On Jan 14, 9:27*am, Wayne.B wrote:
On Thu, 13 Jan 2011 20:44:43 -0800 (PST), Tim
wrote:

Well, a small generator is a neat concept but having one inboard in my
boat *would add to the clutter not counting the fumes etc. *At least
that's what I'm envisioning.

With a big alternator, decent battery and an inverter, you won't need
a generator

my thoughts exactly.

however, I'm actually thinking of downsizing my power output to about
stock for my application. fixing up something capable of running a
consistent 60-70 amps with a heavy winding and dual rectifiers instead
of a 180 amp pounder. besides, my inverter wouldnt' be under a full
load anyhow. even if running a small microwave or coffee make rand a
fridge, it would only be monetarily. Of course when the load is on it
IS on but an 8-D is a lake full of amps, and also being new it should
recover quickly

My philosophy is that the lower powered unit can maintain a menial
rate of charge to fill one or even 2 8-D house bank batteries with a
minimal load on the belt or the engine, (BTW, it's a 305 chevy). only
thing is that it would take a bit longer to build the bank back to
full charge.

Now, running a 180 would probably be fine, except for my application;
on initial start up the unit would peak out about 215-235 amps which
at least momentarily would get the belt hot and also cause higher fuel
consumption due to accessive drag.

In your situation Wayne, yes, i'd agree that the higher amped unit,
the better because you have too many constants pulling power all the
time and at throttle, that Detroit probably doesn't really know it's
there anyhow.

I dunno. I'm still planning.