Honda eu2000 generator on a 26M?

[RichardB]

The admiral and I are looking forward to moving beyond daysailing and spending some time in the keys, but first I need to figure out where to put my generator as it's almost A/C time in Florida. Jack Sorensen appears to have the best solution to this, but that is mostly an X only solution. I knocked out a platform out of some scrap to see if it's even possible to put a generator in that space on a 26m, and it is, but only with the motor down. I thought I'd take these pics to run by this board to fish for ideas, as I haven't found where anyone else has found a solution to this problem.


I have some 6" fiberglass channel to use for the actual platform once I figure out how I want to do this. Possibly I'll use some stainless hardware to temporarily hang the platform when I want to use the generator. Now if I use a smaller piece to just carry the back end of the generator I can mount it as below, but the problem here is the captains seat will not close. I'd need to cut about 2" of the seat away, probably in a arcing cut, to be able to lower the seat all the way. That's a big cut that I'll be loathe to make, but don't think it should structurally weaken the seat too much, since the bottom edges of the seat would have to be able to spread to apply much tension on the arc, and the lip where they rest prevents this. In this position the generator will be protruding into the cockpit so the helmsman will be straddling it a bit. In this position I can raise the motor, although it has to be more forward than shown below.


Any comments/ suggestions are much appreciated. The part I'm most paranoid about is cutting the captains seat, but I really can't see mounting the genset anywhere else while underway.

Richard

[MARK PASSMORE]

I’ve been wondering if the Honda 2000 would lay flat on its side and fit in the anchor locker? Maybe with some modification of the locker door. Im not sure the measurement of the generator. or It might be possible to downsize one of the gas tanks and put the Honda next to it under the bench seat.

[Alex]

More information
http://macgregorsailors.com/phpBB/viewt ... =generator

[RichardB]

Thanks Alex, I probably should have posted this to that thread instead of starting a new one. I may end up storing the generator behind the ladder as Daniel does, draining the gas before doing so. I love Tahoe Jack's mod, but the 26X has a lot more space in the engine well then the M. The eu1000 would've been easier to store, but felt I needed more oomph for the a/c.
Richard

[DaveB]

I bought a 1300 watt 2 cycle from Northern Tool for $129 (they now 1000 watts, same price) last yr and used it for my Potter 19 with a 5050 btu. in companion way, Had to put it in the lowest setting and still needed blankets in Early July with temps 95 day and 74 at night with 90 % humidity here in SW. FL..
This unit will easy do my Mac.X with setting middle range or lower at night.During the Day run full to bring Temps to 74. If temps are 95 degrees.
I have mine sitting on cockpit just forward of steering and is low profile with 4 rubber boots on legs. Just need to add to exhaust elbow to bring it down to waterline so ehaust doesn't enter cabin.
The dba is more than a Honda but not heard in cabin.
Dave

The admiral and I are looking forward to moving beyond daysailing and spending some time in the keys, but first I need to figure out where to put my generator as it's almost A/C time in Florida. Jack Sorensen appears to have the best solution to this, but that is mostly an X only solution. I knocked out a platform out of some scrap to see if it's even possible to put a generator in that space on a 26m, and it is, but only with the motor down. I thought I'd take these pics to run by this board to fish for ideas, as I haven't found where anyone else has found a solution to this problem.


I have some 6" fiberglass channel to use for the actual platform once I figure out how I want to do this. Possibly I'll use some stainless hardware to temporarily hang the platform when I want to use the generator. Now if I use a smaller piece to just carry the back end of the generator I can mount it as below, but the problem here is the captains seat will not close. I'd need to cut about 2" of the seat away, probably in a arcing cut, to be able to lower the seat all the way. That's a big cut that I'll be loathe to make, but don't think it should structurally weaken the seat too much, since the bottom edges of the seat would have to be able to spread to apply much tension on the arc, and the lip where they rest prevents this. In this position the generator will be protruding into the cockpit so the helmsman will be straddling it a bit. In this position I can raise the motor, although it has to be more forward than shown below.


Any comments/ suggestions are much appreciated. The part I'm most paranoid about is cutting the captains seat, but I really can't see mounting the genset anywhere else while underway.

Richard

[RichardB]

Hi Mark,
The generator's dimensions are: 20.1" x 11.4" x 16.7". I think the cockpit is the only practical place to store it. Anchor locker is not only too small, but already full of anchor & rode.

Dave, $129 is crazy cheap for a generator, I might have to give it another look since you say it's fairly quiet. I think Pep Boys is carrying the same unit for ~ $160, I think the brand is "TG".

Found a local welder, now to get the pipe fitting welded on to route the exhaust to the waterline.

Richard

[bastonjock]

Hi Rich

i dont think that its a good idea to store a petrol engine on its side,i think that the sump oil can leak back out through the piston rings and cause all manner of problems.

Also when i get around to fitting a generator to my macx,ill place a battery operated carbon monoxide detector in the galley as an extra safety device,wind can always blow the fumes inside

[RichardB]

Bastonjock,
Completely agree, wouldn't even consider storing it on its side. I plan to store it in the second position shown in the pictures where I can tie it down securely and not interfere with raising the engine. The only big question I have left is the one I touched on in my original post:"do I really want to cut that big hunk of fiberglass out of the captains seat? And if I do, should I reinforce it?" I have some time to decide, want it done before end of May when we plan to spend a few days in the Keys.
The CO alarm is a good idea as well. It has been sitting on the table for two weeks waiting for me to decide where to put it.
cheers,
Richard

[Catigale]

You can get a combined CO and fire alarm with voice warning from the home box store of course - not 'marine grade' but if you are trailer sailor then less important.

[Hardcrab]

RichardB.
I assume this is more of a "temporary" type use and installation.
If so, perhaps you could re-rig the hinge point, and block up the seat the required 2" with well placed wood spacers, or something to that effect. Might be an ugly looking solution, but if it's only for "sometimes" trips, restoring to stock condition would be easy, and no seat cutting involved.
Might be something do-able with some creativity.
Just a thought.
Good Luck

On edit: Perhaps just fabricate a new seat from plywood and incorporate whatever is needed. Switch out seats when required.

[RichardB]

Hardcrab,
I like the idea of a temporary seat. If I did this then I could wait to cut the stock seat until I've had a test run or two to build confidence in the mod. I'll have to contemplate the construction tho, it's not so straightforward.

Catigale, that's the one. A "Kidde Battery-operated Voice-alert CO and Smoke Alarm", $37 at Home Depot.
Richard