Aldi Generator

Many boats ago, we were stranded in Newtown because of a flat battery - and had to dinghy over a gennie from a neighboring boat.

Since then, we always had a small one on board, I think it saved us once over the years. Maybe gave a few Nespresso mornings as well. For the cost, well worth the peace of mind.

Of course, CO risk so you put it on the platform and close doors that way. Common sense, if you are aware of the risks (and facts about CO, it seems).
 
Thanks all, like others it would only really be a "peace of mind" purchase, I hope to be spending more time at anchor this year and although I have solar panels I have a constant worry about running the batteries down.
Having given it more thought we’ve already got a generator, the main engine, do I really want more kit on the boat? With a bit of care and two batteries it shouldnt be an issue.
 
Adrian said:
we’ve already got a generator, the main engine
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The problem of using the main just to top up the batteries is that it could take forever, since the alternator output at idle is very low.
But if you don't mind using the main for that purpose, you could install a second alternator with a multiplied pulley and a clutch, in order to disconnect it while underway, but have a good recharging power at idle.
TBH, I only heard of this type of installation, but I never had the opportunity to see/check one first hand.
Might be worth investigating, though.
 
Adrian said:
Thanks all, like others it would only really be a "peace of mind" purchase, I hope to be spending more time at anchor this year and although I have solar panels I have a constant worry about running the batteries down.
Having given it more thought we’ve already got a generator, the main engine, do I really want more kit on the boat? With a bit of care and two batteries it shouldnt be an issue.
Click to expand...

I agree, it's unnecessary.

Spend your money on LED bulbs, a lower power consumption fridge, a decent battery monitor, etc.
 
I have led bulbs as suggested. The lighting now draws negligible current.

The fridge is the greatest draw on power. One tip is to turn up the fridge control while under way and then down when stopped.
I would switch the fridge off at night but the chief officer is not keen.
 
MartynG said:
Portable petrol generators should not be run with the generator standing on the boat because of risk of carbon monoxide entering the boat. Therefore suitable only when tied up to the shore or perhaps on a pontoon and the generator can be placed well away from the boat.
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I'm not sure blanket sweeping statements like this are very helpful. I occasionally run a suitcase generator on the bow of the boat when we are at anchor and don't worry in the slightest about fumes and CO poisoning. I do get irritated by the noise when it's 'on load' though.

The real answer is to be aware of the risk from exhaust fumes and take appropriate precautions to ensure that they don't enter the boat.
 
MartynG said:
I stand by my recommendation.

I hope you do at least have a CO alarm in the boat interior.
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Yes I do. But to make such blanket suggestion as if it's cast in stone and without argument is just silly IMHO. A much better response (IMHO) would be to suggest that as petrol generators can produce CO as part of their exhaust gases, one should be extremely cautious about where they are positioned on a boat when you are running them at anchor or whilst on a mooring.

See my previous post about being sensible.
 
john_morris_uk said:
Yes I do. But to make such blanket suggestion as if it's cast in stone and without argument is just silly IMHO. A much better response (IMHO) would be to suggest that as petrol generators can produce CO as part of their exhaust gases, one should be extremely cautious about where they are positioned on a boat when you are running them at anchor or whilst on a mooring.

See my previous post about being sensible.
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I agree far better way of putting it

Sadly some like to tell

Others advise
 
MapisM said:
The problem of using the main just to top up the batteries is that it could take forever, since the alternator output at idle is very low.
But if you don't mind using the main for that purpose, you could install a second alternator with a multiplied pulley and a clutch, in order to disconnect it while underway, but have a good recharging power at idle.
TBH, I only heard of this type of installation, but I never had the opportunity to see/check one first hand.
Might be worth investigating, though.
Click to expand...

never thought of that (and no need for it tbh with 600W solar)
however, it's going to be an expensive solution as I just bought an electroclutch thing for port engine )to run the stab hydraulics) and it was 300odd euro, plus mounting kit, plus custom mating to an alternator (the elec.clutch is specifically made/setup for hydraulic pump mating it seems) I can easily see the cost going over 500euro before a half decent alternator.
Now add to that the fact that the pulleys on these clutches are circa 150mm dia ie. almost 1:1 with crank pulleys, you're at best at 1/4 alternator rpm from crank, which is not what you want :D
I'll stop here as it's getting too complicated before even getting into the auto disconnect when going over idle to avoid destroying the alternator

cheers

V.
 
I've just been to Aldi for some dishwasher tablets and accidentally bought one of these. I'll get it going this weekend.

For £129 its worth a shot for emergency use and to stop the D4's gumming up when sat at anchor for a few days. Sometimes need to start the engines to keep batteries good. Two fridges and two kids are the culprits.
 
Bbroomlea said:
I've just been to Aldi for some dishwasher tablets and accidentally bought one of these. I'll get it going this weekend.

For £129 its worth a shot for emergency use and to stop the D4's gumming up when sat at anchor for a few days. Sometimes need to start the engines to keep batteries good. Two fridges and two kids are the culprits.
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It will be interesting to hear your opinion on how noisey it is! The figures on the Aldi web site are not good, but there are many ways of expressing sound output and it is not clear to me that Aldi are using the same measurement as other makers. The best I've heard in the last couple of years is the Loncin suitcase generators which sound quite similar to a sewing machine - acceptable even sitting just a few feet away and close to unnoticeable ten or fifteen feet away.
 
maby said:
It will be interesting to hear your opinion on how noisey it is! The figures on the Aldi web site are not good, but there are many ways of expressing sound output and it is not clear to me that Aldi are using the same measurement as other makers. The best I've heard in the last couple of years is the Loncin suitcase generators which sound quite similar to a sewing machine - acceptable even sitting just a few feet away and close to unnoticeable ten or fifteen feet away.
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Better than or equivalent to Honda? (Genuine interest)
 
We have two petrol V6 inboards (also a CO alarm placed as recommended 5 feet from the cabin deck). After reading a MAIB report on the "Estate Car Effect". When we go anywhere I prefer to take the whole camper cover down because I like to stand up and drive and be out in the air....a number of boats pass by our mooring on the Hamble at Eastlands at slow (mostly) speeds and always amaze me because they have the whole canopy up with just the aft end open. The engine fumes even from inboards bublbe up and get drawn forward into the boat...hence the Estate Car thing.....which is obviously why the back of estates / 4x4 /vans etc diesels are always plastered in soot....
 
I had a quiet 1/2 hour so got it going. Seems very well put together for £130!

Using a sound meter (not phone)
No Load stood right over it = 74db
No Load at 30ft = 62db

3/4 load stood right over it = 82db
3/4 load at 30ft = 73db

No idea how that compares to a Honda but its 1/10 of the price and will get so little use I'm declaring it a bargain :-)
 
Adrian said:
Thanks all, like others it would only really be a "peace of mind" purchase, I hope to be spending more time at anchor this year and although I have solar panels I have a constant worry about running the batteries down.
Having given it more thought we’ve already got a generator, the main engine, do I really want more kit on the boat? With a bit of care and two batteries it shouldnt be an issue.
Click to expand...

If you want an emergency starter battery, look at one of the lithium jump start packs e.g. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Suaoki-Sta...28/dp/B072Z82HNK?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_15846785031

depends on the size of your engine, but they are well worth having on board.
 
maby said:
I would say so. The Loncin suitcases are very impressive and cheaper than Honda.
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thank you for the recommendation. 1/2 price for same noise. For me it always come down to noise. I'm on solar power which meets my every need bar one.... the evening hot showers.

thanks :encouragement:
 
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