Generator

[thoran]

Any thoughts on putting a generator on a boat as small as a 34? Does it make sense, are there any models that are recommended?
Thanks

[sailingdog]

It depends. Are you going to be going on long voyages, without the easy availability of shore power and fuel? If so, no, a generator doesn't really make sense. Wind and solar power would make far more sense in that case. Generators are probably as heavy, if not a bit heavier than solar panels or wind generators, and require you to carry enough fuel to run them for the duration of the passage, while the solar panels and wind generator do not.

If you're just going on short, marina-to-marina coastal trips, then a generator might make sense. Generators can be fairly noisy and produce noxious fumes, and if you are going to equip one on your boat, make sure you have a good CO detector, preferably one that is wired into the generator, to kill it if the CO levels rise.

Which generator to get? It depends on your boat. I would get one that uses the same fuel as the boat's main engine. If your boat has a diesel in-board, then get a diesel-powered generator. Likewise, if your boat uses a gasoline powered outboard or in-board, get a gasoline powered generator. Honda, Panda, Kohler, Westerbreke, and Fischer are among the better known and regarded generator manufacturers. However, not all of them make a smaller, portable unit, which is probably what you will ned on your boat, as I doubt you have the room for a larger, permanent installation.

[sailandoar]

I run the Honda EU1000 and EU2000 and they are great. The 1000 can be picked up and carried by a SMALL woman or child and when it is runnning FULL TILT one can stand right next to it and carry on a conversation. If you buy two they can used for spare/backup AND connected togeather to make a 2000 watt. I parallel my 2000 and my 1000 in order run a small welding machine (Miller Maxstar 140) for steel work on our schooner, however, Honda does not support mixing sizes when paralleling output. Judging by the RV forums talking about the Honda EU series it is commonly done.

IF YOU NEED A GENERATOR this should be considered, but first think long and hard about complicating your life on a 34' boat with a generator and everyting that it takes to keep it running and the things it runs.

As a tool to charge a battery bank that feeds a hi-capacity inverter the EU1000 can be a good choice. Don't expect the small generators to feed the HUGE built in chargers in many 'all-in-one' inverter/charger/auto-transfer units. They generally require shorepower or a BIG gen-set to match their capabilities.

The EU2000 is just under a $1000 and the EU1000 is not a lot less. The EU1000 is very convienient but the $/watt is a bit high. I have three (2000, 2000, 1000) and have bought two of them through Mayberry's ( in NJ and have website) and have been VERY VERY pleased with Mayberry's. Their price was the best and included shipping to my door in just a few days.

http://www.mayberrys.com/

[thoran]

Thanks to both of you!
Tim