As much as you might like communing with nature out on the open water, there are probably some modern appliances that you miss from land. With a boat generator, you can power an air conditioner, refrigerator, or electric stove to give you the best of both worlds. But what kind of unit will best suit your needs? The guide below offers advice.

How Does a Boat Generator Work?

Boat generators offer 120 volts of additional power by burning either diesel or gasoline and redirecting its energy into an alternating current. This enables you to outfit your vessel with electric amenities without running down the battery. 

How Much Power Do You Need?

Start by figuring out the total wattage of the appliances you want to run. Divide this figure by 1,000 and then double it to get the amount of kilowatts required. This ensures that you will not overload the generator even when appliances are running simultaneously. In general, you want to use between 35-80% of its maximum capabilities.

Want even more power? Invest in an invertor. These can be installed alongside your generator to take some of the load off the main system and are best suited for smaller tasks—like charging devices or quickly heating something in a microwave.

Size & Weight

While the amount of power produced by the generator is important, so is its size. The dimensions must fit the vessel in which it will be installed without causing it to become too heavily weighted. Generators can range from hundreds to thousands of pounds, with smaller boats requiring more compact units. Install it near the boat’s centerline—with enough space around it that it will be easy to service. 

Looking for a boat generator? Turn to United Electric Motors. Located in Anchorage, AK, the team brings more than two decades of experience to each of their generator repairs, motor repairs, and equipment rebuilds. Their top-notch customer service is also available 24-hours a day to help troubleshoot any issues. Just call (907) 563-5232. Visit them online for a look at their offerings and brands.