I don't think its strange.
I think its strange that the poster thinks a larger vessel can't exist without a genset as a daily use item
~~~Solar panels, marvelous things.
We don't have, need or want a/c
Where you are that may be fine.
How about if you were in Darwin?
The only genetator sound that can be heard right outside my boat is that of the exhaust water splashing. The fact is that, even in marinas, I can only tell when a boat is passing close aboard is by the sound of its propellers. I have more than enough battery bank to last 18 hours so, generally, I have no need to run the generator except to cook when we don't opt for the gas grill. When I do run my generator it is with no guilt feelings.You can't hear my generator 100' from my boat on all but a still calm night. If you can hear my generator, you anchored too close to me.
Ted
I second that! Plus, that klinking sound travels a very long way.We run the generator 24/7 when away from the dock to cool the boat. Some newer boats have gyro stabilization at anchor and need power for that as well.
I hope this isn’t one of those holier-than-thou threads...... if it makes you feel any better we are more aware of the generator that our neighbors since we also feel the vibration. Even so, I sleep great in our cool dry stateroom.
If we want to talk about annoying noises at anchor, how about the clink, clink, clink of halyards and hardware clanking against an aluminum mast? THAT drives me nuts........
I second that! Plus, that klinking sound travels a very long way.
Menzies,That's why we have plastic wine glasses!
When I am on the West Coast I rarely need to run my generator more than 4 hours a day, if at all. The water is cold and the nights are cool. When i’m in the SE the generator runs 24 hrs a day. The water is hot and the nights are muggy.
In the PNW it’s not reasonable to run a generator after 10 pm and in the SE it’s not reasonable to expect boats to turn off their generator at night.
In a large raft up with a yacht club near Roche (PNW) it was explained to me not to run my exhaust water separator gen set after dark. Good rule and I was happy to comply. I guess my only comment would be that popular spots should have rules like Avalon. Makes it easier for all persons to have similar expectation. For example, want to run your gen set all night then don’t go to Avalon.
Well there you go; easy as can be.
A large raft up violates my don't anchor within 100' of me rule. In fact, generally the only people I let raft up with me, want to suckle on the 30 amp plug when my generator is running.
Ted
They'd have to put up with the reflected glare to get some free juice.
Helluva way to make friends!!
You can't hear my generator 100' from my boat on all but a still calm night. If you can hear my generator, you anchored too close to me.
Ted
Unlikely, since you can be anchored next to them and be completely unaware that there's a genset running. Now, the Honda buzzing away on the deck is a different story. We keep hearing how they're so quiet, just isn't so. You can hear the unmistakable drone of a portable gas generator from clear across the anchorage. It seems owners always pick sunset to crank them up.
Without generator, I rely on gas stove and lack of coffee maker, micro-wave, and air conditioner to survive on house batteries.
I call that "boat camping".
I've discovered this week that my Honda 2000 is MUCH quieter under my well vented flybridge (aka attic) cover. Since I very seldom drive from there, I'm converting my FB helm bench seat to my semi-permanent Honda mount. I tried it this week and the difference in the salon and cockpit sound levels is impressive.
It's a location with good vibe/sound isolation, sun protection and out of the rain. The access and working height are also just about perfect for starting and refueling. The seat back top and seat surfaces have a flat area to use as a table, if needed.
The open ends of the canvas cover allow ample ventilation of the space. Very little heat built up on an 80 degree day in a light breeze without a fan providing ventilation. I'm going to add a vent fan that will get its power from the generator 12V plug (8A) to provide active ventilation to avoid the accumulation of heat or fumes. I'm making the clip-on harness next week to hold everything in place when I'm out on the water. It needs to be easily removed for the few times I want to drive from upstairs.
With a 34 ft boat, I've found that almost every area needs to serve a double purpose but it cannot be too challenging or time consuming to convert from one purpose to the other. For me, this is a promising solution that I'm looking forward to testing during extended anchorages this summer.
No worries...I know all about the CO risks and take them very seriously. I'll continue to do thorough heat and sniff testing but I think the fan will alleviate those concerns. (BTW, I never run an engine during sleep.)
Well there you go; easy as can be.
A large raft up violates my don't anchor within 100' of me rule. In fact, generally the only people I let raft up with me, want to suckle on the 30 amp plug when my generator is running.
Ted
I call that "boat camping".
Yes no A/C needed and I wouldn't live or boat any where where it got that hot. You will never see me in the south. And yes I have lived in the south and it was miserable.
It just costs money and if a few tens of thousands matters to you you are in the wrong hobby.