Cruisers Forum
 


Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. Advertise Here
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 08-07-2013, 05:38   #1
S/V rubber ducky
 
sailorboy1's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: heading "south"
Boat: Hunter 410
Posts: 20,362
HOT HOT HOT! running AC on Honda generator

It was HOT HOT HOT the last few days so it is time to look into AC!

Now I have 2 AC units on the boat, a 16,000 BTU and a 7,000 BTU, but don't have a generator to run them (I have never run them in the 2.5 years I have had the boat). Why the previous owner got AC on a new boat and no generator to run it is beyond me. So am looking at the Honda systems to run them. (I also figure I can run in the colder periods at the start and end of the season till I move to a "no heat required" location)

I did a search and got some "answers" and learned some items. But it of course was a mixed bag of info. There probably are more threads if I could have come up with better search parameters, but...

What I learned is that there are 2 ways to go about this:
1 - Dometic Smart Start (looks to be around $400)
2 - Supco SPP6E capacitor (looks to be around $30)

From my research it sounds that using the Dometic Smart Start is the best answer and it sounds that the 16000 BTU unit would start and run even on the Eco mode of the generator.

The Supco allows the 16000 BTU to start and run, but the Honda Eco needs to be off to ensure.

I am guessing that the 7,000 BTU would run regardless without either of the options, which would cool the aft cabin for sleeping. But to me if things are worth doing they are worth doing right.

What experiences do others have as far as running AC off a Honda? Just how much of sound problem are these Honda units also.

PS -if your reply is "we don't need no AC" that is great for you, but you don't need to post it (like this will stop you)
__________________
Don't ask a bunch of unknown forum people if it is OK to do something on YOUR boat. It is your boat, do what you want!
sailorboy1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2013, 05:54   #2
Registered User
 
S/V Illusion's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Lakewood Ranch, FLORIDA
Boat: Alden 50, Sarasota, Florida
Posts: 3,464
Re: HOT HOT HOT! running AC on Honda generator

We kept our 40.5 cool when we had one in Rhode Island with just one A/C running at one time off our Honda 2000. Here in Florida, it's a different story but in NH, it's a different issue. If you really feel compelled to run both units simultaneously, you already know the answer...
S/V Illusion is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2013, 05:59   #3
cat herder, extreme blacksheep

Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: furycame alley , tropics, mexico for now
Boat: 1976 FORMOSA yankee clipper 41
Posts: 18,967
Images: 56
Re: HOT HOT HOT! running AC on Honda generator

i keep my 41 comfy in the tropics in summer on 1/4 power with a 5000 btu window unit used only in summer in tropics. works great to remove the moisture that causes heat index to be high...and i tarp the topsides to keep off sunshine so is up to 10 degrees cooler inside than out in sun. air conditioning works easier with less heat to have to remove from boat. and my electricity bill is not huge.
when i sail, the unit fits under my berth safely and securely.
zeehag is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2013, 06:08   #4
Registered User

Cruisers Forum Supporter

Join Date: May 2011
Location: Miami Florida
Boat: Ellis Flybridge 28
Posts: 4,057
Re: HOT HOT HOT! running AC on Honda generator

I have run my little 5000 BTU unit on a Honda 1000i but I had to install the Supco.
On older units like mine the starting current required is very close to the Lock Rotor Amps. The LRA is listed on the label of the compressor. My starting current works out to about 3000 watts. Without the Supco, I can't run it on a Honda 2000i.
__________________
Retired from Hopkins-Carter Marine Supplies
HopCar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2013, 06:15   #5
Registered User
 
ReMetau's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Marathon, FL
Boat: Hans Christian 33
Posts: 652
Re: HOT HOT HOT! running AC on Honda generator

We have been able to run our 16000 BTU AC on the Honda with the Smart Start, but it would not continue to run in Econo mode. Once the AC cycled down and attempted to restart, the Econo mode on the Honda took too long to cycle up with the AC. Runs fine in full mode for about 8 hours on the internal Honda fuel tank.
__________________
Don & Diana
s/v ReMetau - a Hans Christian 33
https://www.remetau.com
ReMetau is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2013, 07:10   #6
Registered User

Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Oriental, NC
Boat: Mainship Pilot 34
Posts: 1,461
Re: HOT HOT HOT! running AC on Honda generator

Neither the Soft Start or the Supco device do anything for continuous running amperage. A 16,000 btu A/C will require 12-13 amps continuous which is right at the Honda's continuous rating of 13 amps. So you will have to run the Honda in full mode to run it whether or not it will start in eco mode.

