Suitcase generator security

[Wanted]

Morning,

 

I'm slowly putting things into place to cut the umbilical and cruise for a bit, plan in new batteries, solar and a suitcase generator.

 

What do people do for security? I'd rather not have to lug it inside when not in use. I have seen some chained with a motobike lock but being that we will be in London for some of the time I have seen the short work thy can be made of these..

 

We have a cruiser stern and I want to get a LPG converted gene to avoid petrol.

 

I'm thinking strong box (air flow/exhaust problems?) or a cage..

 

Any thoughts?

 

Cheers

 

Rob

[mango]

Morning,

 

I'm slowly putting things into place to cut the umbilical and cruise for a bit, plan in new batteries, solar and a suitcase generator.

 

What do people do for security? I'd rather not have to lug it inside when not in use. I have seen some chained with a motobike lock but being that we will be in London for some of the time I have seen the short work thy can be made of these..

 

We have a cruiser stern and I want to get a LPG converted gene to avoid petrol.

 

I'm thinking strong box (air flow/exhaust problems?) or a cage..

 

Any thoughts?

 

Cheers

 

Rob

A better plan might be to invest in solar panels and minimise power consumption, using heavy loads when travelling.

[Wanted]

A better plan might be to invest in solar panels and minimise power consumption, using heavy loads when travelling.

Maybe, I haven't done a power audit yet but to be honest we are pretty low power consumers, most of what we have is 12v anyway and a decent battery bank and inverter with panels might do it.

It's the winter that as like everyone we use more.

[FadeToScarlet]

Don't rely on chaining through the handle. The specialist servicing our genny said that most handles are plastic all the way through, and that a battery powered hot wire cutter can go through them in seconds. Then, it's a case of get a new case to wrap around the innards, and you've got an undamaged genny to sell.

 

Security is only as strong as the weakest link! We're going to have made a steel band to go around the case as a whole that the chain can be padlocked to securely.

[Ex- Member]

At the end of the day a pair of bolt croppers will do a chain quicker than faffing around with cutting through a handle and damaging the unit. 2 Honda's have recently been stolen from a couple of boaters posting on FB one chained and one not. Not chaining is asking for trouble though as a Honga genny even a EU101 is like leaving a £500 pound note out for any passer by to pick up and run off with. At least chained it will deter the opportunist.

 

We run ours on the stern deck and chained with some 6mm Stainless steel chain which is fixed internally under the stern deck, and secured with a 10mm hasp padlock around the suitcase handle. I keep intending to get some heavier chain though the type used for motorbikes, anything 8 to 10mm would need some serious bolt croppers probably weighing as much as the genny. I've set it up in such a way they it's chained permanently weather in the engine room or on the stern deck.

 

I might run some left over 8mm S/S bar through the handle too thinking about it. I did read on a U.S site that you can get a reinforcing kit, can't find anything in the U.K with regard to it though.

Edited June 8, 2014 by Julynian

[bizzard]

If you get one with removable screw in feet, like some Kipors. You can if you have a cruiser stern, remove the screw on feet and drill through the deck to correspond with the generators feet's screw holes. Then bolt up from the engine space below, the bolts will be totally invisible and impossible to cut through and will really puzzle a thief who I doubt would start to or have the time to lift the deck board and clamber in to find out. You could use snap off security bolts too if you want, but I wouldn't.

[nb Innisfree]

If you get one with removable screw in feet, like some Kipors. You can if you have a cruiser stern, remove the screw on feet and drill through the deck to correspond with the generators feet's screw holes. Then bolt up from the engine space below, the bolts will be totally invisible and impossible to cut through and will really puzzle a thief who I doubt would start to or have the time to lift the deck board and clamber in to find out. You could use snap off security bolts too if you want, but I wouldn't.

If the deck boards were lockable it would be double security.

[bizzard]

If the deck boards were lockable it would be double security.

Yes you could. I did the bolt down wheeze with a Kipor on forum member Grahame R's widebeam boat Isabella who's sails about all over the shop in it and its still there.

[Wanted]

Like it Biz, like it.

 

Cheers all

[BGA]

Are suitcase genes cheaper than a 240V alternator fitted to the main engine?

[Bod]

Large dog bowl, marked "Tyson" containing a half eaten bone.

Left beside said generator.

 

Bod

[Wanted]

Large dog bowl, marked "Tyson" containing a half eaten bone.

Left beside said generator.

