Hi,

Another question for the esteemed list.  I've just learned that it appears
that the slip I had arranged for myself in downtown Chicago, has been sold
out from under me.  I am now in scramble mode and if worst comes to worst I
may end up this summer living aboard on a buoy.

As Dutch Treat does not have a generator, and my budget precludes installing
one this year, (a diesel furnace takes precedence), I'm thinking of using a
portable generator, preferably Diesel.  I hope only to  use it for charging
the batteries and operating tools off of.  What do I need to know?  The boat
has a 1,000 watt inverter that will let me charge my lap top and other
miscellaneous items.

I have found a portable one cylinder diesel generator on the Internet for
$1,000.  Do I need to worry about anything other than just plugging shore
power (30 amps) into it and running it for an hour per day?

I'm also debating on getting a portable gas generator, cheaper but a pain in
keeping it fueled.  I figured that I can valve a fuel line to replenish a
diesel generator.  What is the lists experience with portable generators?  I
would keep it on the boat deck and just cover it with a tarp when not in use.

Thanks for the input.

John Jessop
Dutch Treat (closed on 1/18, she's mine all mine!!!!)
Chicago IL,

Hi John,
A portable generator is basic power production and that is ok by me if the
situation warrants.  For those who want to keep it simple....how much
simpler can you get?

I'm always anticipating the coy replies when listers suggest basic solutions
to their problems or when there is a budget to be observed.  We all don't
have the means to own mega yachts with their high tech systems and simple
basic solutions keep some of us on the water.
It was also perfectly clear to me when you said "Do I need to worry about
anything other than just plugging shore power (30 amps) into it and running
it for an hour per day?"

I'm sure the portable will keep you "charged up" just fine.
Some things to be aware of would be managing the exhaust so that there is no
danger in filling your (or others) cabin with carbon monoxide, making sure
that tapping into you existing fuel system is done properly,  securing the
generator for safety and theft, protecting your investment (perhaps a little
more than a tarp to cover) and being sure that it doesn't offend your
neighbors.

If you are on a buoy in Chicago, are there many others close by staying on
their boats as well this time of year?
Congratulations on your new boat.
What kind of boat is Dutch Treat?

Bob Clinkenbeard
M/Y Twin Screws
1964 Chris Craft Roamer 56'
Under reconstruction in Savannah

John,

I attempted something similar to what you are proposing; this past
summer I purchased a Coleman gasoline generator with a 1500 watt output
just to drive the battery charger (50 amp) in my Heart Interface.
Didn't work!!  The output waveform apparently was so non-sine wave that
the Heart would put out no more than about 15 amps.  Coleman tech reps
said that this was a normal occurrence with some solid state devices and
suggested a power conditioner.  After much searching I located said
conditioner; it too didn't work!  Heart said that the charger circuit is
a fairly sophisticated solid state device expecting reasonably clean
input AC.  I finally sold the whole mess to a relative to run his home
refrigerator during power outages, at a substantial loss of money.  I
gave up, at least for the time being.

John Adams
m/v Oriental
CT-T35