Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 11-09-2016, 04:30 PM   #1
Veteran Member
 
City: Mount Pleasant
Vessel Name: Endeavour
Vessel Model: '87 Island Gypsy
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 40
Electricity while running?

I know this is a total newb question and I've been hesitant to ask, but here goes...

We're planning on purchasing a 35' - 40' aft cabin style diesel for a summer cruise up and down the intracoastal. We're planning on mostly traveling and anchoring during the week and staying in marinas(shore power) during the weekend.

While our engine is running, will it also be able to run the boat's electric system? ie, our refrigerator, a/c, and outlets?

Or, does the diesel generator also need to be running while underway? Can the generator run while underway? Is it ok for the generator to run 24/5?

Thanks!
lowcountry is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2016, 04:35 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
clynn's Avatar
 
City: Memphis
Vessel Name: Ivory Lady
Vessel Model: 46 Jefferson
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 275
Generally, your generator would supply house power while away from the dock, but you can wire in an inverter to run a few things off the battery while underway. We had a small household fridge that could be switched over to the inverter while we were out. Your house lights will also likely be wired into your battery, so those should work while out. Things like A/C, water heaters, etc will likely need the generator.
clynn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2016, 04:35 PM   #3
Guru
 
psneeld's Avatar
 
City: Ft Pierce
Vessel Name: Sold
Vessel Model: Was an Albin/PSN 40
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 28,148
Engine supplies 12V to systems such as many refrigerators, lights, charges batteries...


The Generator is usually required for Air Conditioning or heating and things plugged into wall outlets, and battery chargers that feed batteries not hooked into a system where the engine alternators charge and power things.
psneeld is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2016, 04:44 PM   #4
Guru
 
High Wire's Avatar
 
City: Cape May, NJ
Vessel Name: Irish Lady
Vessel Model: Monk 36
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,964
[QUOTE=lowcountry;494939]

While our engine is running, will it also be able to run the boat's electric system? ie, our refrigerator, a/c, and outlets?

DC system yes, AC system (120/240 VAC) not normally unless you have an inverter or if the refer is dual voltage 12VDC/120VAC. If you really need air cond when your moving, then you will need the genny.

Or, does the diesel generator also need to be running while underway?

Usually dont need the genny underway unless running air cond.

Can the generator run while underway?

Yes

Is it ok for the generator to run 24/5?

Yes as long as its properly loaded and maintained. Gets expensive though when you figure in fuel, maintenance, and eventual replacement costs.

Thanks!
__________________
Archie
Irish Lady
1984 Monk 36 Hull #46
Currently in Cape May, NJ
High Wire is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2016, 04:45 PM   #5
Veteran Member
 
City: Mount Pleasant
Vessel Name: Endeavour
Vessel Model: '87 Island Gypsy
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 40
Thank you for the quick answers. This is what I figured/hoped.

Basically, at anchor, we'll just need to run the generator if we want a/c and outlets.

Thanks!
lowcountry is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2016, 04:55 PM   #6
Guru
 
Capt.Bill11's Avatar
 
City: Sarasota/Ft. Lauderdale
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,438
Quote:
Originally Posted by lowcountry View Post
Thank you for the quick answers. This is what I figured/hoped.

Basically, at anchor, we'll just need to run the generator if we want a/c and outlets.

Thanks!
Not necessarily. It depends on how you boat is equipped. Many have AC oven/stoves.

And many have little or no real house battery capacity that would allow you to anchor out for anything more than a night without running the gen or engine to recharge the house battery bank.
Capt.Bill11 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-10-2016, 01:06 AM   #7
Guru
 
Lepke's Avatar
 
City: Between Oregon and Alaska
Vessel Name: Charlie Harper
Vessel Model: Wheeler Shipyard 83'
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,023
I have Magnum MS-PAE inverters. They supply 120/240 with a single inverter. All ac power can go thru them and when switching off shore power or generator, inverter takes over the load. When shore/generator power returns, inverter charges batteries. I run an alternator on one main that keeps up with inveters so no generator needed when running mains. I easily run double door reefer, chest freezer, lights, computers, etc. on inverter power. Up to 4 inverters can be linked for 16kw. I have 2 for 8kw.
All my lights, except nav, are 120v ac. I don't like the dc light choices.
Lepke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-10-2016, 05:20 AM   #8
Guru
 
