If we use as a gauge the small boats, both power and sail w/o installed generators, that come to Isthmus Cove at Two Harbors, Catalina, I suggest that it’s at least 30% of those. That’s about every third boat of those types that ever leave their slip overnight. Let’s say those types (i.e., size & overnight use away from slip) represent a generous 5% of all boats in So. Cal., probably half a million. So, 0.05 x 0.3 x 500,000 = approx 8,000 generators out there around here if assumptions are true
. Conservatively, take half that number to compare with reported fatalities. It’s still a minuscule fraction.
But going on, there have been times when we’ve been moored at the Cove where I could hear and see the red Hondas on boats all around me. Two Harbors has a noise policy where the generators must be shut down in the evening by, I believe, 8 pm, there are so many. Weekender power boats as small as 24 ft LOA show up with ‘em. Why I ask? To run a microwave, a latte machine, or to charge the battery? One fellow sailor next to us (Irwin 38) left his running for hours, although I don’t think intentionally, having left the boat to go ashore. Upon return he apologized saying they needed hot water for showering
. (There are showers ashore.) My friends forgive me, but I consider their widespread use as a menace to the enjoyment of being anchored out, or moored out, to others near the users. They are needed only to run A/C appliances, the functions of which can be supplied by alternative means with the principal exception being air conditioning.
You can get hot water using sun bags and the diesel, battery charging with solar & diesel, 12-volt refrigeration, 12-volt hair dryer, 12-volt TVs even. Learn to cook using the propane stove and grill, etc.
, beer barrel polka