Portable Generator???

[Greg]

Anyone know of a small type generator that i could use while out at anchor. I'm looking to run a small AC unit.

 

[Eric Steege]

Portable Unit

I have a portable gas generator on my boat, a Hunter 31. I don't use it for any specific purpose except as a safety back-up to recharge my batteries in case they get discharged while at anchor. When I first purchase my boat, I had problems keeping a charge, and I bought the generator so that I could start my engine if the batteries went dead while anchoring. This happened a couple of times, until I discovered a short in one of my DC fans. Since then, I have never had to use it, but it feels good to know that I have the ability to fire up the generator and recharge the batteries should I forget to switch my battery from ALL to 1 while at anchor. I have a fantasy of being able to run a blender to make frozen blender drinks at anchor. I am not sure if my generator would have enough wattage for a small air conditioner, but if you check with the manufacturer, I am sure you could figure it out. It runs on a two-cycle engine which is loud and smelly.Good luck.

 

[Ray Bowles]

Greg, Honda makes several models of small

generators. The nice thing about these units is that they are all 4 cycle and quiet. The biggest concern I would have is the closeness of the cabin to gas and exhaust fumes and the dangers these present on a boat this size.A large battery and fans might be a better idea as any air conditioner will draw a very large amount of power.RayS/V Speedy

 

[Dan]

CO danger

I would think that the risks of carbon monoxide in the cabin or even around the boat would make this a dangerous thing. I also would suggest the fans and possibly a windscoop.Dan

 

[Wanderer138]

Hey Greg

That's a very tall order. I don't think you're going to find a generator small enough to fit your boat that will have enough grunt to run an AC.I remember seeing a neat system last fall at SailFest in St Pete. It pumped cool water from about ten feet down through a heat exhanger in the cabin and back overboard. An electric fan circulated the air in the cabin over the exchanger. It wasn't AC, but the power draw was modest (about 2A) and they claimed it could drop the cabin temp 10 to 15 degrees (depending on the water temp). That would be enough on a 90 degree Florida night.On a separate note, if you're still at Monroe Harbour I'm finally back after 8 months of blister repair. Stop by "D" dock sometime and say hello. Yeah I know there are 5 H23's...I'm the one with the navy blue sail cover. I should be up there on Saturday.PeterH23 "Raven"

 

[Dave Shore]

Honda Generator

The honda generators are excellent, the EU2000 will help with most needs, it is quiet and sips the gas, I put it in the rear of the cockpit with no co trouble.