MacGregorSailors.com

On my last cruise I bought a refrigerated icebox and do really like it. I was able to run it from my solar panel with out much problem but on cloudy days I turn the unit off. It will stay cold for a half a day after that.
I do have a Honda generator that I bought for the boat but it was too heavy and awkward to use frequently.
I have replaced that this season with an engine driven DC battery charger. This item only provides DC, up to fifty Amps worth. It weighs less then the Honda eu1000 but takes up the same space. It's not as quiet but I should only have to run it half an hour to top off the batteries in cloudy weather. This set up is called a Supercharger and is made in the UK.
It has a Honda clone engine and what I take to be an automotive style alternator. Cost was about 600 dollars with shipping. There is also a company in the states that makes a similar item using a branded Honda engine but that one is 1200 dollars.
Ix

Ixneigh,
Would you post a link. I have been considering the Honda 1-2K. Alternatives would be worth consideration.

I believe Sumner built his own DC charger similar to what you describe. Sounds like a good way to keep DC batts topped off.

I built one years ago when I first started with a travel trailer. I took a 3 1/2 hp horizontal engine and added a 35 amp alternator. Worked like a champ. Very fast charging but loud as a lawn mower. Finally, one year NAS Key West campground pulled a DB meter on me and told me I couldn't use it. Not being one who looks at the glass as half empty, was thankful for the ten or twelve years I did get to use it, and ordered a Honda. Honda much quieter and more versatile but not as fast a charger. With the Honda we could use the A/C and the microwave. Primitive camping came into the 21st century. Now, solar has sidelined the Honda off the boat.

Here is Sumners page on his generator build. Very well documented.
http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner ... de-13.html

I've built a similar rig but it was heavy and impractical for my current use. After deciding id spend a thousand dollars trying to replicate a unit already on sale I just bought one instead.

this is a bit louder the the Honda but a bit lighter. Shlepping the Honda up and down the companionway ladder was to hard for me to do so I seldom used it. Plus those don't really charge batteries quickly. It's made for AC power needs.

http://www.thesupercharger.co.uk/specif ... 4557421666

Interestingly they have one that runs off propane.

The build quality looks ok but not marinised by any means. The rubber feet were gimpy but replaced those right off. They do not want you running this unit longer then 90 minutes at a time. Fine for me but bad for ideas of a hybrid electric propulsion system using this and a trolling motor. Or having a huge electric bilge pump for use in dire emergencies.

Ix