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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Generator installation

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SteveMcHugh
Deckhand

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USA
12 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/05/2003 : 22:27:51

I just purchased an 84 fin keel Catalina 25 and I am in a slip with no power. I am considering installing a gas powered generator. Ant suggestion as to how I should do this.

Thanks

Edited by - on

jwilliams
Captain

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USA
357 Posts

Response Posted - 08/05/2003 : 23:36:08

Steve,

Are you looking to install it permanently? I hope no, cause I don't know where you could bolt it. What do you intend to run off the generator?

If you just need to charge your battery (ies), on Hey Jude, my Evinrude does that even tho I only run it about a half hour each time I go out.

This weekend at a street fair, I saw some really small, really quiet Honda's. I paid no attention to their output, but was impressed. Maybe if you plan to run a lot of low amp eating stuff while at the slip, one could work. These were small enough to store in the portside cockpit locker.

I am interested in what other skippers think.

Jim Williams
Hey Jude C25fk 2958
Half Moon Bay, CA

Edited by - on

EricCS
1st Mate

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USA
40 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2003 : 07:53:23

Jim,

Unless you're making regular use of some real power consumers -- electric referigeration, for example -- I think a generator is over-kill.

There's a current thread right here on the general forum, <http://www.catalina25-250.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4051>, about solar panels. I've been using one and it's been sufficient to my needs, which include a Tiller Pilot steering when I'm cruising.

HTH

Eric Spitzner, AP (eric@snet.net)
Catalina 25 #4445 "Charm"
41°16.18'N 72°54.03'W

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2003 : 10:16:48

What sort of use do you envision for the generator? Charging batteries... or do you want to run other appliances (microwave, blender etc)? If you're just charging batteries and have limited power demands, I'd go solar.

At any rate, I wouldn't try to do any 'permanent' generator installation on a C25... too many issues. Instead, I'd get one of the Honda 'lunchbox' generators.

They make a 1KW model that weighs about 30 lbs and is very quiet.
You can step up to a 2KW for another 20 lbs (and some boat units) that is big enough to run a microwave and most power tools. It has the same noise rating (59db) and has a 12V battery charger outlet.

With these you get the bonus of having an emergency generator that can be used for other purposes.

Note that even a very quiet generator can be annoying to your neighbors... especially when anchored out.

Currently maintaining two holes in the water...'77 Venture 23 and new to the family,
'78 Catalina 25

Edited by - on

Dave B
Admiral

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Mali
863 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2003 : 11:04:35

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Note that even a very quiet generator can be annoying to your neighbors... especially when anchored out.
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
You got that right! <img src=icon_smile_angry.gif border=0 align=middle> I'd like to tell those damned stinkpots with their generators, stereos, and TVs running all day and all night to go back to New York! <img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle>

Dave Bristle, 1985 C-25 #5032 "Passage" SR/FK/Dinette/Honda in SW CT

Edited by - dave b on 08/06/2003 11:28:18

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oldsalt
Admiral

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USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2003 : 11:23:35

I don't recommend a permanent below decks, or lazarette type installation of any gasoline generator on a Catalina 25 due to the dangers of a gasoline vapor explosion, carbon monoxide poisoning or even fire.

I believe you would be better off with a small unit that you can carry aboard and run in the cockpit, making sure that the unit's exhaust doesn't find its way into the cabin when you are down below.

You'd be amazed how easily carbon monoxide can find its way into an enclosed space with tragic effect.

I hope this helps,

Mark: Silver Girl '83 Catalina 25 tall rig, fin, # 3744

Edited by - on

Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2003 : 20:01:15

Solar seems to be the way to go. Quiet, no maintenance, ten year warranties. Why do anything else that requires fuel, maintenance, etc.?

Use any available reference source (i.e., Jack Rabbit Marine, West Marine Advisors, solar panel manufacturer's websites, etc.) to size your solar panel system. Do an energy budget for your intended useage and size the solar panel system accordingly. If your panel size exceeds a certain percentage of your battery bank capacity, you'll need a regulator betwen the panels and the batter(ies).

Simple to hook up, Red + to + and Black - to - on the batteries. There's usually a fuse in the solar pnel wiring, if not just add one.

