Starting a generator

[Bruce]

Thanks for your advice regarding the safety of generators. Next question - how much time does it take to start up a generator? What is the process? We are also thinking about using the a/c unit for heat early in the morning while at anchor in the spring and fall. I want to be able to get it going fast and get back under the covers in the fall. The generator is supposed to be placed under the nav station seat on the starboard side. Will the weight cause the boat to not sit level in the water? Still trying to decide what to do. We live 10 minutes from our marina so we don't hang out at the dock. We are weekend cruisers and overnight in a marina maybe once a year. If we can't safely use the a/c and heat at anchor, it isn't going to be worth the price. Thanks. Bruce

 

[Len Fagan]

Generator

I have a P450 with AC/Heat and 8KW gen set. Generator starts in seconds. I warm up for a couple of minutes and throw breaker. AC power in 3 min. Due to noise below I do not run for AC or heat. I use the genset to charge batteries and for refrig (2 hours/day on hook). I like to run in AM for this and also use AC coffee maker.Fumes below are not problem.Len Fagan "Tale Winds"

 

[Miguel Gonzalez del Rey]

you'll have to balance the weight...

I had to reorganize the storage of stuff arround the boat and use extra counter balance weight, but the benefits are worth it (if you like a/c heat microwave etc you must be a cruiser not a racer cause it will definetely affect your sailing performance especially in light wind)SaludosMiguelH356 #195

 

[Ivan Bekey]

Starts in 5 seconds

The Fisher Panda starts in 5 seconds by pushing a button on the control panel in the cabin. A no-brainer.Ivan Bekey

 

[Mark Johnson]

My Northern lights had a pre-heat...

which I used for about 15 or 20 seconds. Once the Generator started and ran smoothly I swithched the breakers on.

 

[Mark Johnson]

One more thing...

Reverse cycle heat does not produce "hot" air. It produces warm air and it takes a few minutes to get warm. How warm it gets and how long it takes depends on the water temperature. Reverse cycle heat does not like water temp much below 45 degrees.