Alternate Electrical Generation (solar-wind-H20)

[Sandy Claws - IC Hull #121]

One of our users uses twin Honda EU2000 gensets to power even the AC when at anchor. Read the post

Anyone out there have examples of solar, wind, or towed generators? I'd love to see some installation ideas for stanchion, arch, or pole mounted solutions.

Any thoughts?

[Airbus Driver]

Are you looking for to run a Air Cond. or just topping off the house batteries when underway? My EndeavourCat 30 has no generator system at all. I am considering a AC system for the Florida heat. I think a gas of diesel generator are the only options for starting power. I have been looking for a honda eu2000i on craigslist. I had a diesel gen on my previous Catalina 30 and I hated it. It was so noisy and shook the boat that my wife never wanted to use it. The hondas are quiet from what I understand. This project is down on my list though. First I need to get my 1999 Mercury 25hp bigfoot to ciruclate water. The tube from the impeller to the exhaust is corroded and I think I will have to pull the engine off to properly work on it. (its in the water year round).

[Sandy Claws - IC Hull #121]

I agree. For 120v Air Conditioners there's only one option.
I was hoping for more realistic / conservative solutions to extend the cruising range. I'd hate to see the wind generator that could drive a 120v AC system. I would get tired of chasing hurricanes just to run the Air Conditioner....

For cruising, my most limiting factor with two adults and two teenagers on board is the holding tank. We average 2.5 days between pump outs. It's only 12 gallons and I will be doubling the size of my holding tank soon. With that limitation, I haven't begun to challenge the batteries charge between pump outs.

I may be naive, but I would like to extend our range to 1-1/2 to 2 weeks (not days) between marinas. I feel that I will have to jettison the teenagers first....When that time comes, I will be looking at the batteries being the limiting factor.

Tried and true solutions using alternative energy would be a valuable discussion.

I've looked at an arch with 2 or 3 130 watt solar panels. Considered the solar stick with twin 50 watt articulated panels and a Breeze wind generator. Either way, one of my kid's cars will be sold to cover the expense. ($4K - $5K).

Some realistic numbers for battery charge rates and specs for specific solar & wind configurations would be an asset to all of us who will follow....

[juliohm]

A little late to the topic, but hope this helps.  My Americat 3014 came with 2 125watts panels mounted on the cabin top below the boom.  They provide enough power to run the refrigirator and minimal other power consumption.  I also purchased a Honda 2000 to run my A/C, a mermaid, while at anchor, and to charge my batteries when need it.

Julio
Sava-Kat

 

[MonsterK]

This is something else I want to look at.  I already have the EU2000.  How do you patch the 2000 into your system and do you know which mermaid unit you have (size/BTU)?  Are you in a hot climate?  My boat used to have a Cruisair 7000  prior to Katrina and that barely made a dent in the summer in coastal Mississippi.
Thanks!
George

[Airbus Driver]

I run my shorepower cord with a big 3 prong to a small "normal" 3 prong that plugs directly into the honda eu2000i. I can then power the entire AC electrical system. I have a 'carry on' style hatch air conditioner that we use in Florida. In the summer it barely makes a dent in the heat. I just upgraded my cabin fans and that made a big diffrence.

[MonsterK]

I think you probably have the same unit I had...a carry on, through the hatch style. Although I think instead of a "7000" as I called it before it was actually about 5000 btu.  One way or another, 5000 btu doesn't do much for the whole boat in a hot climate. I'm considering at this point whether to install an a/c the entire boat (I'm thinkling  9,000 but to 12,000 btu) or go with a system that can cool  just the staterooms while on the hook (using the Honda 2000) running 5 or 6000 btu.   
With the smaller installed system I could boost cooling at the dock with a standard window unit set in a removable panel set into an open half of the companionway.
Still in planning...will report later.