City: Carefree, Arizona
Vessel Name: sunchaser V
Vessel Model: DeFever 48 (sold)
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,186
Well before you purchase a vessel suggest you educate yourself on this subject by doing some reading and boat touring. For reading buy Nigel Calder's boat electrical system book and Google Steve D'Antonio for numerous articles.

For boat touring look at later model Ocean Alexanders, Nordhavns or DeFevers which should all have these three things you'll want:

Genset
House Bank
Inverter

Each of the above three have their own debate points regarding brand, size and age. Keep in mind a good RV will have the same three ingredients so the technology and equipment is well proven with a large audience.

Good luck and take your time.
sunchaser is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 11-10-2016, 06:28 AM   #9
Guru
 
Donna's Avatar
 
City: Palm Coast
Vessel Name: Southerly
Vessel Model: 1986 Marine Trader 36' Sundeck
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,231
I also have an inverter. Ran everything except A/C from the batteries. Even ran the microwave. Granted this was just playing around with her for a while. I like the idea that my fridge goes d/c automatically. I have almost completed changing out all lighting to LED to reduce the battery use.
Donna is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-10-2016, 06:33 AM   #10
Guru
 
ranger58sb's Avatar
 
City: Annapolis
Vessel Name: Ranger
Vessel Model: 58' Sedan Bridge
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 7,088
Quote:
Originally Posted by lowcountry View Post
Basically, at anchor, we'll just need to run the generator if we want a/c and outlets.
Hot water is another that often requires genset time, although there are alternatives to solving that.

For a summer cruise in ICW territory, you may well (quickly) find you prefer running the AC (or ACs) while underway. Especially if you and/or some of your crew (and/or pets) may be "indoors" during much of the trip. Cabins can get pretty darned toasty, otherwise, and it can make a decent difference when you arrive at a marina and already have interior living space all cooled down.

Since you're still shopping, check out threads on cooking (propane vs, electric, etc.) to inform yourself about pros and cons of each. If you decide on electric cooking, or if your boat choice ends up coming with that even if you're ambivalent, you'll likely have to run the genset during meal prep times. (FWIW, that's not a disadvantage for us, since we also use that time to charge the batteries and heat water.)


Check for threads on fridge alternatives too. Some run AC/DC units, some have AC only and need an inverter, etc. and you'll want to be sure you understand the pros/cons of each.

-Chris
__________________
Chesapeake Bay, USA
ranger58sb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-10-2016, 06:46 AM   #11
Guru
 
LaBomba's Avatar
 
City: Beaverton, Ontario
Vessel Name: Looking Glass
Vessel Model: Carver 370 Voyager
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,240
We have twin alternators and with an inverter we can easily run all onboard sytems while underway, including the microwave. We do however have a propane range and no air conditioning. As stated in earlier posts, AC and likely an electric range would require that the genny be running to use these. You will really need to understand the boats systems and capabilities before purchase.
__________________
Allan
LaBomba is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-10-2016, 07:03 AM   #12
Guru
 
CaptTom's Avatar
 
City: Southern Maine
Vessel Model: Prairie 36 Coastal Cruiser
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,717
A very common question. I addressed it in one of the blog posts from our last trip. It gives a very basic overview of our typical electrical usage while travelling. As they say, YMMV. But I think our experience is pretty typical.
CaptTom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-10-2016, 07:38 AM   #13
Veteran Member
 
City: Mount Pleasant
Vessel Name: Endeavour
Vessel Model: '87 Island Gypsy
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 40
These are all great responses. Very exciting about learning all this!
lowcountry is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-10-2016, 07:46 AM   #14
Guru
 
