Generator

[kntclark]

Has anybody installed a generator on a C34?  If so, what generator and where did you install it?  I'd sure like to be able to use my A/C at anchor ocasionally.

I've searched the site for "generator", but all I can find is references to wind generators.

Thanks,
Terry Clark
Yet To Be #1095

[Mike Smith]

Terry -

Here is a thread on generators...

And another one...

And then there is www.2BeCool.com

Mike

[kntclark]

Thanks for the pointers to the threads.  I searched the entire site for "generator" and did not find them.  I tried searching from within the message board today and found them.  I guess that means the site search doesn't include the message board?

I'm looking at the Honda 2KW also.  I have a friend with one on his Hunter 34 ahd he sais it runs his A/C.  I'd rather have a water cooled diesel generator, but the Honda sure has a better price.  

Does anybody have any info on how the Honda holds up in a salt water environment.  I know it's not made to get wet, but there is a lot of salt in the air around the boat.

Thanks,
Terry Clark
Yet To Be #1095

[Stu Jackson]

C34 Website Search Engines

Terry,

There are, indeed, two different search engines.

From the Feb. 2004 Mainsheet Secretary Report:

there are great search
engines that help you find what you are looking for.  There are two parts to our C34
website: the message board and the main website.  Both of them have DIFFERENT
search engines. It's called FIND on the message board.  It's called SEARCH on the
main website.  The most important parts of the main website for technical questions
are: FAQs, Projects, Tech Notes (online for IAC34 members) and the Tech Note INDEX
(available to everyone). [An easier search on the Tech Notes Index would be for you to
copy the index into your word processor and then use your word processor’s search
function, usually F2, on that document.]

Stu

[karista]

Terry
I have a Honda 2kw, it has held up well in a saltwater location (St. Petersburg, Fl), It does all that I had hoped for, including running a 6000btu carry on AC. I have a waterproof cover and strap it to the mast when in use.
Bernd Mueller

[hdevera]

I too have the Honda 2000i generator.  It works fine.  One thing I noticed is that when I am charging my batteries using my Heart 1500 watt inverter/charter (30 amps), I must run my engine with the generator until the charging has gone into the 2nd stage... usally about 15 minutes.  From that point, the charger drops down to under 12 amps and I can run the generator by itself for the remainder of the charging cycle  (usually another 45 minutes).  This then fully charges my batteries.  I eventually will upgrade my alternator and regulator... but this works well for now.

[Mike and Theresa Vaccaro]

Generators and AC energy budgets...it's just like sizing a DC system.  To determine the generator required to run your systems, you need to know how many amps are required.  All appliances, including air conditioners, list the amperage or wattage required for proper operation.  The large induction motor in the compressor usually has a surge draw when it first turns on.  A typical 12,000-14,000 BTU unit will initially draw 19-24 Amps and will usually settle out at 15-18 Amps.  Newer units are more efficient than old.

If you look at small generators, a typical water-cooled 3.5K marine diesel generator will produce about 29 total amps; so you can see that it's not always practical to run multiple appliances at the same time with a small genset--especially when one of those appliances is an air conditioner.

Suprisingly enough, if you wanted to run your air conditioner, battery charger, coffee pot and perhaps another small appliance or two, you'd need a 5KW genset or larger!  Odds of shoehorning a genset this large into a Catalina 34 are doubious at best, unless you're willing to give up the lazzarette or half of the aft berth.

Given a sufficient supply of money, it's practical install a smaller, 3.5KW class genset in a Catalina 34.  Especially older boats with the large stern lazzarette.  The downside is adding the 300 pounds or so the installation will weigh that far aft.  Another factor to consider is servicing the genset.  It will be necessary to occasionally repair or service the unit, and any installation will have to allow access or removal for this purpose.  The aft lazzarette is too far aft to allow use of the boom as a lifting device.  A typical small genset in this class weighs about 225 pounds.  After installation, a genset in this class will normally power EITHER the air conditioner, or other systems; but probably not both simultaneously.

If you're willing to give up a portion of the aft berth, this is another good location for mounting a genset.  It has the added advantage of moving the weight forward and down, as well as allowing access for generator maintenance.  Installing a small 3.5KW class genset would leave sufficient room for a single berth.  It would even be practical to mount a larger (5KW class), slower turning unit (1800 RPM class) in this area.  Building a new bulkhead with sound installation would effectively render the aft cabin useless as sleeping quarters, but it still makes a heck of a closet!

