Was talking to a Mermaid Air guy at a show. He swore that his 5,000 BTu unit would run off a Honda EU1000i generator. Here's how he did it...

The startup routine was as follows:
1) Compressor Startup. He said he uses a huge hard-start capacitor almost three times the normal size to give the compressor a kick in the butt. This reduces the line surge by a factor of 40%. At the time of the compressor start, nothing else was running (no raw water pump, no fan).
2) After a 4-second delay, the raw pump starts.
3) After another 4-second delay, the fan motor starts.

He assured me that a Honda 2kw would handle a 12,000 Btu unit with no trouble (his unit, that is..).

I've got MarineAirs on my cruiser and they all start at once and the blower never quits during compressor startup. Don't thiunk it would be too difficult to use some cheap solid state cube timers to do what he was doing (plus a big capacitor).

Something to consider, for sure.

mcollinstn,
Thanks for the great info. That makes alot of sense. Are all those timers built into the Mermaid unit ?

Yeah, the Mermaid unit has all of the relays and stuff included in the smaller units (I don't think the delays and stuff are standard on the large units cause they are usually on a boat with a big genset). For sure the 5000 BTu unit has it all, and he acted like he would add the kit to any of his units if the buyer needed it.

I was talking to him about my F311 and was wondering if the 5000 was large enough for a fast cool-down in the cabin. He assured me that a 5000 would freeze you out of a go-fast cabin in ten minutes. He also said that sizing the unit too large would result in humidity issues since you can only remove moisture from the air at a given rate and that a short compressor cycle (typical of a too-large unit) would not do a good job at dehumidifying...

go to www.mmair.com

you will see the separate electrical box with the timers and stuff (on the 5200). He also doesn't gouge for a reverse-cycle heat option (only $100 or so more).

Thanks. I'll definately check into this one.

Ok I know this is a little smaller unit than what your talking about here but has anyone use this yamaha EF1000
http://www.southwestfastener.com/ef1000.html

http://www.southwestfastener.com/ima...ef1000_250.jpe

Comparing the Yamaha to the Honda. I noticed the Yamaha is twice the weight of the Honda. I like Honda's idea of a DC generator and inverting to AC better also. Here's the Honda specs.
http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/genligframe.htm

I saw the Honda at the Annapolis show for the 1st time, it's outstanding. Light and quiet, with enough power to run my A/C unit, but I'm using a Kruisin Kool Portable. With this unit, it's at its max with the A/C, drawing 660 watts and about 5 1/2 amps. Full start up is just about 16. I haven't bought it yet, but plan to in the spring when I can actually use it.

The other consideration to keep in mind, Portable Genset = Gas = Carbon Monoxide

Please give careful consideration to the location of where the genset will be operating and how easy it is for Carbon Monoxide to fall or draft back into the cabin of the boat. Even at anchor into the wind, there's a backdraft if you put it on the swim platform. Would strongly recommend installing a carbon monoxide detector in the cabin area to guard against this.

Keith,
Good Point. I was definately planning on using a CO monitor. I am also considering the Kruisin Kool Portable. How do you like it?

Personally Todd, I love the unit, it cools my 34 Scarab in a matter of minutes in the most intense heat. I've spoken with Mike Patrick about using it with the generator, and he gave me to info regarding its power draw, says it will work with the Honda albeit take it close to its limit. I won't be able to run anything else with it at the same time. Drop him a line at [email protected] to confirm if you'd like.

I'm waiting till spring however to buy the Honda, might be some competitive units out there driving down price on it when I start the 2003 boating season. :)

Thanks for the additional info Keith.