30 Marlin AC power

[Harpoon]

Does anybody run their AC on a 20 Marlin with a portable (like Honda) generator ?
I was told 2000 watts isn't enough ?

It would be a nice option out on the swim platform in some cases when I don't have shore power.

 

[DennisG01]

If you check the AC unit you have, there is usually info on the tag that tells you the running and startup amp/watts. That would tell you if the 2K genny would be enough. Often, a 5K or maybe a 7K AC unit will be fine. But there are some very serious risks associated with this. Please take the time to read through the post, below - especially post #10 that outlines the risks and hazards. This should NOT be taken likely - or assume everything will be OK because "others do it". Others don't wear seatbelts, too. Like seatbelts, the hazards associated with this may be fatal.

https://www.greatgrady.com/threads/air-conditioning-and-solar-curious.28050/#post-173604

 

[Scott D]

Of course my POS Panda is AGAIN not working, I tried my 2000 watt Yamaha generator just to run the heat for one day trip and it would not start the AC unit. I don’t think 2k is enough.

 

[Fishtales]

I have a 2006 Marlin. Came with A Dometic Vector series ac unit. You prob can find the manual on line. Says it was revised in 4-15-04 and number is L-2166. There are various models (5,7,10,12,16 and 24K BTU), you will need to check the Unit Data Plate and get serial number, part number and wiring number on it.

 

[Harpoon]

so that's the answer I suspected 2000 not enough. incidentally I consider myself fortunate NOT to have a generator installed. I hear nothing but bad things about them- not to mention the space the take up must make repairs more difficult

 

[Fishtales]

the panda is a 4200. it can run most things but not all together. you prob are right and need 3000 or so.

 

[Cary]

I have a 2002 marlin 300 and the Honda generator on the transom works well and powered the AC just fine. The exhaust is low to the water just like the on board generator. For extra protection have two CO2 detectors on board.

 

[DennisG01]

I have a 2002 marlin 300 and the Honda generator on the transom works well and powered the AC just fine. The exhaust is low to the water just like the on board generator. For extra protection have two CO2 detectors on board.

Cary, what did you do to handle the possible electrical shock issue since the boat's grounding system is negated?

 

[Fishtales]

some data for you.
stove - 1100W
microwave - 910W
hot water - 1250W
A/C - 1000W max load
Refer - 600W max load
Batt Charger - 736W

So you can run a 2K watt Honda for a couple of things and a 4.2K watt FP for a few more, but need close to a 6.5K watt genny to run everything.

 

[Fishtales]

BTW, data from a 2006 GW Marlin Owners Manual

 

[Harpoon]

Great Info. I'd like to try a 2000 watt, shut off charger and water heater. My fridge is DC.

 

[Fishtales]

fridge will switch over to ac I believe if it is there, you may have to turn it off. check the manual. which fridge do you have.

 

[Fishtales]

my guess is 2kw is prob not enough except for minimal use.

 

[Fishtales]

fridge will switch over to ac I believe if it is there, you may have to turn it off. check the manual. which fridge do you have.

My Marlin has a Isotherm Cruise 49 (CR-49).
It is a DC fridge so it will run off the batteries only (disregard running off AC - my bad). You would have to reserve enough power for the battery charger or shut it down so it doesn't turn on and overload the genny. It's a management game if the genny capacity is too small. Can be done though.