Portable Generator Question

[cs3r]

I am new to owning a boat & we just purchased a 2001 Maxum 2900 SCR. I would like to buy a portable generator so we can run the AC & TV at nights when we are on the water. How many watts do I need? I have heard 1000 watts would be enough, but some say 2000 watts. I know that Honda & Yamaha make great generators but there are plenty of off-brands that make quiet generators for less than half the price. Does anyone have experience with Durapower generators? Thanks for all the help

Chris

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Portable Generator Question

Check the wattage plate on the A/C. You need at least 20% more generator wattage than that. You also need to add the wattage of everything you intend to run with the generator. The total of those wattages is the absolute minimum you need plus at least 20%.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Portable Generator Question

If you do all that Silvertip recommends and still find yourself coming up short on power you might look into a hard start capacitor for the A/C. It reduces the need for that extra 20% or so of immediate electrical surge. By the way, save yourself a lot of grief and pain and just get the Honda EU2000. It's all the power you'll probably need and it will still be running after that boat is in the boneyard. My $.02

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Portable Generator Question

honda, for portable. as said you also have to consider start up surge power. i have a 5500 for hurricanes, at home, just for lights and ref, freezer, microwave.

 

[jeffnick]

Re: Portable Generator Question

From my own personal experience, the Honda will be cheaper in the long run.

We run a 6,000 BTU air conditioner, coffee maker, 750 watt electric heater, small microwave and George Forman contact cooker with a Honda EU1000i (not all at the same time).

For the 12,000 BTU air conditioner we use a Honda EU2000i.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Portable Generator Question

Chris, Be sure to vent the exhaust of the generator away from the boat. Co2 and CO can be deadly.