Re: Portable Generators
 

t500hps,

I am seriously considering the Cruisair Zephyr ZF5 (5000 BTU). I can get a complete unit for $1200 in Houston. My best friend owns/operates a HVAC business and he also owns a 29-foot Fountain. I think that he and I could install the A/C unit over a weekend. :cool:

My biggest problem is power. My Bullet has two deep cycle batteries, and 30amp battery charger, and Shore Power. I don't think I want a "permanent" generator, and I don't want a huge, bulky "portable" generator. :(

Right now I am leaning towards two more batteries and replace the 30amp charger with a larger charger/inverter. This should give me the power to run the stereo all day and run the A/C for short periods. I would still need a small portable generator (like the Honda EU2000i ) for overnighting.

Lots to think about... :rolleyes:

Re: Portable Generators
 

$1700 w/ installation kit

Re: Portable Generators
 

Honda without question. !!!

I have one for my 4-wheeler trailer and it out performs anything out there.

Re: Portable Generators
 

I ran the Eu2000 on my Baja 38 Specail and it did fine. I have sold quite a few 2000's to boaters as we are located in Clearwater. We have been able to get a 10,000 btu unit to run on a 2000 but it was a new a/c unit. On and older boat with a 10,000 btu unit it would not start it up. If you go with the smaller a/c units, you will only need to get a splitter for a standard 110 outlet from someone like West Marine that has a 30 amp twist on the other end to hook to your shore power connection and it will work fine. I just hooked the adapter to my shore power cable and plugged it righth in to the generator.

Re: Portable Generators
 

Subaru Robin makes some killer inverters also. Quality wise they will stand right up there with the Honda's, and beat most of the others. We use there generators in our rental fleet along with Yamah's, and if my customers can't kill em....

Re: Portable Generators
 

This post is EXACTLY what I've decided to do. We overnight 5-10 nights a summer and hope to increase that a little. I still ponder an inverter but would need an extra battery or 2. The Honda is 50-60 lbs I can leave at the dock on the days I really don't need the thing. A local boater was able to get me a little better deal on the AC with the installation kit. (I thought Boaters World had them with the kit for $1500.00recently)

Good Luck, your considering all the options, just pick the one that suits YOUR needs.

Re: Portable Generators
 

West Marine has the 5000 BTU "Cool Mate" for $1499. The Zepher is exactly the same, but I can get it for $1200.

Re: Portable Generators
 

Seems like a good price even if it doesn't include the installation kit. I think the install kit is another $200.00.

Re: Portable Generators
 

Both include the complete install kit.

Re: Portable Generators
 

I have the honda 2000, and it runs my 7k marine air, fridge, and battery charger. 1 gallon of gas lasts 7+ hours running all of the above.