Petrol Generator

[Mistroma]

Mistroma, you've mistaken me for someone indulging in exact workings out: all of the above figures are 'about' figures used to illustrate the link between watts, amps and volts for Mike who clearly didn't quite understand the linkage between the various figures being bandied about. You are of course correct about higher charging voltages etc. I have no idea about the efficiencies of current chargers v older ones, I was simply quoting some figures so that Mike could understand that he would need to look at the specifications of the various options under consideration, both in terms of chargers and generators so that he could match them up and not wind up with a charger requiring more output than the generator he bought....

No problem, your reply would have been helpful to the OP. However, you said "70 amps and it'd be marginal for the 1000 watt generator and you'd do well to getting the 2000 watt one.". I felt that the OP might think he'd manage with a marginal 1000W generator (coping with 950W), even though you had indicated that 2000W would be better. In fact, the figures show that a 1000W generator would not do as >1200W would be required.

I thought that it was worth mentioning >1200W rather than leaving it at your 950W figure.

 

[Mrnotming]

This discussion has been most useful,despite a slight "frisson" between the contributors.it has served to inform this poster sufficiently,to decide not to purchase a portable genny!In the Med (apart from deepest winter) solar panels are very effective,hot water comes from engine heat (OP says you have to run engine to anchor/lift which is the case in our boat).I was about to buy a solar shower,when a perusal of the new recycling compound in the marina provided a discarded fault free example!!Drinks/food stay cool in the fridge/freezer by solar.
Now this year I know we will need all new batteries,as it's the fourth season since last replaced!
So as the engine battery to be replaced will be isolated from the rest of the system,failure to start engine is unlikely.
That would be one function of a generator.
Instead of a generator,I could purchase a second starter battery and strap it down in a locker,trickle charging say once a season?batteries often sit on a dealers shelf for nine months or more.
This would cover any starter battery failure situation.
Does my boat insurance cover the storage of petrol and how would I ensure safety of same in 40C temperatures?
Flashpoint of fuel for the Mercury 3.3 outboard is lowered by the two stroke oil additive and stored shaded on deck.
If considering live aboard in non Med areas,perhaps a genny would make a good choice over solar,but I have seen a good fight break out in Marciana Marina,involving punches,smashed spectacles,blood,police,all because one Italian boater was disturbing another by perching a genny on the quayside,wires running down to his boat.Needless to remark,silence ensued thereafter!

 

[temptress]

Get a HONDA. I got one last year after years of avoiding any forms of generators. I looked at what others had, what they said and the problems encountered. Yes HONDA ones are usually more expensive that just about any other brand but in the Caribbean everybody loves them. I think you get what you pay or here. IMO they break less often, make less noise, vibrate less and take a load of abuse.

 

[Artic Warrior]

I had a Honda 1kw and the best bit is that on low wattage use like tv or similar,
the engine stays in tickover mode and only revs up when over 200 watts was demanded,,,good on fuel that way etc,,
Don't know if the Kipor has the same feature thou,,,,,The hyundui is good with its key fob operated electric start, so no need to keep hoping out to pull the starter rope.