Need a generator recommendation for small vessel

[drewpster]

I would like to add a generator to my boat to supply power to a battery charger, small ac/dc fridge, possibly a small heater for winter fishing, and some other toys possibly, although maybe not all at the same time. I would like there to be enough power to run the fridge, air conditioner and charger combined if it is possible to find one small enough to suit available space. It needs to be gas powered, below decks marine safe, hard wired to my existing shore power system and very compact. My boat is only 24' however I have a good deal of room aft in the engine compartment. I know it is allot to ask out of a small genny. Considering the size of the boat all of the components; fridge, a/c ect. will be small and comparatively low current draw. Oh! and noise level is a concern as well so it needs to be quiet. Does this animal exist?

[Frosty]

Yes it does 'Panda' comes to mind . a very small (probably as small as they get) 3 Kw job, water cooled. Try googling 'Panda' there must be others.

[marshmat]

http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/showthread.php?t=11138&highlight=whispergen discusses a Stirling-engine based genset that might be a possibility for you. The 'whispergen' outputs a steady 750 W, doesn't sound like much at first, but that will constantly top off a battery to the tune of 18 kWh a day (about what my land-based house uses). And it does the cabin heating function too. Vega has posted a link there to the Panda genset too.

[lazeyjack]

panda is a high rev genset
I use Northern lights, run 1800rpm, from memory
But small genset for aircon? sorry there is not such a thing, , well maybe, how many btu do you need? from there you can work you KW/H, tell us your space, ie how much area you wish to cool
On Nimbus I run a 5kw, powers a 4000 watt trace invertor the fuel for the invertor charger is 8 /420 amp hour 6v l16,(840amp hr total series parallel) and when the trace charges at 100 amp hour than generater is lugging
Go for Onan or Northern lights, pref Onan cos its owned by Cummins and back up is very strong . Both these engines run the slow speed Panda and others run very high revs But first tell me zakkly what you want to cool

[lazeyjack]

um , lets see, a 30 footer would need(sailing yacht) 16000 btu an hr to cool, this equates to around 4.6 kw/h so you can see your 5kw genny will struggle
an 50 ft gin palace would need 3 times the btu and so on

[lazeyjack]

i enjoy this The sound shield on both above are adaquate
If you could run all off 220 vac you would halve your current draw

[Pericles]

Drewpster,

You could consider OSSA Powerlite.

http://www.ossapowerlite.com/products/generators/generators.htm

Their continous output 25kw genset measures 33" x 31" x 26" and weighs only 546lbs. Noise is 65 dbA.

Pericles

[paulthor]

If you are looking for parts for you boat you should try <a href="http://www.aerco.co.uk/Catalogue.htm">Aerco</a>. Following the links below for parts.
http://www.aerco.co.uk/code_C146-10F010-003-1.htm
http://www.aerco.co.uk/code_H6902000819.htm
http://www.aerco.co.uk/code_B30Z03H999X99.htm
http://www.aerco.co.uk/code_E2PF640BCT2A00.htm
http://www.aerco.co.uk/code_IPT1-115-01-S-D-VS.htm
http://www.aerco.co.uk/code_M287761030M.htm
http://www.aerco.co.uk/code_T35A70E025X99.htm
http://www.aerco.co.uk/code_V4T1.htm

Paul

[gonzo]

Diesel generators are usually not spark or explosion proof. If you have a gas engine it would make it a dangerous and illegal installation.

[longliner45]

gonzo; illegal by whos or what standards?,,,longliner

[gonzo]

Us, Canadian and Eurapean standards require spark/explosion protection for any electrical system in a combustible atmosphere. A marine engine room with a gas engine is considered a combustible atmosphere. If the generator is diesel it may be designed to work with a diesel engine. Diesel fumes are not explosive enough to require spark shielding in electrical equipment.

[longliner45]

thanks gonzo,,I was always under the impression that there were no regs on how or to what standards boats are built,I have seen some real bad scowls and smackboats,sinking at the docks that were coastguard documented,,,,also real bad hull designs and top heavy cabins .I know that Canada wants you to have a vented and pumpable head or you cant dock there ,,this is just an example,but my question is (are there standards for boat building?)and who enforces them ,,other than insurance co,, not trying to be smart,it is just a little unclear to me ,I also know that items like through hull fittings have standards,but for example,I just purchased a 28 freedom ketch ,,balsa core ,the previus owner told me he he gouged out the balsa and put epoxie around the through hull fittings,,,,,,makes sence to me,but why not from the manufactor,,,longliner,,sorry for going off topic a little

[tskl]

I have read your post and thought of this system because it can be upgraded as needed,
you can see it at http://wisesales.com/EU2000.html this is a site that lists it, but you are recommended to search any site for best prices. This site is shown for reference only and I have no personal interest in this site other then reference.

[Pericles]

Longliner45,

This site for US standards.
http://members.aol.com/spinners/.

Peter Eikenberry posts on this site I believe.

Pericles

[tskl]

I am new to this site and forum an I am sorry I don't understand the statement "This site for US standards." &/or who Peter Eikenberry is. If i said something wrong forgive me but the post asked for a generator that would take care of a battery charger, small ac/dc fridge, possibly a small heater and this system will and would work.

[Pericles]

tskl,

Longliner45 was replying to Gonzo and the sentence "but my question is (are there standards for boat building?)and who enforces them ,,other than insurance co,, not trying to be smart,it is just a little unclear to me".

The information about US standards is to address that issue.

Here in the UK we have the CE Certificated Recreational Craft Directive RCD and the Boat Safety Scheme BSS.

Pericles

[tskl]

I didn't understand your ststement I have been talking to a gentalman named Eric Sponberg and he is suggesting to me the same kind of info but for the United States Also i have received another post from Peter Eikenberry referencing http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/boatbuilder/index.htm
again I'm sorry for not understanding your statement