A-25 Suitcase Generator Placement and Recommendations

[cmoffatnc1]

We have completed the AC install. Now sorting out how, what and where we lash/place a small inverter generator. What have others done? Thanks in advance.

[DesertAlbin736]

Any gas powered portable generator would need to be situated at a location where there was ZERO CHANCE of carbon monoxide exhaust emissions entering and collecting inside the boat. CO, like propane vapor is heavier than air and would settle inside the cabin. Carbon Monoxide is silent killer that is odorless and fatal if breathed for too long. You and anyone with you inside the boat would simply get sleepy, fall asleep, and never wake up. That leaves only two options, up on the forward deck (with forward hatch closed), or on a swim platform aft. In either case a working CO alarm would need to be installed in the boat. When at anchor the boat would swing into the wind, so a forward deck mounted generator would blow fumes aft toward the cockpit, so swim platform mount would be better.

This link is to a how to YouTube video on a swim platform installation with power cord routed to the shore power AC system. It could also work on a forward deck setup. With a swim platform mount you would not want to run the generator and go swimming near the boat at the same time, nor run it when near any other boat or anywhere where others are or could be swimming nearby.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj-GkvzPoxE

DIY Portable gen base 1.jpg

DIY Portable gen cord.jpg

DIY finished gen mount.jpg

This guy used a collapsible cleat as a tie down point, but you could use one or two regular cleats.

DIY gen collapsible cleat.jpg

Full disclosure, when we owned our boat, since sold, we never had air conditioning installed nor ever used a portable gas generator. This is for information only.

[cmoffatnc1]

I was on the CO2 monitor and we have added a large swim platform. We will have to sort out details, testing it next week to make sure a small Honda will do the job. As always I appreciate your input and advice.

[DesertAlbin736]

Check startup and running current & wattage required vs BTU capacity. Does yours run on 12V DC or 110V 60 Hz alternating current? Such a small volume to cool the cabin shouldn't take much. If designed to run off shore power or an AC genset the above example should do. If designed for 12V DC to run off engine alternator that's another issue.