I am looking for a small(2000W) generator that is water cooled. I want water cooling so I can use the heat for hot showers. Because the boat is small (Mac26C) i need the unit to be lightweight. Low cost would also be nice. Any direction would be appreciated.
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Never heard of such a thing. A water cooled engine (generator) would probably have some sort of antifreeze rust inhibiting coolant not just water. It would be a closed system too. Are you wanting to power a water heater with a generator?
Never heard of such a thing. A water cooled engine (generator) would probably have some sort of antifreeze rust inhibiting coolant not just water. It would be a closed system too. Are you wanting to power a water heater with a generator?
more details...
Sorry, more details... A marine water heater is available (6 gal, $247) that has both an electric element for use at the dock and a heat exchanger for use at sea. Yes, antifreeze would circulate from the generator to the water heater through the exchanger. I won't be using the generator very long but if you need to run the gen for extended periods, an additional seawater heat exchanger would have to be added as well. The other desired characteristic of this is being able to mount the generator in a space that has inadequate airflow to cool the unit.
Sorry, more details... A marine water heater is available (6 gal, $247) that has both an electric element for use at the dock and a heat exchanger for use at sea. Yes, antifreeze would circulate from the generator to the water heater through the exchanger. I won't be using the generator very long but if you need to run the gen for extended periods, an additional seawater heat exchanger would have to be added as well. The other desired characteristic of this is being able to mount the generator in a space that has inadequate airflow to cool the unit.
zodi + eu2000
do a google on zodi shower, i have one, and am happy. also have the honda 2000, but have not used on the boat... yet. co2 is an issue for on board gensets. not really advisable for use onboard what are your real needs? shower, or a/c power? (never heard of watercooled (small) gensets.... what runs the water pump?)
do a google on zodi shower, i have one, and am happy. also have the honda 2000, but have not used on the boat... yet. co2 is an issue for on board gensets. not really advisable for use onboard what are your real needs? shower, or a/c power? (never heard of watercooled (small) gensets.... what runs the water pump?)
Showers
A shower on such a small boat is a pain. After getting hot water for the shower then you have to deal with the shower water. If it gets into the bielge it will stink to high heaven. Better to just use a sun shower, or go for a swim. At least if you do add a shower, add it as for use in the cockpit so the runoff con go overboard. In some areas this is not allowed then you also have to add a shower sump, a sump pump, and a gray water tank. What a pain. I don't have a shower even on my 30' boat. I just soap up with salt water, use lemon joy it will suds in salt water, and rinse in the cockpit with a sun shower filled with fresh water. This is far cheaper easier and prevents all the extra systems to keep up that go with an onboard shower. Doesn't take up hardly any room either.
A shower on such a small boat is a pain. After getting hot water for the shower then you have to deal with the shower water. If it gets into the bielge it will stink to high heaven. Better to just use a sun shower, or go for a swim. At least if you do add a shower, add it as for use in the cockpit so the runoff con go overboard. In some areas this is not allowed then you also have to add a shower sump, a sump pump, and a gray water tank. What a pain. I don't have a shower even on my 30' boat. I just soap up with salt water, use lemon joy it will suds in salt water, and rinse in the cockpit with a sun shower filled with fresh water. This is far cheaper easier and prevents all the extra systems to keep up that go with an onboard shower. Doesn't take up hardly any room either.
Beware od small generators
When you look at the power requirements of an air conditioner and match it to a generator, beware of the specs. The gen output is usually overstated and air conditioner understated. I have a 1500 watt gen and an air conditioner that requires 900 watts. Sounds like a match - Not. First is the start up power for the Air; more than double what it takes to run. Suffice it to say, the air won't work on that gen. Derate the gen output (use 75% at run) and triple the power needs of the air conditioner for startup. Easiest: test the two parts together before buying. You can rent a same model gen to test it.
When you look at the power requirements of an air conditioner and match it to a generator, beware of the specs. The gen output is usually overstated and air conditioner understated. I have a 1500 watt gen and an air conditioner that requires 900 watts. Sounds like a match - Not. First is the start up power for the Air; more than double what it takes to run. Suffice it to say, the air won't work on that gen. Derate the gen output (use 75% at run) and triple the power needs of the air conditioner for startup. Easiest: test the two parts together before buying. You can rent a same model gen to test it.
honda 2000
fwiw, the honda 2000 runs my 5000btu generator, even in economy mode, very quiet, and about 5hrs run time w/ the a/c. I do not think the 1000 will run that... & not really that much more $$$. on the zodi, setting the gas and temp is a little tricky, when trying to conserve water. I usually put the hot water int a solar shower...as I got scalded, when turning on and off the pump. (if youre on a lake, no biggie) you could also boil 1/2 gallon, and add to a solar shower... also adding more batteries and an inverter should handle the loads you listed. -I think there are other brands of showers, that have a pump control.
fwiw, the honda 2000 runs my 5000btu generator, even in economy mode, very quiet, and about 5hrs run time w/ the a/c. I do not think the 1000 will run that... & not really that much more $$$. on the zodi, setting the gas and temp is a little tricky, when trying to conserve water. I usually put the hot water int a solar shower...as I got scalded, when turning on and off the pump. (if youre on a lake, no biggie) you could also boil 1/2 gallon, and add to a solar shower... also adding more batteries and an inverter should handle the loads you listed. -I think there are other brands of showers, that have a pump control.
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