Generators & Air Conditioning advice

rosehips · #1 (**permalink**) 09-19-2007

I'm new to this but we need help choosing a generator & air conditioning for our new catamaran. We are new to sailing, but I brought the boat across from S. Africa to Key West and still feel that I have lots to learn. There are so many choices out there that I am overwhelmed. If anyone reads this, and has a clue about the above, both my husband and I would appreciate it.

Rosehips (I was just thinking of vitamins when I picked this name)

camaraderie · #2 (**permalink**) 09-19-2007

We need a lot more about the size of your boat and your cruising plans in order to make any sensible suggestions. I am assuming a large Cat since you've crossed the ocean...and suggest that you will need somewhere on theorder of 25000 btu's to cool a large cat effectively. Generally this would be done in both hulls with ducting to the center bridge from a couple of 12-16000btu units. Driving BOTH units at anchor will require a generator on the order of 8-10KW. You can drive ONE unit with a 4-5kw generator.
That is as specific as I can can based on what you have said so far. What specific questions do you have?
Congrats on your trip and welcome aboard!

rosehips · #3 (**permalink**) 09-22-2007

Thanks for your response.

I am not so much interested in the size of either the air conditioner or generator but on brands. There are so many manufacturers and each one is "the best". I thought perhaps owners would have comments about who makes a good product and which to stay away from. Also, we have Yanmar diesels and wonder if it is better to match the generator to the engines, or does it matter at all.

The boat is a 2006 44' Knysna catamaran and is built in S. Africa.

Getting the hang of this message board and happy to "be aboard",

Rosehips

camaraderie · #4 (**permalink**) 09-22-2007

Well...on generators, the Mastervolt series has been getting good press from users. Northern Lights seems to have customer support problems. Onan/Cummins makes a solid-reliable product. Westerbeke does too but parts expense is high.
On air conditioners, I would go with Cruiseair or MarineAir as these brads are reliable with good parts and service availability everywhere. With either one, I would get a good March water pump rather than the supplied pumps.

rosehips · #5 (**permalink**) 09-22-2007

Thanks again.

I will look those up on the internet. Northern Lights was recommended by my S.A. captain as well.

SVAuspicious · #6 (**permalink**) 09-24-2007

I have MarineAir A/C on my boat, and had it on my last one. I'm happy with the brand. When in doubt, round *up* when sizing a/c.

I have a Mastervolt generator that has provided great service. I have about 300 hours on it.

I would avoid Fischer Panda generators. Although I know some people have had good results, I know others who have had quite unpleasant customer service experiences.

speciald · #7 (**permalink**) 09-24-2007

IO have a 12kv Fisher panda and would not buy another. I have had constant problems with the Kubota diesel overheating and the unit not shutting down. The last time, I cracked the head. I would go with the Mastervolt.

chucklesR · #8 (**permalink**) 09-26-2007

My Gemini (34 ft catamaran) came equiped with a Mermaid 16,500 btu A/C, fits in a cabinet about 18'' x 18'' and doesn't have/need any ducting at all - just blows to the bridge deck and is circulated from there. For the Ches bay this is all it needs.
Others on our forum just stick a home depot 5000 btu in the window and indicate it's good enough (even in florida).
I use a Honda EU2000i generator - 54 decibels, 44 pounds and 1 qt per hour it can't be beat (except possibly by the yamaha 2800). Sure they run gas not diesel but I'm carrying gas for the dinghy anyway so it's not that big a deal to carry 5 gal instead of 2 for a weekend of cool.
Besides - at 1,000 bucks if it breaks I can 6 of them for the price of a small diesel - and carry it home for use thier.

sailvi767 · #9 (**permalink**) 09-26-2007

Northern lights is the genset preferred by almost every charter company. I think that says a lot. I have a 44 foot cat in the BVI and it cools just fine with 22,000 BTU divided between 3 units. If you keep the BTU's below 30,000 you can use a 6kw Northern lights genset. This genset is very fuel efficient. When you jump to 9KW's you burn a lot more fuel and it is heavier. I like the small and light setup. The genset runs all 3 AC units, Link 2000 battery charger and a microwave with no problems. I know another cat running two 16,000 BTU untils off a 5kw so I don't think you need to go bigger then 6.

rosehips · #10 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007

Thank you all for the replies!

I will be in Fort Lauderdale for their boat show and will look into all your recommendations. The northern lights unit was recommended by my delivery captain. BTU's & KW's are still a puzzle, but some of the pieces are coming together. Thanks again.

Here is another question....My "other" insists that we have to be in Trinidad by June of next year because of the hurricane season and our insurance policy. I just wonder if all boats (every single boat?), move south to Trinidad? If they don't, what do all these people do in the Caribbean for hurricane season?

Thanks again for all your input...