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Message 6 of 6
Posted by member Robert Sneddon on Wednesday 31 March 2021

My thanks to all who have shared their thoughts. The solar powered battery I hadn’t thought of and will also look at the Chinese heaters.
Regarding Peters suggestion I will definitely work out the power requirements and then compare generators both for load ratings and sound levels.
Regards
Robert

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Message 5 of 6
Posted by member Peter Cox on Wednesday 31 March 2021

Robert
It's an entirely feasible idea. As has been mentioned, noise to others is a consideration, as is noise to yourself. Although you say it would be situated on deck, make sure that exhaust fumes (carbon monoxide) don't drift into accommodation spaces etc; get a carbon monoxide detector for the cabin if you don't have one already. You didn't mention battery charging as an additional use. Work out the total power requirement and get a generator that has a continuous load rating of at least that, not the often-advertised short-term peak load. You might find that a slightly larger generator running at 'cruise' power is quieter than a smaller one running flat out. For occasional use, Machine Mart has some good ones as well as the more expensive regular use ones, although as with everything, you get what you pay for.
Peter

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Message 4 of 6
Posted by member lynall on Wednesday 31 March 2021

The cheap chinese heaters (standalone or hard fit) are available for under 100 gbp, ebay or amazon.

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Message 3 of 6
Posted by member Richard on Tuesday 30 March 2021

I bought a Machine Mart 850w sine wave generator as a back up for battery charging and for power tool usage when afloat. It was reasonably quiet even at a calm anchorage. Unfortunately, sound (however small) does travel.

The alternative would be a dedicated solar powered battery and inverter which would be fine for lighting and a small TV but not up to heating. For that a small Chinese diesel would be ideal and these are available as standalone units for less than £200.

I hope this helps.

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Message 2 of 6
Posted by member Michael Herridge on Tuesday 30 March 2021

It is all down to noise, from bitter experience I couldn't stand the noise, particularly in a quiet anchorage where others may be enjoying the surroundings thus making me feel guilty.

Admittedly this was some years ago and maybe they have got quieter? I don't know but I wouldn't bother.

Light and TV via batteries, heat via one of those Chinese copies of the Erbespacher (spelling?) plus battery power.

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Message 1 of 6
Posted by member Robert Sneddon on Monday 29 March 2021

Hello everyone
Maybe a bit of a daft question but I’m thinking of buying a small Inverter Generator to give me some electricity onboard my Family Pilot when I’m out at anchor. Mainly for a small heater if required, light and the little tv.
I don’t have any shore power installation, which would be of no use anyway out on the water.
It would be situated on deck and of course it’s not everywhere it’s acceptable.
I know there are other generator systems available but the portability is the attraction.
Is this a feasible or a stupid lockdown idea.
Any advice always welcome.
Regards to all
Robert

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