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(no email)
Date: Wed Sep 29 2004 - 11:08:58 EDT
Paul,
Maybe I'm spoiled but I want (and have) both. I believe to have a complete
system takes both.
Unlike Bob Lowe though I favor a smaller gen-set. We have a 4 KW and while
I'll admit there are probably times that we would use a larger one, we have
learned to get by.
Another thing I like about a small gen is that it is not that noisy. We have
actually been rafted with folks that did not realize our genset was running.
Also smaller units are easier to start and making sure that it will start is
key to our overall "plan".
I think I look at electrical systems a bit different from most. To me each
"appliance" stands on it own.
Example- Refrigerator. We use a "household" model, 120 volt only. It has its
own inverter and battery bank. It is wired so as to run off the 120 v A/C
system while on shore power or genset OR off 4 dedicated golf carts and a
600 watt inverter otherwise.
Same with computer. Stereo system. TV. Cabin fans. All 120v A/C only with
"their" inverters. These do however draw their power from the "house bank",
2 8Ds which also supply the normal 12v stuff. Cabin and nav. lights, helm
electronics, fresh water and bilge pumps, etc.
We run the genset very little but I'd still not be without it. Its cranked
up to make coffee most mornings as well as to run the microwave
occasionally. We like coffeemaker coffee vs. perked even though we could
perk it on the propane stove without the genset.
If the fridge batteries get low, they are only charged by a 3 stage charger,
not from main engine alternator; the genset runs for a couple of hours
recharging them.
My philosophy, flawed as it probably is, is this. The genset is our
"lifeline". It has its own cranking battery. It does nothing else and I
watch it carefully because its the anchor to the lifeline. If we go
brain-dead at anchor and let all the batteries go dead, including engine
cranking, which can be switched into the house bank so without proper
switching it could be depleted by the house load, we can start the genset
and using the two on-board chargers recharge all the batteries. Actually
three chargers if you include the Sears portable I always carry. I also
carry a "jumper" cable long enough to combine the dedicated fridge batteries
with the house batteries with the start battery. Court of last resort being
connect them all together and hope to start the main.
Does this make any sense to anybody else?
Bill
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