Running generator all night for AC

[HappyPlace]

Good afternoon all,

I tried to do a Tugnut search on this discussion and was unable to locate anything specifically relating to running the Generator all night while on anchor on our R31. I have read many pros and cons on the internet, but I am mostly concerned about the possibility of dangerous CO exposure. Our boat is equipped with two CO monitors mounted and one portable monitor. The First Mate wants to sleep comfortably in the ac on muggy nights. I am more the worrier and would like to know for sure this is a safe practice.

All input is appreciated!

Al Sr.

 

[knotflying]

I would rather sweat and know I will see the morning sun. Additionally, unless you are alone in an anchorage it is not courteous to run the generator after a reasonable hour. Another reason why you may not see the sun in the morning. 😀

I am like you, a bit cautious. You never really know if the co detector is working until it does not and if you are both sleeping it will be too late. CO sneaks up on you and many times you don't even know it is happening until another person not affected notices your odd behavior or while awake you are getting a severe headache etc.

I have found that opening the v-berth hatch and the windows can be quite cooling in the evening. When anchored out in most instances your bow is in the wind and you get a nice breeze. We also have a fan in the v-berth and that also make a difference. Try it.

 

[Phil Nersessian]

I would have no problem with running my diesel generator overnight providing there were no people close by to disturb. They are designed to run for extended time frames, Diesel produces much less C.O. than gasoline in the first place. the odds of it getting to dangerous levels in your cabin are tiny and having 3 detectors all fail at once doesn't seem too likely. If your A/C works like mine does, it creates a mini Antarctica, so leave a couple windows cracked for one more level of safety.

 

[Todd]

I run AC all the time. I trust the heating/AC system in my house and camper why not the boat. If all the intakes and exhaust are properly installed should be no problem. CO monitors just to be sure.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

In 30 years of boating we have never ran our generator over night while on the hook, for the same reasons Mike Rizzo explained. For us it is just not worth the risk, regardless of how safe one thinks the system is, things fail. Besides the risk factor there is the noise associated with the genset running continuously, which would keep most folks from getting a good nights sleep. We installed a very nice electric fan in the stateroom to help move the air around on those nights it is a little uncomfortable from heat or humidity. My 2 cents worth!

Jim F