selecting a generator

foofer b · Post by **foofer b** » Thu May 21, 2009 6:34 am

My F26 has an Ocean Breeze 16k btu marine A/C. It's specs call for 11.5 amps at 120 vac. I would like to get a small portable genset, such as the Honda 2000i for use to run the ac while on the hook. I plan on putting it on the swim platform to avoid any co problems. Will this power my a/c ? Would I need some sort of peak power surge supplier?

g36 · Post by **g36** » Thu May 21, 2009 6:55 am

although i dont have the ocean breeze on my boat i have a crusiair. i dont think it will work with the start amps needed. it wont on mine but i dont know the specs for yours. however i found a little info here where others had tried this 2 years ago with a ocean breeze unit. it apparently didnt work for them.if you had 2 and parallelled the hondas it would work. i use my 2000i when camping and also on my boat instead of my onan gen sometimes when all i want to do is power my battery chargers if weve been anchored out for 4 days or so. yours might run it but it looks pretty close with the specs
http://www.pdqforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1329

S.A.M. · Post by **S.A.M.** » Thu May 21, 2009 9:18 am

Is the 11.5 amps start-up or constant? If constant a Honda 2000 would not handle the start up amps. If thats start-up amps it would work, but leave you with no other a/c accessories.

16k BTU is quiet large for your size boat.

gjrylands · Post by **gjrylands** » Thu May 21, 2009 9:29 am

I don't think the Honda generator will povide enough power when the AC starts. The compressor in the AC has a capasitor start motor which requires much more current for a few seconds when starting. That will over load the Honda.

ready123 · Post by **ready123** » Thu May 21, 2009 9:58 am

What about Honda 3000i? Or downsize the A/C?

JuiceClark · Post by **JuiceClark** » Thu May 21, 2009 12:42 pm

I have a Honda 2000i and it won't run either of my CruiseAir A/Cs. One is a 10k and the other a 17k. I only use the air conditioning when under shorepower. I keep the Honda onboard just in case something weird happens and all six batteries die.

I've never been able to sleep with a gas genny running anyway...keep thinking I smell fumes.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Thu May 21, 2009 1:12 pm

You can tie 2 of the hondas together But its still IMO has no place on a boat . you maybe ok outting them on swim platform but that thats a maybe anywhere else is nuts . ( I sure I ticked off a few saying that)

gjrylands · Post by **gjrylands** » Thu May 21, 2009 7:47 pm

prowlersfish wrote:You can tie 2 of the hondas together

You can't tie generators together. This is AC we're talking about. They run at 60 cps. Sparks fly if the phasees aren't sychronized perfectly.

guglielmo6160 · Post by **guglielmo6160** » Thu May 21, 2009 8:17 pm

I use a portable Honda 3000 it works my ac, oven, outlets and also acts an emergency battery charger , if they go dead. I keep it above deck, and it doubles as a nice coffee table when its not in use. A couple of guys here think your boat will explode if you use a portable generator that is not inbetween your engines hard wired to your boat, that you cant see operating.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Thu May 21, 2009 8:51 pm

gjrylands wrote:
prowlersfish wrote:You can tie 2 of the hondas together
You can't tie generators together. This is AC we're talking about. They run at 60 cps. Sparks fly if the phasees aren't sychronized perfectly.

You can Tie these 2 together Honda is the only gensets I know of you can do this with ( (hey use a inverter ). there made to be tied together honda makes a kit you this .

you would be correct with any other genset.

http://www.steadypower.com/catalog/prod ... ts_id=1743

http://www.steadypower.com/catalog/prod ... ts_id=2010

Bill I worry about fumes

foofer b · Post by **foofer b** » Thu May 21, 2009 9:17 pm

The ocean Breeze people say it will work and that they have had people do it. He cautiones to turn on the fan first before the compressor. does this sound right? Downsizing is not an option, and I would like the portability of the little (46lb.) eu2000i. Don't know why the previous owner put such a lrge unit in, unleess he got it cheap or free.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Thu May 21, 2009 9:25 pm

I will not handle it even if you try the fan first . we just tried it the other day on a sail boat . he is getting another one and the harness .

foofer b · Post by **foofer b** » Thu May 21, 2009 10:00 pm

Thanks, I will look into the new eu3000i handi with 3000w 25a 65 db and 78lb.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Thu May 21, 2009 10:34 pm

Thats pretty heavy to carry around , thats why some folks tie 2 2000 together the just lift 1 at a time

foofer b · Post by **foofer b** » Fri May 22, 2009 6:13 am

I am considering that also. Another advantage to using two eu2000i, is when you only need less power you can only start or caryy one.