioned except the AC hair dryers we brought.

What capacity (kw) for those appliances, not counting AC? And what about the Cummings Onan Marine generators? The 5 kw puts out about 45 amp at 120v, and weighs about 365 lb. Yes, I know. Match the output to my needs, etc., but does anyone have personal experience with these smaller units?

(Please don’t recommend a portable generator/inverter as an alternative. Not interested. Don’t wish to get sidetracked into that rabbit hole!)

 

[JamesG161]

My only experience has been with Kohler. Since you understand output sizing and selected needs, I will tell about my larger 9KW unit that I will soon replace with Kohler again [ Hurricane Zeta Damage].

This will sound a bit like Kohler sales propaganda.
1) More efficient unit
2) 100 years in power generators
3) Lighter weight than most, plus my new unit is 70 lbs lighter with new should encloser.
4) Easy to service.
5) Separate Galvanic Zinc versus bonding or shaft Zincs.
6) German Engineering, originally.

If I was in the new generator Brand market, this a key point.

The Engine maker that drives the generator head.

Mine is 16 HP Yanmar. Even my new unit too, but lighter weight and more efficient.
Remember Kolher makes the Generator head, controls etc.
_____
The smallest diesel Genset I could find is 3.5KW.

Jim...

PS: Remember size is important for installation.

 

[Terry Cox]

Our 1991 boat came equipped with an 8KW Onan Genset that has served us well over the years. During the cruising season we will spend two months plus in northern BC waters and enjoy the solitude that the Genset offers spending most of our time at anchor in some remote Bay.

While away we run the Genset for about 1.5 hours every other day to top off the house bank (two 8D AGMs) heat water and do some cooking. Other than the microwave and entertainment system, most everything else runs on 12v DC. We keep both reefers on 24/7. They cycle every so often to keep the beer cold and food frozen.

The Link 1000 keeps close tabs on battery bank status, so when voltage drops to around 12.2, that is the time to fire up the Genset. Our bank stores about 500 amps, so when the amp state drops to a minus 130-160 amps, running the Genset for 1.5 hours will bring the amp state to about a minus 20 amps, which is about 80% full.

Our arrangement has worked very well over the years. The Onan does a fair amount of rumbling while in operation, but certainly tolerable for the short period it operates.

 

[dlochner]

Instead of adding a generator, you might consider going with LiFePo batteries and an Integral Solutions charging system. Nigel Calder is involved in this project and Ocean Planet Energy is a US distributor.

https://integrelsolutions.com