Alternatives to having an onboard generator

[Apttobeme]

I am wondering what others do for power when out on overnight boating trips, when they do not have a generator? I was thinking of purchasing the Goal Zero Yeti 1250 solar generator. Do you think that would power the fridge, TV etc at night?

 

[alldodge]

Howdy

In short, nope don't see that working. According to their web site, it can power a fridge for 12 to 24 hours on a full charge. The 12 to 24 and the note about different fridges tells me it I would not expect more then 12 hours.

Also to recharge it will take 27 to 54 hours using 3 of their panels at one time.

http://www.goalzero.com/p/140/goal-zero-yeti-1250-solar-generator/

 

[BRICH1260]

Your going to need and generator. Most people in my area carry the portable Honda 2000 on their boat for overnighters. If you do, be mindful of the exhaust fumes.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Apttobeme, welcome aboard.

what size fridge, etc.

my cuddy does not have a TV, etc. so my experiences are different. I run two 55 quart coolers built into the floor, and we use the laptop to watch per-recorded movies or play music. generally the Admiral and I simply have a great conversation under the stars, usually with wine or coctails.

friends of mine who lived on their sail boat for 22 years had a 3-way fridge, 2-way freezer and a small 12 volt TV. the DC bank was 8 golf cart batteries. for extended trips, they used 6 solar panels and a wind generator. Dont really remember how their A/C was configured, however they do not have a generator on their boat.

 

[Chris1956]

Sailboats experience this all the time. Sailboats carry 2 sets of house batteries. They use the even batts on even days and the odd batts on odd days. They recharge the batts whenever possible. So, you anchor on number 1 batteries on the first 1st.3rd 5th etc and charge them the next day while cruising You anchor the next day on the second, 4th etc and charge the the next day.

You got it?

 

[wrench 3]

We run a small marine fridge, fresh water pump, lights, a small fan at night, and two laptops in the evening if the grand kids are with us. Our one 27 series and one 4D series deep cycle batteries will run everything for three days at anchor. It takes approximately two hours running to replace a days worth of discharge.