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jesse camp
1st Mate

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USA
84 Posts
Initially Posted - 06/22/2005 :  13:46:43  Show Profile
I was wondering if anyone has ideas for using a gasoline powered generator for using when anchored. Would a non-marine generator like a Honda,Yamaha, Briggs+Stratton(Mistubishi) 800-1000 watt unit be safe in the cockpit while you are buttoned up in the cabin? Last weekend a couple died of CO poisoning while they slept on a boat with a generator? Waddayathink?

Good Winds,

Jesse Camp
87 5550 SK/SR
Jesse Camp
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Auburn80
1st Mate

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60 Posts
Response Posted - 06/22/2005 :  15:13:18  Show Profile
That's terrible about that couple. Was there any other information available? Where was the gen.? Were they using an AC unit? I can see a definite hazard to having a gen in the cockpit and an AC unit in the companionway drawing the exhaust into the cabin. I believe if I wanted to run a generator that I'd do something using the swim ladder as a platform to get it as far away as possible (and keep the noise down).
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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts
Response Posted - 06/22/2005 :  15:13:53  Show Profile  Visit JimB517's Homepage
Well, I use solar panels when cruising. Day sailing, you can go weeks without needing to charge the batteries.

Several people in my neck of the woods have non-marine generators and they seem to work fine. The Briggs and Stratton is as loud as a riding mower, I'd never choose that one. People set them up on the bow and plug their regular shore power into them. The Hondas seem very quiet.

They are loud, heavy, and smelly. I don't think you would ever need one on a C25.

I have 2 11 watt flexible solar panels and these work fine. Although my motor produces 5 amps, I don't have it hooked up and don't need it (don't want big wires hanging close to the salt water). I have an oil lamp and several candles I like to use in the cabin. I also have a CO and smoke detector.
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Designwiz
1st Mate

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USA
59 Posts
Response Posted - 06/22/2005 :  16:03:28  Show Profile
Hi JimB517:
Have you had to top off your batteries fluid lately? Having a problem with my dual solar panel set up (it's like yours). It seems to be overcharging the two batteries I have it hooked to. They are wired pos to pos and neg to neg. to act as one big battery. Yes, they are identical brands, sizes and age. May have to put a regulator on them. I also have a cranking battery just for the outboard (I use the outboard alternator to charge that one).
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Auburn80
1st Mate

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60 Posts
Response Posted - 06/22/2005 :  16:56:04  Show Profile
Seems like I read somewhere that anything above about 10W needs regulation. Even solar panels can "cook" a battery if they pump too much energy.
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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts
Response Posted - 06/22/2005 :  19:59:20  Show Profile  Visit JimB517's Homepage
Well, I have Gels so overcharging would kill them (no water to add). Because of that I got a voltage regulator. The place here in San Diego, Discover Power http://www.discoverpower.com/ has them for $35. I believe its rated 7 amps and has 2 inputs. Solar panels actually put out around 25 volts in direct sunlight. The regulator clamps the voltage to 14.1. Of course, if you have big batteries, deeply discharged, 25 volts won't hurt them - overall system voltage only goes up a very little. Once your batteries get charged, you need the regulator to keep from cooking them. By the way the 11 watt United Solar flexible panels are only $95 at Discover Power.

Don't overcharge with your shore power either. I only hook mine up once every couple of weeks.

If my battery switch is on "both" the solar panels charge both.
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Earl Landers
Navigator

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USA
157 Posts
Response Posted - 06/22/2005 :  21:47:13  Show Profile
I've used this 7 amp ontroller from ICP with my 3ea 15Watt panels for several years now with out having to add any water to the batteries. The panels appear to stay well ahead of my electrical needs for day sailing i.e. VHF radio, CD player, GPS, instraments. I typically use only 2 of the panels while in the slip and none while sailing.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.