GENERATOR

Allen, I'm thinking about the Honda 2000. I have a 16,000 BTU Air

Conditioner and it requires 13 amps for startup. The Honda should handle it. But before I spend the bucks I'm planning to try out a friends. I'll let you know how it goes. I thought about a permanent install of a diesel model, but can't get over the prices or the thought of putting another hole in the hull.

Cheers, Bryan

From: Chris Burti [mailto:cburti@yahoo.com]

Allen,

I've begun studying the process. Right now, the Maxvolt Whisper 3.5 Kw looks the most promising (and pricey). It is not much bigger that the AC unit, including its sound enclosure. It has a wet exhaust and is a diesel. Someone installed one in the port aft locker and posted an excellent 'how-to' with photos...whenever the Assoc. site returns.

Hi Allan:

I installed the Mastervolt generator and posted on the 320 site. What can I do for you?

Regards,

Robert Lupton

LIFE SAVER #819

Howdy Allan,

Sorry for the delay, out and about trying to catch some wind. I've whistled for it and scratched the backstays, still no wind here in South Florida. Mastervolt's site http://www.mastervolt.com/products.asp Diesel single cylinder Kubota water cooled engine. Eats up about 1/3 gallon per hour and never gets shut off when we are anchored. Cost was $11,000 installed with the remote control panel and split wet/dry exhaust system. It weighed in at around 200 lb. and I lead ballasted with 300 lb. starboard in the cubby above the battery box and in the box as well. Air conditioning (the reason I installed the generator) at 16,000 BTU runs the genset to about 60% of capacity together with the battery charging system on. It will run at maximum capacity if I turn all 120 volt equipment (microwave, hot water heater, TV, VCR, etc.) on with air conditioning at the same time.

I would do it again and now look at it as essential equipment. The installation is not that difficult and I wouldn't be afraid to tackle it myself for a savings of a few thousand dollars. I would add the option of a steel plate they offer (a $400 piece of steel, wow) to cut down on sound and vibration. The additional weight of 80 kgs. held me back on the first go around. But if the air conditioner was located under the salon seat (port side) as I have seen others do, the weight would not be as much of a factor or concern. I have heard good things about Norpro with its two cylinder 1800 RPM (the Mastervolt 120 volt is 3000 RPM) set up but again it is another 100 lb. or so heavier. Price tag on the Norpro is about $6500. Fisher-Panda also makes a really nice unit but cost is really way up there.

Regards,

Robert

From: Nabitt@aol.com