Portable Generators

[Roc64]

How do those you that use portable generators typically hook them up to your boat?

[shrew]

Use a 15 amp (male) to 30 amp (Female) adapter to connect to the generator, then connect your shore cord to the adapter.

https://www.defender.com/product3.js...37&id=1515595#

Since you probably have 2 shore cord inlets, then also get a 30 amp male to 3 x30 amp females, connect the shore cord to this splitter, then connect both females to the shore connectors on the boat. This will allow you to run both sides of the panel.

https://www.defender.com/product3.js...37&id=1353775#

Note, you are still limited to the Amp output of the generator circuit, which on a 2000 watt (2Kw) generator will be about 13+amps.

This means you'll manually balance the load. For example, you'll need to shut down the batter charger and stove in order to run the water heater.

[Roc64]

I bought the boat just a bit over 3 weeks ago, but only remember seeing a single shore power plug in? It is a 1999 2800SCR.

[shrew]

There will be one shore power inlet unless you have Air Conditioning. If an AC is installed, then there will be two.

[Roc64]

No AC! So I guess that makes it a bit easier for me lol! Just need the adapter and I am golden right? I still need to manually balance the load tho right?

[shrew]

Originally Posted by Roc64

I still need to manually balance the load tho right?

Yes, but for you, balancing load will more than likely be battery charger and stove. The load from the fridge is insignificant.

[Roc64]

And that would be accomplished at the fuse box I assume?

[Roc64]

And on another note, if I understand correctly when on shore power I should be set to battery position one or two and not set to both for proper charging, is that correct?

[Phillbo]

When on shore power you set the switch to your house battery since it will be used to power lights etc....

I set mine to #2 since in that position it will charge both batteries and use the house battery for the lights etc...

[Phillbo]

Originally Posted by Roc64

And that would be accomplished at the fuse box I assume?

At the electrical panel in the cabin...

[Roc64]

whoops electrical panel is what I meant. Thanks! There is a bit to learn, lol! For instance I was reading online to make sure not to turn on the water heater till tank is full or you will damage the element. Well isnt the tank full when you turn on the faucet and water comes out. That seems elementary but I guess someone may turn it on before testing for water?

[sph801]

Shrew and Phillbo answered the question so I don't have much to add. I don't have a genset on my boat and rely on a Honda 2200 when on anchor or mooring. As they stated you just need an adapter cord to go from your generator to the male end of your shore power cord. When running on a portable generator you just need to manage your power usage. When the generator is running I turn the battery charger, receptacles and refrigerator on via the breaker panel. I run a coffee maker with the aforementioned switches on. If I want a hot shower I turn the coffee maker off and the water heater switch on for about 10 minutes. Anyway you get the idea. Just need to manage what's running at a given time. Hope this helps.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Roc64]

Thanks brother!

[Phillbo]

And the Girl Friends Blow Dryer....

[shrew]

Yes, you control the load at the breaker panel.

There are two ways to wire a battery charger.

1) Directly from the charger to the batteries

2) From the charger through the battery switch.

NOTE: If the charger is going to the battery switch it should be the 'outbound' posts, so that the charger charges both batteries regardless of whether the switch is set to Postion 1 or 2.

The common default is (pos. 1 = Starter; pos. 2 = house. You should be able to run your starter and house on either 1 or 2. Otherwise you couldn't run lights when on the starter battery and couldn't use the house as an emergency start.

If you want to charge both the starter and house battery banks from the alternator while running, you should install an Automatic Charging Relay (ACR). You could charge both by setting the switch to BOTH, but that is not recommended. particularly if the banks are not the same size, or significantly different states of charge. It will work, but not optimally.

[sph801]

Originally Posted by Phillbo

And the Girl Friends Blow Dryer....

I was almost going to mention that! Lol.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[shrew]

Originally Posted by shrew

NOTE: If the charger is going to the battery switch it should be the 'outbound' posts, so that the charger charges both batteries regardless of whether the switch is set to Postion 1 or 2.

CORRECTION: That should be the INBOUND posts, not outbound.

[Roc64]

I suppose that I should upgrade my extension cord as well. I Ordered a 30 amp adapter that can be used with a standard cord, I just need to figure out what is the best cord to use with my Honda EU2000i?

[shrew]

Originally Posted by Roc64

I just need to figure out what is the best cord to use with my Honda EU2000i?

The outlets are 20A VDC. The Max output is 18.3A VDC. It's going to need a 12 Gauge extension cord, which should be rated at 20amps.

[yahoo82]

West marine has a nice 12GA extension cord that won’t be as bulky as a 30A shore power cable. The 10GA 30A shore power cable is overkill for the 13-15A that the generator can deliver.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/marin...llow--18697417

If you are comfortable with basic electrical work, you can do what I did ... buy the cord and a replacement shore power connector for the boat side. Cut off the “boat side” connector of the cord and install a shore power adapter.

https://www.defender.com/product3.js...0038&id=840097

You will find this must easier to stow and lighter to work with.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk