Diesel Generator

[Lion]

Advice Please...

What is the smallest, quietest (and yes.... cheapest) diesel generator suitable for keeping auto helm batteries charged without having to run the main engine??

thanks

 

[capsco]

Is this a serious question? a diesel generator just to keep autohelm batteries charged

 

[Lion]

I'm afraid so

 

[steve_cronin]

If you have say an AH3000 or 4000 then you only need, tops, only 60 watts; so a towed, wind or solar generator - or even a combination of these would be sufficient surely and preferable to the noise, smell and inconvenience of a diesel genset?

Steve Cronin

 

[branko]

Smallest type(s) are 3000 W .
I have PAGURO 3000W Producer VTE Italy ( 4800 €). Not satisfied with it!

 

[marcusgillies]

[ QUOTE ]
What is the smallest, quietest (and yes.... cheapest) diesel generator

[/ QUOTE ]
If you find one that suits all three criteria you must let me know!!!

 

[pvb]

Look at DC generators...

As your main need is battery charging, you don't necessarily have to get an AC generator. Another possibility is to install a DC generator. These are typically much smaller and lighter than the small AC generators, and similarly use little watercooled diesel engines and special sound shielding. They are cheaper, but probably not that much cheaper by the time you've included installation. There are various types on the market, such as HFL's DC Traveller (starting from about 750W output), and Water and Power's range, which are available with sound shields.

 

[jeremyshaw]

If you use a diesel generator it is likely to have a short life. Diesels need to be worked reasonably hard and it should run at about 75% of load. Can't see that happening. As per previous posters I would have thought a towed generator would have been cheaper and more effective for your needs.