portable generator/air conditioning

[bushybum]

I have read several posts here about portable generators, and it seem that the Honda is affordable, and quiet.
My wife and I were thinking of purchasing a boat, and we have been looking at cruisers with single engine, and ac/generator.
The draw back as, I see it, is cruisers are basically for just that (cruising), and as far as any water sports (kneeboarding, tubing, skiing) they are not practical, but we also like the idea of being able to go somewhere and stay aboard the boat (just local stuff, no long voyages). Cruisers are also much larger and consume much more fuel (or at least I think they would)
Without being too long winded, I was thinking about a cuddy cabin with portable AC/Generator. This would allow us to do both, but I am concerned about:
a) exhaust emmisions from the generator (going to sleep and not waking up)
b) using an generator on the water (elictorcuting myself or her)
c) if I went with this set up, would this also run say a small tv and such?
Any kind of input with regard to this kind of set up would be greatly appreciated. My family boated when I was young, and I really want to get started again, but not having an AC is not an option due to the extremely high humidity.
I see from many of the posts on this sight there are a lot of very knowledgeable boaters here, and I need your help. Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: portable generator/air conditioning

there have been several people kicking this idea around. i don't recommend it, and don't know what the authorities would think about it, if boarded for inspection. some guy said he had one mounted on the swim platform.

 

[akwalker]

Re: portable generator/air conditioning

I would think the generator would have to be fairly substantial to have the output to run an air conditioner. Would a couple of strategicaly placed 12volt fans keep the air moving enough to be comfortable? As far as other electrical stuff (radio, TV, etc) leave em home. Thats what I spend the night on the boat to get away from,,,,,,,,,

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: portable generator/air conditioning

what is the budget for this boat? you could go with a roof top unit.

 

[wire2]

Re: portable generator/air conditioning

I don't see a problem with doing this with a few provisions;

1. Locate the generator so as to not draw exhaust into the cabin. Swim platform was mentioned, a good idea.
The noise can be diminished substantially with an oversize muffler.

2. It must be sized to the load.
If the A/C draws 10A at 115V, that's 1150 watts, and you need to be 20% over that for continuous duty. Additional 115V loads from lighting or appliances must be added to the total.

3. I'm not sure what the Coast Guard regs are on it, but I'd be inclined to use only GFI outlets.

 

[akwalker]

Re: portable generator/air conditioning

I don't know, exposed on a swim platform sounds like a recipe for disaster.

 

[bushybum]

Re: portable generator/air conditioning

budget for boat would be in 20-25K range

 

[lmannyr]

Re: portable generator/air conditioning

You can try a Honda EU2000 (2000 watts) first. If you feel you need more power, add a second identical unit. The Units are can be linked to give the total of the two generators out put (ex. 2 2000 watt units = 4000 watts). I would get the 2000 version since it's only 50 pounds. If you get a 3000 watt unit then your weight triples for only an additional 1000 watts.

This is my plan too, but still need to check CG regs.

 

[mtpawn]

Re: portable generator/air conditioning

if the ac is the most important the make 12 ac for rv's mine is roof top and dose a fine job it dose draw heavy on the batteries though