Putting a generator on a 1990

[Todd Reese]

Has anyone installed a generator on 1990?  I've been told there is no space to install one.

[sedelange]

I have a 1986 model and I am considering installing one in the aft lazerette on the port side.  It is going to be extremely tight but I think it will be possible.  One of my biggest concerns will be maintenance.  Removing the cover with the unit installed is going to be difficult.

[Ron Hill]

Todd : Has your 1990 C34 a standard, walk thur or dimpled transom??   

[Todd Reese]

Our 90 has a walk through transom. Any thoughts?

[wind dancer]

I've heard a Honda 1000 portable fits in the rear lazarette.  A little light on the power output, but very light, quiet and reliable.  You'd pull it out to run it, of course. 

[HydroTherapy]

Hello,

I have the Honda 2000.  I keep it in the cabin and bring it out when I need it.  When running it is either by the mast or all the way at the bow.  It runs everything I need including a microwave.  It is a bit heavier than the 1000 but it can run a lot more.
In addition, it comes in handy if I loose power in the house.

David
#366

[wind dancer]

Hello,

I have the Honda 2000.  I keep it in the cabin and bring it out when I need it.  When running it is either by the mast or all the way at the bow.  It runs everything I need including a microwave.  It is a bit heavier than the 1000 but it can run a lot more.
In addition, it comes in handy if I loose power in the house.

David
#366

I've thought about getting a 2000, but I'd just be using it for emergency backup, so out of the way storage is key in my case.  There's no spare room in the cabin (family of four).

I still haven't decided which I'll get, and will probably wait until I upgrade the batteries (and maybe the alternator) in the spring.

[Footloose]

Jay,

If you are looking for emergency backup, why not purchase a jump pack at one of the auto parts stores.  They are about Fifty bucks and hold a charge for several months.  Trying to start an engine that hasn't been started for a while in an emergent stimulation can be frustrating.

As an owner that upgraded his alternator and batteries I would recommend that over the generator.  Footloose lives on a mooring and hasn't been connected to shorepower all summer.  I don't have any alternate charging source (solar or wind).  Yesterday the air was in the fifties and she started without any hesitation. We anchor out a fair amount also and I have small kids that don't turn light off.  If you are having staring problems look at Jim Moe's articles in the projects page.  Be sure to upgrade the wiring harness and put in the solenoid for the glow plugs also.  I should also add that we run our engine just enough to keep it running properly.

[Stu Jackson]

As you might imagine, there has been earlier discussion on these very topics.  Using the search engine, search on generators, Honda, & jump packs.  One of the more interesting parts of the earlier discussions included a discussion of using a Honda generator with a Freedom combined inverter/charger, very interesting, written by Hal Devera.

I agree with Footloose that the basic system should be sound, but have learned that many folks either desire or need additional backup, and the discussions of generators indicates that they function very well for providing enough juice to run the hot water heater for morning hot showers, which is a good thing for the entire crew for the whole day.   

[wind dancer]

Jay,

If you are looking for emergency backup, why not purchase a jump pack at one of the auto parts stores.  They are about Fifty bucks and hold a charge for several months.  Trying to start an engine that hasn't been started for a while in an emergent stimulation can be frustrating.

As an owner that upgraded his alternator and batteries I would recommend that over the generator.  Footloose lives on a mooring and hasn't been connected to shorepower all summer.  I don't have any alternate charging source (solar or wind).  Yesterday the air was in the fifties and she started without any hesitation. We anchor out a fair amount also and I have small kids that don't turn light off.  If you are having staring problems look at Jim Moe's articles in the projects page.  Be sure to upgrade the wiring harness and put in the solenoid for the glow plugs also.  I should also add that we run our engine just enough to keep it running properly.

Thanks, that is an option I'm considering.  I like the Xantrex Xpower 600HD, which looks fairly robust.  I don't see myself being on a hook for more than a few days at a time, at least in the near future (i.e. while I still have to work) so this option should work fine for me.

[Stephen Butler]

We went through the generator exercise last summer for our 1990, C34, with integral swim platform.  After doing the amp-hour math, looking at a wide variety of options, seeking advice, measuring everything, etc., we took Ron's advice and purchased a Honda 1000watt unit from Mayberry's.  It was either go with 1kw, or 3 to 4 kw.  The 2 kw Honda just didn't meet our combined needs and storing it below deck was unacceptable, while the idea of installing a 3 or 4 kw unit was a bit daunting, not to mention finding a place.  The 1kw Honda is one of the best additions to our C34, to date!  Fits in the cockpit locker, connects to the shore power socket, has sufficient power to run one item at a time (except the a/c), the weight and noise are low, puts out a very "clean" wave, and its easily handled.  We spent 5 weeks cruising with the Honda and never had a problem or worry. Consider the Honda 1kw unit.  Just a thought.

[Footloose]

Okay Stu, you got me!  I have to ask; how long does it take to heat water when you are plugged in.  I assume it doesn't matter if it is to shore power or a generator.  Cold or luke warm "navy showers" in the morning are getting old.  I have never gotten used to showering in the evening.

[Stu Jackson]

When plugged in we get hot water within 15-20 minutes.  If you wait 30 minutes it could get too hot.  Your boat, your toes!   

[Ron Hill]

Todd : I have both the Honda 1KW and a hi output alternator with a 3 stage voltage regulator on the engine.
If you like to stay anchored for over 1 day at a time I strongly recommend a small Honda.  The 1KW will keep the batteries up and store in the post side lazerette, but if you also want hot water you'll need to get a larger 2KW and also find another place to store it.

The hi output alternator will charge the batteries faster, but at anchor running the main engine to charge batteries gets OLD fast!!  It's also not the best to run the diesel engine at low (at almost no load) RPM just to keep the batteries up.  Economically I ask people if it's wise to run the $8000 item below or the $700 Honda?

The Honda 1KW will charge AC current so it's easy to plug in to the shore power receptacle for charging and when it's running the AC outlets on the boat are powered.   
A few thoughts!!   

[Stu Jackson]

Here's the link to Hal's post: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php?topic=1474.0