I know that a Honda 2000 will start a 7 amp, 7,000 BTU window A/C in full but not in eco.

So your best bet would be to buy a Supco, hook it to the output power of the Honda so that you could use it for either the 16,000 during the early evening and then run the 7,000 for sleeping (hopefully in eco mode). If the Supco won't start the big unit, then spring for the Soft Start.

Both of which (I think) can be wired to the output terminals of the Honda. In other words they don't have to be dedicated to an A/C.

David
djmarchand is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2013, 07:34   #7
Registered User
 
Sand crab's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Boat: 34' Crowther tri sold 16' Kayak now
Posts: 5,067
Re: HOT HOT HOT! running AC on Honda generator

Yes the Hondas are really quiet. You might need a bigger genny for both A/Cs so if you go up to the 3000 watt unit then you can have electric start.
__________________
Slowly going senile but enjoying the ride.
Sand crab is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2013, 08:33   #8
Registered User
 
willardj's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Savannah Ga.
Boat: MacGregor 25
Posts: 51
Re: HOT HOT HOT! running AC on Honda generator

Quote:
Originally Posted by Don L View Post
It was HOT HOT HOT the last few days so it is time to look into AC!

Now I have 2 AC units on the boat, a 16,000 BTU and a 7,000 BTU, but don't have a generator to run them (I have never run them in the 2.5 years I have had the boat). Why the previous owner got AC on a new boat and no generator to run it is beyond me. So am looking at the Honda systems to run them. (I also figure I can run in the colder periods at the start and end of the season till I move to a "no heat required" location)

I did a search and got some "answers" and learned some items. But it of course was a mixed bag of info. There probably are more threads if I could have come up with better search parameters, but...

What I learned is that there are 2 ways to go about this:
1 - Dometic Smart Start (looks to be around $400)
2 - Supco SPP6E capacitor (looks to be around $30)

From my research it sounds that using the Dometic Smart Start is the best answer and it sounds that the 16000 BTU unit would start and run even on the Eco mode of the generator.

The Supco allows the 16000 BTU to start and run, but the Honda Eco needs to be off to ensure.

I am guessing that the 7,000 BTU would run regardless without either of the options, which would cool the aft cabin for sleeping. But to me if things are worth doing they are worth doing right.

What experiences do others have as far as running AC off a Honda? Just how much of sound problem are these Honda units also.

PS -if your reply is "we don't need no AC" that is great for you, but you don't need to post it (like this will stop you)
I have a buddy that has the same ac unit's you have and he is able to run them with a Honda eu 3000is. It has no problem running the a/c and keeping the batts topped off.
__________________
https://sv-saltyseaman.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sv.SaltySeaman
145w DM solar, SunSaver mppt, Trimetric 2025, 180ah bank, Honda eu2000i.
willardj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2013, 10:25   #9
Registered User
 
ranger58sb's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Maryland, USA
Boat: 58' Sedan Bridge
Posts: 5,418
Re: HOT HOT HOT! running AC on Honda generator

Quote:
Originally Posted by Don L View Post
Now I have 2 AC units on the boat, a 16,000 BTU and a 7,000 BTU, but don't have a generator to run them (I have never run them in the 2.5 years I have had the boat). Why the previous owner got AC on a new boat and no generator to run it is beyond me.

...

I am guessing that the 7,000 BTU would run regardless without either of the options, which would cool the aft cabin for sleeping. But to me if things are worth doing they are worth doing right.

---

Perhaps the previous owner was comfortable enough is typical offshore breezes while underway or even at anchor... and only intended to use the ACs at the dock.

