Input On Installing Generator

[KTOWNCABBY]

Need Advice On Installing A Generator On My 26' Cabin Cruiser. I Am Wondering If I Can Use A Portable Gas Generator To Power The Airegel A/c On My Boat, Plus Some Other Accessories. I'm Thinking Of Mounting It In The Engine Bay And Venting The Exhaust Out The Blower Vents. Is This Possible Or Do I Need A Marine Generator? What Size Generator Would I Need To Power The 120v System. I Have A Obrigo Elec/alcohol Cooktop, 12v/120v Fridge, Converter, (what Is A Converter), And A Few Outlets. Any Advice Would Be Appreciated

 

[cpubud]

Re: Input On Installing Generator

this question has been answered a million times, just do a search and your question will be answered. and welcome to the forum.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Input On Installing Generator

DO NOT mount a portable generator in the engine compartment of your boat! They are designed to be used in an open area where minor gas leaks or sparks won't cause a massive explosion. A slight fuel leak into the bilge of your boat is one of the most dangerous things you can have.

You need to be aware of carbon monoxide dangers from generators. At the very least read the Coast Guard warnings:

http://www.uscgboating.org/command/co.htm

To run an AC unit you'll need at least 4000 watts (4 kilowatts, or 4KW). My boat has a 4KW marine generator on it with a Cruiseair AC unit, and it needs it all when the AC is running. To run just a refrigarator, stove, and convertor you could get by with a 2KW generator.

A converter converts 120 volts AC to 12 volts DC. It is usually used to keep your batteries charged when plugged into shore power at the dock. You could also run it with a generator to charge your boat batteries if you needed to.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Input On Installing Generator

I mean no disrespect but from the tone of your question you are not qualified to "safely" install a generator on your boat (portable or not). This is a job for specialists. Water, electricity, ignition protection, and ventilation are not somethng to be taken lightly as they affect safety of you and your guests. Besides, your insurance carrier will very likely not cover loses or law suits if they determine you inappropriately installed the generator and someone was injured as a result.

 

[rbh]

Re: Input On Installing Generator

we are looking at a portable genset that can be mounted temporarly on the bow of the boat or over the swim grid.
the honda eu 2000 has 2000 watts genset 1600 watts continues(for long use)
yamaha has a 2400 watt genset with a continues 2000 watt.
add up you appliences to include those that will be running all the time, for example our boat will have the battery charger x/watts plus the
fridge x/watts any lights x/watts. these are your continues use appliances.
as long as they do not draw over your total watts available for continues use IE 1550watts out of a possible 1600 watts.
then when you go to make coffee in the morning or toast or the need for the hair dryer you need to take these into consideration and start turning off some of the heavy draw full time appliances till your done.
rob

 

[180shabah]

Re: Input On Installing Generator

can be mounted temporarly on the bow of the boat

And with the generator in an elevated position, where do you think the CO (heavier than air) in the exhaust will end up?

...Last one out of bed is......

 

[rbh]

Re: Input On Installing Generator

yes you have to take precautions but if you extend the exaust over the side of the boat whether it is sitting on the bow or hanging over the stern there should be no problems.
carbon monoxide, the silent killer, heavyer than air and sinks to the lowest point!
rob