Another, more complicated option would be to remove the aft fuel tank and use that as a mounting surface for the genset.  It may be practical to have a small set share the space with a smaller tank, or remove the tank entirely.  A new tank could be installed under the v-berth.  An insolated set with additional soundproofing on the aft bulkhead should be a very quiet installation.

After considering all of this, the small, portable generator is a great option if its purpose is to recharge batteries or run the occasional small appliance--or keep up with biggest DC draw on board, refridgeration.

We looked long and hard at a generator, but have come to the conclusion that it's just too expensive--and we ordered awnings from Shade Tree that cover the whole boat!  A lot less than a generator and they don't burn any gas.  In conjunction with the hatches and fans, it's not perfect but it's bearable with the occasional swim.  Unfortunately, I can't figure out a way to recharge the house bank from nylon fabric...

Our boat is equipped with a 5KW "Seapower" unit.  This is a large, engine-driven alternator system capable of producing 5KW of AC power.  As neat as a system like this sounds, it's not too practical for a number of reasons.  First, each Kw of electricity produced takes 2 HP.  That's pretty significant when you consider that the M-25XPA on our boat produces 23 total horsepower.  The manufacturer does not recommend installation on engines smaller than 25 HP.  A second disadvantage is developing a properly aligned, vibration free mounting for the alternator.  And there is also the wear and tear on the engine to consider.  A PTO (power takeoff) of this magnitude in terms of percentage of total horsepower produced can actually damage a crankshaft if not properly installed, belted and aligned.  On the upside, this unit will run all AC systems on-board our boat, including the air conditioner.  Obviously, it's not practical to run the engine for long periods of time just to cool the boat, so the utility that this provides is limited.  The last thing to consider is price.  A unit simlar to this costs almost 5000 dollars, not including installation.  Ours was installed in our boat when we bought it--and we've been able to maintain it since.  I can't recommend this type of power unit for small engines such as a M-25 class.

If anybody has successfully installed a genset in a Catalina 34 or 36, it sure would be nice to see some pictures!  There is a previous note on our message board about a genset installation, but that's the only one I've run across so far.  

Cheers,

Mike

[dpitch65]

I been thinking about a generator as well.  The idea of being somewhat self sufficient appeals to me.  Here are a couple of Diesel Generators that are water cooled.   As for installation location, that is the $1M question.   Might be easier to buy a bigger boat.  


 MasterVolt 3.2Kw diesel generator, size - lxbxh ~ 16" x 16" x 17"


MASE
- 2.2Kw diesel generator,  I sent email off for sizing, but they haven't responded.


FisherPanda - The is a DC generator.  They don't have the dimension on the web site either.

[Stu Jackson]

Another avenue of "self-sufficiency" is to increase the house bank and install a larger externally regulated alternator.  Just a thought.  Won't help with the air conditioning, though.;)

Stu

[Stu Jackson]

Ron, (and everyone),

This is one of those "how you use your boat will determine what equipment you choose" issues.

While we get out regularly, like once a week, with some overnighters and a week- or two-long cruise maybe every-other year (if we're lucky), our own personal experience is that we rarely stay in one place for more than a night or two.  This is ONLY because of how our cruise area is laid out and how we, personally, choose-to-cruise.

Therefore (ergo?) our engine is running at least a few hours every day to move the boat, which then charges the batteries.

If we were to have the "luxury" (i.e., finally get 'the kid' through high school and college and then...???) of being able to share your great experiences of being out for a long time and being able to (or choosing to) stay in one anchorage for more than two or more days, we would most likely make the generator choice, too.

So far, so good, and, like we've both said may times, "It's how your use your boat."

Stu

PS (besides, then I'd have to clean out that danged port locker, which Cory's been after me to do for many years. ;)

[BillR]

I have a 1KW portable and since my boating is limited to the same sort of cruising as Stu I have found it to be of little pratical value.  The larger, 2 KW unit, would probably be of more interest if it can run a portable AC.

Stu, I understand the issue, if my two sons ever graduate from College.....