Using a portable generator to run A/C?

Guys, I have no opinion on this. I sometimes just enjoy being the incendiary device! I personally wouldn't use it b/c it looks tacky. :grin:
 
Like Ron, I too have the old 6.5Kw QS genny, I'm not too sure the new Honda's might have fewer CO emissions. I would like to see how many fatalities have been attributed to portable generators. I do agree common sense is needed when using them, and this is the main downfall of there use. There isn't a defined SOP for use on a boat.
Although, improper use of an onboard unit is just as dangerous.
I guess in the end it boils down to proper use by the owner. This is where you depend on the intelligence of the owner.
Sorry to hijack your thread.
 
Thanks for your replies; I appreciate the opinions and advice from both sides. Based on the possible dangers associated with a portable generator on board, and the fact that I am still somewhat new to boating, I think I will rely on shore power for now (I think I can wait until I trade my 240SD in for a 280 in 2 years and have an onboard generator).
 
PMC said:
Feels like 3 page minimum, I'm breaking out the big bucket


bigbucket.jpg
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You Win!!!
 
Here's a link I did a while back that showed the deaths in 2008 from generators. I believe there were 3 and it's not shown how many were portable vs. onboard. What I can't find are the pictures on the Internet of the U.S. Coast Guard boat with a Honda generator on the deck! I could have sworn I bookmarked those pictures! I saw the same thing in Canada when we watched two big Canadian military boats swing in to Poets Cove.

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22875
 
Mounting a portable gen on the bow was mentioned a few times in this thread. That's probably the worst place you could put it.

When you're anchored, the bow naturally points into the wind. That means any exhaust from the genset will be wafted back over, and likely into the boat. Not exactly the kind of thing most would recommend.
 
Motorcats are made in Poland
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Rod, is that a Polish joke? I, for one, am offended!
 
Gofirstclass said:
Mounting a portable gen on the bow was mentioned a few times in this thread. That's probably the worst place you could put it.

When you're anchored, the bow naturally points into the wind. That means any exhaust from the genset will be wafted back over, and likely into the boat. Not exactly the kind of thing most would recommend.
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I have the perfect solution. Put the genny on your dingy and send it out the back..................:smt038

Oh I forgot, some here do not like electrical cords in the water................:lol::smt043
 
OK. so you stow the LP tank in the bow then run a gas line down the side of the boat to the stern.Tee connection to the port side for the gas grill and the starboard side for the genset. In this manner you can blow the bow and stern off all at the same time.
 
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I do not know enough to even try to give an opinion of this issue and I have read ALL related threads.

I want to ask for more data to get beyond “I think” and to attempt to create a “preponderance of the evidence”

When the issue of blood alcohol content (BAC) levels and vehicle operation came up there was a lot of “I think” expressed. As we all know, we as a society, have decided some expediency is worth the risk of some loss of life. If we had not, the speed limits would be 2-5 mph so as to reduce to nearly 0 the loss of life.

I believe to decide the BAC issue, society should have the data of how many deaths were caused by drivers below 1% BAC but above .8% BAC. Once this data is known then society can make an informed decision. (I asked a legislator for this data and this question was never researched.) Deaths caused by drivers above 1% BAC are already breaking the law and lowering would have no significant affect. The decision on BAC was based on emotion and “I think” not data, rational thought, and consensus building.

I want to issue a challenge!!!

Please post all articles you can find related to generator use deaths both marine installed and portable and post them here. If there are deaths or near deaths they will be reported and online in today’s world.

There are bad, good, better, and best practices in everything and we all will never agree on everything but we should be able to reach a general consensus that 80-90% of us agree is reasonable. When I read this and other threads I do not see agreement. There will be the boater who uses bad practices to anchor and hasn’t had a bad outcome. While some will use better and best and still have a bad outcome.

So is there a wake of carnage from generator use in general? Portable use only? Lets see the data and discuss the risk level of bad, good, better, and best practices rather than just draw hardened lines between people who have made up their minds on either side and others asking questions to make up their minds.

OldSkool, You may need more popcorn. Pass the salt and Skittles please.

Sundancer, Could not find those stats on the link from your old post.

Thanks, MM
 
MonacoMike said:
I want to issue a challenge!!!

Please post all articles you can find related to generator use deaths both marine installed and portable and post them here. If there are deaths or near deaths they will be reported and online in today’s world.

There are bad, good, better, and best practices in everything and we all will never agree on everything but we should be able to reach a general consensus that 80-90% of us agree is reasonable. When I read this and other threads I do not see agreement. There will be the boater who uses bad practices to anchor and hasn’t had a bad outcome. While some will use better and best and still have a bad outcome.

So is there a wake of carnage from generator use in general? Portable use only? Lets see the data and discuss the risk level of bad, good, better, and best practices rather than just draw hardened lines between people who have made up their minds on either side and others asking questions to make up their minds.

OldSkool, You may need more popcorn. Pass the salt and Skittles please.

Sundancer, Could not find those stats on the link from your old post.

Thanks, MM
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Oh boy this could get interesting!:smt021

MM you do have a point!:huh:

Please pass the popcorn...................:grin:
 
didn't we already do this? I'm pretty sure I remember reading some research document posted here.

Every year I read about some poor family that dies in the Bronx because the electricity goes out and they put a portable Generator on the roof and it kills the whole family. I'm not sure why anyone would "risk" killing their whole family to play the odds. It's nothing like BAC. It's more like Russian roulette.
 
Will you guys please learn to use the search function..........or wade thru the 100's of possible hits when you search.

The same "challenge" asking for articles was posted last year..........and there were several on-point articles found and posted. If you can find that rather long thread, you will have plenty of interesting reading.........and despite some opinions, several legitimate technical responses, among the usual not very funny attempts at humor.
 
sswall1969 said:
I have a 240DA with no A/C and no generator. This week, I am having a Mermaid M6, 6500 btu air conditioner installed. The advertisement for the unit states that the A/C will run on a Honda EU1000i portable generator.

My plans are to use the A/C while plugged into shore power; however, I am curious how it would work with a generator. The Honda is a small generator and I cannot imagine plugging the shore power cable into it. Any ideas?

I like the idea of being able to use the A/C on the hook once in a while if I can do so safely. Your experiences or advice would be appreciated.
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The search function here is lame at best.
Here's the one (of many) you want to read... http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22249&highlight=portable
 
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Use google to search instead. Preface your search terms with clubsearay, Or click "advanced search" and limit your responses to this domain.

It works.
 
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