Good luck,

Stu

Edited by - on

SteveMcHugh
Deckhand

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USA
12 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2003 : 22:04:55

Thanks for all the replies. I was looking for a semi-permanent installation but after considering all the gas fumes and exhaust issues I have settled on a Honda 2KW unit I can place in the cockpit. I need power for small electrical tools and possible a small AC unit. The mid-day temperature here in SC reaches the high 90s making working in the cabin almost impossible. I am considering a small AC unit I can place behind the ladder.

Edited by - on

ddlyle
Captain

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302 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2003 : 08:24:06

I know what you mean about heat in SC, since I am in Hilton Head (southern SC).
I don't know about the AC unit (maybe a small one would fit at the forward hatch?)

But I wonder if you could have some relief from the heat working aboard with some serious shade?
How about putting a tarp over the boom secured with bungies that would look like a tent? If your pop-top (if u have one) were up you could get a breeze and be out of the sun too.

Cap'n Dave
Sailing The Blues
1986 C25 sr/sk #5413

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2003 : 10:18:14

Steve, be sure to watch out for accumulation of CO (carbon monoxide) when you're running the generator for extended periods of time.

IMHO stuff... every boat with an enclosed cabin should have a CO detector. Every house should have one too.

Having one saved my home... and probably my dad's life (who was staying there). A towel had been left in front of a radiant wall heater and was ready to burst into flames. None of the smoke tripped, but the CO detector alarm went off.

A search found the source of the CO before a fire could get started or somebody was asphyxiated.

Currently maintaining two holes in the water...'77 Venture 23 and new to the family,
'78 Catalina 25

Edited by - on

oldsalt
Admiral

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USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2003 : 16:22:54

Steve, before purchasing your generator or A/C unit, you need to make sure that the genset you choose can deliver enough power for the compressor and fan H.P. starting requirements of the A/C. The running KW requirement for an A/C unit is far less than the required motor load starting KW and although the rated KW ratings of portable gensets often appear to be sufficient to operate a particular A/C unit, their motor H.P. load starting capacity is much less than it appears. This is even more so in regards to A/C compressors which have greater generator load starting requirements than other types of motorized equipment. You may need a genset far more powerful than the one you are considering, or might otherwise need if you want to operate an A/C., or you may need to choose a less powerful A/C unit to match the genset.

Alternatively, you may decide that a genset of sufficient capacity to load start an adequately sized A/C unit is just too damn big and heavy to horse around in your cockpit and you may decide forego the the A/C unit, in which case you can buy a much smaller and less expensive genset that is more appropriately matched to you other load requirements.

But it would be nice to know before you lay out any dough on either piece of equipment that the 2KW Honda and/or the A/C can do what you want. Hopefully you'll find out that they can.

By the way I'm a designer/builder of substantially sized,stand alone, residential/commercial diesel and gas turbine co-generation power plants which are installed in both shopping centers and large apartment complexes ranging in size from 900-2800 apartments, as well as an OEM for large truck portable gensets from 200 to 900 KW so I'm not shooting from the hip.

Everything has to be sized to match.

I hope I have been of help.

Mark, Silver Girl, '83 Catalina 25, fin keel, tall rig #3744

Edited by - on

Shawn
1st Mate

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USA
62 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2003 : 21:38:49

Mark is right on the money with the start up power consumption. A couple of sailor friends of mine have bought the Honda "lunchbox" generators. Not sure of the model #'s. They are great little sets, quiet, great fuel mileage, and light enough to throw in the cockpit or on deck while running, with minimal effort. They can run small (lower amp) power tools from the gen, But things requiring more amps won't run at all or run very slowly, ie: circular saw, router. These tools are well within the amp rating for the gen, but the gen doesn,t have the power for that initial start load. I don't know of any way to calculate the start requirements for tools. Maybe your Honda dealer or someone on this site can offer some advice.
One of these friends now uses his gen mainly to supplement his solar system and aquired an inverter to run heavy draw power tools. This particular boat is a live aboard with massive power needs, fridge, tv, vcr, as well as fans and lights that get used every day.
The point is, as others have said. Figure out your power needs, and give serious thought to a solar system if it will meet your needs.
Shawn

Shawn
1980 C25 tr/fk #1960

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