Generators

[asteven221]

Does anyone know if it's feasible to do a DIY job and re-engineer a low cost portable generator to fit it into a cockpit locker? If it's not feasible can anyone recommend a portable genny that's quiet and can be used on deck without bugging everyone around? Thanks.

 

[oldsaltoz]

G'day Asteven221,

<<<a portable genny that's quiet and can be used on deck without bugging everyone around?>>>

Still to be invented I think if used in an open space like your deck, if enclosed you have exhaust to pipe out and means some noise plus fumes.

We had a gen set on board but replaced it with a huge domestic battery capacity and 3 large solar panels and a smart electronic battery monitoring and charging system. No noise no vibration and no fumes.

If you must have a genny running you need to park well away from others.

Avagoodweekend.

 

[PAULSTEWART]

Honda are by far the best, though not particularly cheap.
Very easy to start and quiet too.

 

[roly_voya]

All the ones I have seen warn you not to use in enclsed spaces, I gather this is as much to do with stopping them overheating as it is venting so think iit is probably a no go. Eith use on deck or get a water cooled unit. On possibility might be to make your own using an outboad power head cupled to either a 230v or DC alternator. Something like a 4hp 4st power head plus a 100a alternator belt driven of the output shaft. Using DC aviods having complicated speed control. Unless you intend to use it a lot I would not think it worth the effort as even with the UK hike in desil price its ulikely to save much in fuel cost. If you need it because you power consumption is to high for the main engine/alternator set up to cope then you probably need to go for a properly installed inboard diesel set to get the reliability or find a way of reducing your power needs

Interesting piont, as an ex-liveaboard I got into the habit of being ecconomical with energy and being very aware it was not an infinite commodity so when I moved into a house I set up all the energy saving measures available, including monitoring. I was looking at the monitor today to see how it had changed now the oldest lad has moved out (2 weeks ago) and for 3 of use in a 3 bed house we are now using 8 units/day. Converting that to 12v equivelant that would be 700a/h. Given that our kitchen is about the same space as a 35ft boat it makes you think...

 

[Shannoner]

I have a Honda Eu20i, great wee generator, cost me €950 over here, you have to pay top dollar if you want a quiet reliable one. None of the portable generators are designed for use in an enclosed space, so forget about that idea.
Also I find that if you run the generator on the deck the noise down below is pretty bad due to the vibration through the deck. When I run mine I just sit it on the pontoon and when you are below you can't hear a thing, but on the River Shannon the neighbours tend to complain if you run it after 9PM no matter how quiet it is.

 

[Flossdog]

Have just shelled out on a Honda eu10i. Really great. quiet and for the weight/size, is best around. Plan to use it when we are on our swinging mooring or at anchor. Will put it in the dinghy to reduce noise in the boat to near zero.