Size Of Portable Generator Required To Run AC Unit

TJM0901

New Member
Jun 29, 2009
51
East Greenwich, RI
Boat Info
340 Sundancer (2007)
"Gabagoo"
Engines
Twin 375HP
V-Drives
Ok, without getting everyone all emotional about if someone should or should not use a portable generator (Honda) on the boat, I will get it out on the table now and say I have decided I am going with an external gen.

With that being said (and I truly appreciate all the advice on reasons not to use one for those that are against it), I simply would like to know if the Honda EUI 2000 is enough for me to run my AC unit on my 300 DA (2005). Can anyone confirm they have used a 2000 watt gen for this size boat / ac unit and the initial load is ok without tripping the gen? Is it worth the investment?

Thanks so much in advance for the advice. The best owners club by far I have ever been a part of. I only hope in a few years i can start answering the questions instead of asking them :)

Thanks again.

T.J.
 
i can confirm that the Honda 2000EUI will power your A/C system. Please be EXTREMELY careful though. Do a search on this topic and understand all the risks you need to be aware of and precautions you need to take.
 
On my last boat I tried my Honda 2000EUI and it would power the 12000BTU Marine Air System while powering the charging system.

My friend had a 30' Dancer with a Mermaid A/C system 10000 BTU and the same generator would NOT power it for some reason.

Better to try a friend's Honda Genny on your boat before purchasing one and being dissapointed.

Hope you don't have any of the problems associated with using an external genny.
 
As long as you can strap it on the swim step you should be good....
 
I have a Honda 2000 EUI for my 97 330 DA and it does not run the AC. Not sure why. I think its a CruiseAir 12000 BTU, but it doesnt seem to get past the initial surge on the AC and the AC unit trips itself. I think perhaps there is something wrong with the AC unit, but it does work fine on regular shore power.
 
You are good with the 2000. I did it on my last boat which has the same size unit as the 300. It wolnt run the ac and microwave at the same time, but will run the ac battery charger and fridge all at once. The key is turn the Eco throttle off and let it take on the load for a min, then turn the Eco on( Eco just makes it less noisey
 
Thanks for the feedback. I appericate the concerns.

Good advice, I will borrow a friends and try that before buying.

One question for dobson......."The key is turn the Eco throttle off and let it take on the load for a min, then turn the Eco on( Eco just makes it less noisey". You lost me there.

Thanks,

The Gabagoo
 
He's talking about an idle control feature the Honda EU series has. When switched on, the engine runs at the rpm's necessary to deliver the power demanded by the attached load. The rpm's adjust depending upon how the load changes. When switched off, the Honda runs wide open.

With a hammer drill, the EU2000 runs at an idle; turn on a skill saw at the same time and the rpm's increase as the saw's load hits the generator, then back to idle when the saw cut is finished.

This feature will significantly reduce noise and vibration during no load or low load conditions. Life support systems may run at a fast idle, but when the A/C compressor kicks on, the honda will run full speed.
 
As long as you can strap it on the swim step you should be good....

I would think that straping it to the bow next to the hatch would be better. That way when it's running you can open the hatch and run extension cords into the cabin....Plus, at night, I would think the sound and vibration would lull you into a dead sleep.
 
I would think that straping it to the bow next to the hatch would be better. That way when it's running you can open the hatch and run extension cords into the cabin....Plus, at night, I would think the sound and vibration would lull you into a dead sleep.



You ARE kidding....right?:wow:
 

trying hard....


You're doing so good. Keep it up:lol::smt043:lol:


I can't take it anymore.


Hey Frank what type of life support equipment are you talking about. I think it would work fine on a 1000W Honda:huh:
 
Postable genny? May end up like Kitty!
 
Last edited:

Forum statistics

Threads
113,323
Messages
1,430,544
Members
61,181
Latest member
79SRV240
Back
Top