Hi all, I am looking into buying a portable generator to basically run the a/c when I am anchored. Before I dig way deep into researching this I was wondering if anyone out there would know the size I would need? I have a 1988 Hunter 37.5 Legend.
- Status
Portable probably won't get it...
if your unit is anything over a 5k - 12kbtu, which I'm betting it is based on the size of your boat. The age of the a/c is also a factor. Newer units pull MUCH less power than the older models. My 37.5 has 19kbtu oldie that basically dims the whole marina when it kicks in. I know a Honda 2k won't run Mermaid 16k btu- tried it on a friend's. A Honda 1k will run a Mermaid 5k btu, at least one person here at HOW has that set-up. This issue (gen/ac) has been discussed lots and lots here, search the archives and I think you'll find your answers.
if your unit is anything over a 5k - 12kbtu, which I'm betting it is based on the size of your boat. The age of the a/c is also a factor. Newer units pull MUCH less power than the older models. My 37.5 has 19kbtu oldie that basically dims the whole marina when it kicks in. I know a Honda 2k won't run Mermaid 16k btu- tried it on a friend's. A Honda 1k will run a Mermaid 5k btu, at least one person here at HOW has that set-up. This issue (gen/ac) has been discussed lots and lots here, search the archives and I think you'll find your answers.
A 2 to 3 KW Generator
will probably work if it is driving only the A/C. However, you may require a hard starting module in order to kick the unit on. The 16k Mermaid unit will probably run on a Hondo 2kw unit if it has the hard start circuit added.
will probably work if it is driving only the A/C. However, you may require a hard starting module in order to kick the unit on. The 16k Mermaid unit will probably run on a Hondo 2kw unit if it has the hard start circuit added.
air conditioner size
I have an 89 Legend 37 with 12K BTU air conditioner. Run it from my Honda EU2000. Am about to install a "hard start kit", a large capacitor installed parallel to the starting capacitor so that I can hopefully run the generator in the "fuel saving" mode. Without the hard start kit I have to run the generator full throttle to handle the transient surge when the air conditioner compressor kicks in. Love the Honda, very quiet!!
I have an 89 Legend 37 with 12K BTU air conditioner. Run it from my Honda EU2000. Am about to install a "hard start kit", a large capacitor installed parallel to the starting capacitor so that I can hopefully run the generator in the "fuel saving" mode. Without the hard start kit I have to run the generator full throttle to handle the transient surge when the air conditioner compressor kicks in. Love the Honda, very quiet!!
Get the wattage requirements
You really need to find out what the wattage requirments are for you AC. remember that an AC will have a startup wattage that is much higher than it's "running" wattage. Find out what the startup wattage requirments are for your AC either from the manual or the manufacturer, then purchase a generator at least that large. Go larger if you plan to run multiple things (like your battery charger) simultaneously. In general, a 10,000 BTU AC will take about 2000 watts to start, then it will drop off to maybe half of that (or less). That's a rough estimate because units will differ. My guess is that your AC is probably larger than that so you are probably looking at a 3000 Watt generator. The only way to know for sure is to get those wattage requirements though. Good luck.
You really need to find out what the wattage requirments are for you AC. remember that an AC will have a startup wattage that is much higher than it's "running" wattage. Find out what the startup wattage requirments are for your AC either from the manual or the manufacturer, then purchase a generator at least that large. Go larger if you plan to run multiple things (like your battery charger) simultaneously. In general, a 10,000 BTU AC will take about 2000 watts to start, then it will drop off to maybe half of that (or less). That's a rough estimate because units will differ. My guess is that your AC is probably larger than that so you are probably looking at a 3000 Watt generator. The only way to know for sure is to get those wattage requirements though. Good luck.
Del
Let me know how the SPP-5 unit works on your unit. I am thinking about buying a Hondo E2000 unit for my 16K unit.
Let me know how the SPP-5 unit works on your unit. I am thinking about buying a Hondo E2000 unit for my 16K unit.
Space requirements of the generator
Jenny, When considering the generator's output, you also have to think about the size (footprint). We run the EU2000 and find it about as large as can be easily carried about and stowed. Any larger, say the 3000, then you are definitely going to have issues. While under way, I store the Honda below my navigation station. When in use, it sits on the foredeck. I have found that once the generator is up and running then you can add loads to it and it will chug along. However, we do not have a need for A/C here in Southern California. John Richard s/v Jack's Place
Jenny, When considering the generator's output, you also have to think about the size (footprint). We run the EU2000 and find it about as large as can be easily carried about and stowed. Any larger, say the 3000, then you are definitely going to have issues. While under way, I store the Honda below my navigation station. When in use, it sits on the foredeck. I have found that once the generator is up and running then you can add loads to it and it will chug along. However, we do not have a need for A/C here in Southern California. John Richard s/v Jack's Place
- Status