Cruising Sailors Forum Archive

My 2 cents ...
In Response To: the ever unpopular generator ()

I like Greg's suggestions ... improve your refrigeration first. I did that, and I practice a number of energy saving tips with the frig, and it probably cut our Ah in half. Richard Kollman has a couple books I think are excellent, with good energy saving tips and construction techniques. You can find excellent gaskets on parts.com, tight seals are IMPORTANT. If you can get at your insulation and replace it, all the better. 4" all a round, 5-6" on the bottom. Vacuum panels are great but expensive. I have a couple of Glacier Bay vacuum panel, magnetic sealing lids from rParts, they really made a difference.

Solar panels would be my first choice, but until someone comes out with one half the size that produces twice as much power, I'll wait, I just don't have the real estate for what I would need, and keep the boat from looking like a luggage rack.

I have the Honda 2000. In retrospect wish I got the 1000. I've had it for several years now without a hitch. That is plenty of power for our needs, we don't use it all that much, it is something like 40% lighter and smaller (volume) which on our boat would make a BIG difference. I just don't see the need (for us) for the 2000. The problem is they cost about the same, which is why I sprung for the 2000.

Cheers, John

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