There is some risk (carbon monoxide) in running a gas generator overnight. You can read about that... see here http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...or-104772.html for instance.

-Chris
__________________
Chesapeake Bay, USA.
ranger58sb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2013, 11:52   #10
S/V rubber ducky
 
sailorboy1's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: heading "south"
Boat: Hunter 410
Posts: 20,362
Re: HOT HOT HOT! running AC on Honda generator

I don't plan to ever run both my A/C s at the same time.

I read a test done by Dometic. They used a 16,000 BTU unit and it would start on the Honda in Eco mode with the Smart Start installed.

But I've read in various places conflicting postings of whether a 16,000 BTU would cycle on/off with the Honda in Eco mode. At the same time in their test the AC would start on the Honda in non-Eco mode. So one has to use the full mode there may not be any reason to do anything. And if it wouldn't quite start maybe the low cost Supco unit makes more sense as you aren't saving anything.

On the other hand I bet that there is a lot more wear and tear and life reduction on the compressor motor windings using the Supco if it is "just barely" starting. This may make it worth the price of the Smart Start in the long run.

I would have thought the this wheel had been well inverted and there would be a lot more real world experience out there in CF land.

what to do, what to do?
__________________
Don't ask a bunch of unknown forum people if it is OK to do something on YOUR boat. It is your boat, do what you want!
sailorboy1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-07-2013, 13:33   #11
S/V rubber ducky
 
sailorboy1's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: heading "south"
Boat: Hunter 410
Posts: 20,362
Re: HOT HOT HOT! running AC on Honda generator

hey, Yamaha has a highly rated 2400W unit and the price is less than for a Honda 2000 + Smart Start!
__________________
Don't ask a bunch of unknown forum people if it is OK to do something on YOUR boat. It is your boat, do what you want!
sailorboy1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2013, 16:57   #12
S/V rubber ducky
 
sailorboy1's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: heading "south"
Boat: Hunter 410
Posts: 20,362
Re: HOT HOT HOT! running AC on Honda generator

That 2400W unit is pretty heavy so back to thinking.

Lets go CF post your experience.
__________________
Don't ask a bunch of unknown forum people if it is OK to do something on YOUR boat. It is your boat, do what you want!
sailorboy1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2013, 17:07   #13
CF Adviser
 
Bash's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: sausalito
Boat: 14 meter sloop
Posts: 7,260
Re: HOT HOT HOT! running AC on Honda generator

Quote:
Originally Posted by Don L View Post
Lets go CF post your experience.
We've still never faced a situation where the 12v cabin fans and some frosty brews weren't enough. (Once or twice I've threatened to take a cold shower, but it's never actually gotten so desperate that I had to carry out the threat.)

My recommendation: spend two weeks sailing in Scotland next summer. You'll come home appreciative of the heat.
__________________
cruising is entirely about showing up--in boat shoes.
Bash is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20-04-2019, 09:47   #14
Registered User

Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 43
Re: HOT HOT HOT! running AC on Honda generator

Running an 18,000 BTU hat/cool MINI SPLIT HVAC unit on three 250 watt solar panels. Two back up marine batteries. Normal current is around 750 watts. It throttles itself down when delta T is nearing set point. YOU CANT BEAT IT. Order MINI SPLIT online, easy install, about two hours. You can also get smaller units to run on 110VAC. Just be sure you get at least 21.5 SEER like mine. It is changing the VAC to DC power so it will be simply amazing when they discover the market for direct DCV!
Silverbullet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20-04-2019, 10:11   #15
S/V rubber ducky
 
sailorboy1's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: heading "south"
Boat: Hunter 410
Posts: 20,362
Re: HOT HOT HOT! running AC on Honda generator

while I'm impressed a 6 year thread suddenly comes to life, it's hard to take any answer as correct if the terms don't make sense
__________________
Don't ask a bunch of unknown forum people if it is OK to do something on YOUR boat. It is your boat, do what you want!
sailorboy1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
generator, honda

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

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


Advertise Here


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 01:32.


Google+
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Social Knowledge Networks
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.

ShowCase vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.