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12-07-2015, 14:53
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 6
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What size generator?
Hello! New member and boater here. I have a 38' 1989 Trojan tri cabin and I need a generator that will run 2 mini fridges, a/c, lights, radio/satellite TV, ice maker and maybe a couple of phone chargers simultaneously. And occasionally in addition to all of that a cook top, microwave, coffee pot or blender. I was thinking 42-43 kW but from what I've been reading that may be a bit much. I don't want to over load the generator but I also don't want to have double the power needed. Please help. Amy advice will be appreciated.
Ps. I'm in the USA.
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12-07-2015, 16:28
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Lakewood Ranch, FLORIDA
Boat: Alden 50, Sarasota, Florida
Posts: 3,467
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Re: What size generator?
Each appliance has a power demand specification. As no one here knows precisely what each spec is, rather than rely on uninformed opinion,you should determine what the needs of each is. Simple addition and a bit of contemplation regarding which might be used simultaneously will give you a better answer than us.
Having said that, my wild guess is 42 kW is WAY too big. We have needs comparable to what you described and our 12 kW genet is more than adequate.
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12-07-2015, 16:57
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Houston
Boat: ‘01 Catana 401
Posts: 9,626
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Re: What size generator?
What sort of shore power setup do you have, and is enough power for you?
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12-07-2015, 17:03
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Narragansett Bay
Boat: Able 50
Posts: 3,139
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Re: What size generator?
42 kw ?
As usual the mods prove themselves to be useless.
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12-07-2015, 18:32
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 6
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Re: What size generator?
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12-07-2015, 18:43
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 6
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Re: What size generator?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sailmonkey
What sort of shore power setup do you have, and is enough power for you?
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I have adequate shore power. The generator is for when out on the water.
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12-07-2015, 18:48
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: WY / Currently in Hayes VA on the Chesapeake
Boat: Ocean Alexander, Ocean 44
Posts: 1,149
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Re: What size generator?
I'm a do it your self kind of guy but with these questions you really would be way ahead to consult a pro. My guess is somewhere between 5 and 12 kw. But that is a really big spread both in size and money.
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12-07-2015, 18:51
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 6
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Re: What size generator?
Any suggestions on a pro in the Tennessee area that would be reliable and honest and not charge an arm and a leg?
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12-07-2015, 18:53
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Houston
Boat: ‘01 Catana 401
Posts: 9,626
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Re: What size generator?
Quote:
Originally Posted by ASolangeM
I have adequate shore power. The generator is for when out on the water.
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I'm aware of that. But if you have a single 50amp shore cord and that is sufficient power then you can use that to estimate the generator size.
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12-07-2015, 18:58
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Tas, Australia
Boat: Mustang 3800
Posts: 66
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Re: What size generator?
Quote:
Originally Posted by ASolangeM
Any suggestions on a pro in the Tennessee area that would be reliable and honest and not charge an arm and a leg?
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A 42KW Generator will cost a lot more than an arm and a leg
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12-07-2015, 19:01
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Houston
Boat: ‘01 Catana 401
Posts: 9,626
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Re: What size generator?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Biggusstickus
A 42KW Generator will cost a lot more than an arm and a leg
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And would be larger than the propulsion engines on a 38' boat!
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12-07-2015, 19:26
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2011
Boat: Valiant 42
Posts: 6,008
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Re: What size generator?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sailmonkey
And would be larger than the propulsion engines on a 38' boat!
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A 38' Trojan probably has twin V-8 engines each of which will be well over 100kW.
Assuming the OP isn't kidding the answer is you need a generator capable of about 7.5kW. You could probably get by with 6.5kW (50A) but 7.5kW would give some margin.
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12-07-2015, 19:33
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Houston
Boat: ‘01 Catana 401
Posts: 9,626
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Re: What size generator?
Quote:
Originally Posted by transmitterdan
A 38' Trojan probably has twin V-8 engines each of which will be well over 100kW.
Assuming the OP isn't kidding the answer is you need a generator capable of about 7.5kW. You could probably get by with 6.5kW (50A) but 7.5kW would give some margin.
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I meant in physical dimension.
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12-07-2015, 20:40
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#15
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Wherever the wind takes me
Boat: Bristol 41.1
Posts: 1,006
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Re: What size generator?
If your 50A shore power setup allows adequate capacity, there is nothing to be gained by grossly exceeding that figure in a genset.
I would select a unit that would provide the required 50A at roughly 80% of maximum generator output. Say 7.5kw?
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