Codger2's Avatar
 
City: San Diego
Vessel Name: Circuit Breaker
Vessel Model: 2021..22' Duffy Cuddy cabin
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,691
Quote:
Originally Posted by Donna View Post
I like the idea that my fridge goes d/c automatically. .
Ditto on the ac/dc refrigerator....now, if my ice maker was also ac/dc, I wouldn't have to use the genny at all! (While running, that is.)
__________________
Done with diesel power boats! Have fallen in love with all electric!
Codger2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-10-2016, 08:53 AM   #15
FOG
Guru
 
FOG's Avatar
 
City: Wilmington, NC
Vessel Name: DreamQuest
Vessel Model: Prairie 36
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 550
One other note on the water heater. Most boats are plumbed to heat the water while underway from the main engine. So if you take your shower soon after your days travel, no need to start the generator for hot water.
FOG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-10-2016, 08:59 AM   #16
Guru
 
Codger2's Avatar
 
City: San Diego
Vessel Name: Circuit Breaker
Vessel Model: 2021..22' Duffy Cuddy cabin
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,691
Quote:
Originally Posted by FOG View Post
Most boats are plumbed to heat the water while underway from the main engine. So if you take your shower soon after your days travel, no need to start the generator for hot water.
Good point! In my case, I have warm water about 24 hours after shut down.
__________________
Done with diesel power boats! Have fallen in love with all electric!
Codger2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-10-2016, 08:59 AM   #17
Senior Member
 
Roamer Blue's Avatar
 
City: Toronto ON
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 128
lowcountry, in your learning, you will see "AC" used as a short form for both air conditioning, and alternating current. It can get pretty muddy when both are being discussed at the same time.

RB
Roamer Blue is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-10-2016, 09:02 AM   #18
Guru
 
rwidman's Avatar
 
City: North Charleston, SC
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,870
Quote:
Originally Posted by FOG View Post
One other note on the water heater. Most boats are plumbed to heat the water while underway from the main engine. So if you take your shower soon after your days travel, no need to start the generator for hot water.
My water stays hot for hours after the engine is shut down.

Many marine refrigerators run on 120 volts AC when it's available and switch to battery power automatically. This is what you want.

If your boat has a propane stove, your electrical needs can be met with an inverter and a bank of four batteries (plus the engine starting battery). This does not include air conditioning though.
rwidman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-10-2016, 09:11 AM   #19
Senior Member
 
City: Florida
Vessel Model: 420AC Sea Ray
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 354
With few exceptions, my boat is factory wired for AC electricity and I only have a few things that are on the DC load.

We star the generator before we start the main engines and the genny runs until we are plugged into the marina. At around 1GPH diesel consumption per hour it will such down some fuel but going to bed when the room is 65 degrees is well worth it!
k9medic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-10-2016, 09:47 AM   #20
Senior Member
 
knotheadcharters's Avatar
 
City: Jacksonville, FL
Vessel Name: Amar la Vida
Vessel Model: 1989 Carver Californian 48' MY
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 338
Quote:
Originally Posted by lowcountry View Post
I know this is a total newb question and I've been hesitant to ask, but here goes...

We're planning on purchasing a 35' - 40' aft cabin style diesel for a summer cruise up and down the intracoastal. We're planning on mostly traveling and anchoring during the week and staying in marinas(shore power) during the weekend.

While our engine is running, will it also be able to run the boat's electric system? ie, our refrigerator, a/c, and outlets?

Or, does the diesel generator also need to be running while underway? Can the generator run while underway? Is it ok for the generator to run 24/5?

Thanks!
Yes the generator can be ran 24/7. As the others said, it depends on how your boat is set up. All my appliances are 120 so the generator goes on before the mains come on and runs until I reconnect to shore power how ever long that may be. I have ran 6-71 Detroit Generators for 6 weeks straight without taking them off line on tug boats. They like to run. The current ship I am on we have been running the generators for 6 months straight and won't be shut down until our yard period in December. For those who may be wondering we change the oil every 2800 hours. Yes 2800, I do not understand why some here say every 100 hours or each season for oil changes.
knotheadcharters is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:14 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012