 

 

Bod

[KJT]

Large dog bowl, marked "Tyson" containing a half eaten bone.

Left beside said generator.

 

Bod

Works even better if it's a half eaten human bone!

[thepowersite]

Morning,

 

I'm slowly putting things into place to cut the umbilical and cruise for a bit, plan in new batteries, solar and a suitcase generator.

 

What do people do for security? I'd rather not have to lug it inside when not in use. I have seen some chained with a motobike lock but being that we will be in London for some of the time I have seen the short work thy can be made of these..

 

We have a cruiser stern and I want to get a LPG converted gene to avoid petrol.

 

I'm thinking strong box (air flow/exhaust problems?) or a cage..

 

Any thoughts?

 

Cheers

 

Rob

 

Sorry to be late to the party. Just be careful if putting in a strongbox that even if well ventilated and exhaust piped, the generator can still overheat, and then all you've got is a very expensive door stop. Cage would be better.

 

The main problem you face is venting it. You can't leave outside in all weathers, but I would certainly not recommend installing the generator inside at all, because of the gases they create.

 

I also agree, bike lock is next to pointless. Lots of reports of people doing this, and thieves carry bolt cutters for this.

[bargemast]

bizzard's idea is by far the best sofar, and quite simple too.

 

Peter.

[Stilllearning]

Since you haven't done a power use audit yet, say you are light power users, and already have a boat with an engine, plus will be fitting solar panels.....why do you want a generator?

As BGA says, 240v alternator wins every time.

 

Or add a couple of extra 12v batteries and a decent inverter.

Edited June 19, 2014 by Stilllearning

[MtB]

bizzard's idea is by far the best sofar, and quite simple too.

 

Peter.

 

I agree, especially if the genny is also locked up using some fairly hefty and very visible chains.

 

The hefty chains will occupy any thief initially for a while. They are going to make a bit of noise and attract perhaps a bit of attention or at least get rather nervy chopping though the chain lock(s) before discovering they can't actually pick the damned thing up and run off with it.

 

This way at least you'll know someone has been at it, whereas if they simply fail to pick it up they'll know what they are dealing with and perhaps come back for a second try and with a plan.

 

MtB

 

As BGA says, 240v alternator wins every time.

 

Why is that then?

 

I'd have thought a 12v alternator was best for charging 12v batteries.

 

MtB

[Mike Tee]

I guess we are talking about petrol generators here. Not sure I would like to bolt one of these permanently to the deck on a boat. If the deck boards it were bolted to could be lifted with no problem, then the safety aspect of a petrol driven genny would be covered as in an emergency the whole thing, board and all, could be chucked off the boat - which kind of defeats the security side. Not only would you lose a genny, you'd lose the decking as well.

Lock the boards down and the possible dangers are obvious.

[Wanted]

There is enough fixed deck around the boards to bolt down without worry. I too favor Bizzes idea.

 

I guess the reason why I want a gene is because of winter really. I often wonder what long term damage Is done with an engine running idle. Glazed bores etc.

 

Cheers all, lots to ponder

[mark99]

If you get one with removable screw in feet, like some Kipors.

 

I think you've lost Rob at this point mate.

[BGA]

 

I agree, especially if the genny is also locked up using some fairly hefty and very visible chains.

 

The hefty chains will occupy any thief initially for a while. They are going to make a bit of noise and attract perhaps a bit of attention or at least get rather nervy chopping though the chain lock(s) before discovering they can't actually pick the damned thing up and run off with it.

 

This way at least you'll know someone has been at it, whereas if they simply fail to pick it up they'll know what they are dealing with and perhaps come back for a second try and with a plan.

 

MtB

 

Why is that then?

 

I'd have thought a 12v alternator was best for charging 12v batteries.

 

MtB

My fault I didn't realise that he might intend using a 240V generator to charge his battery bank I thought it was to power 240V equipment, his engine with existing alternator would charge the battery bank anyway and negate the need to bring petrol onto the boat.

[Wanted]

 

I think you've lost Rob at this point mate.

That took me a while..

[Wanted]

My fault I didn't realise that he might intend using a 240V generator to charge his battery bank I thought it was to power 240V equipment, his engine with existing alternator would charge the battery bank anyway and negate the need to bring petrol onto the boat.

Yes, it would be to run 240, you are not wrong in that I should do an audit first but I would still want a power back up, If there is one thing I have learnt with boats it's that things break when you need them most.

 

My plan is to run the generator on LPG, with an amoured hose from my gas locker that gets stowed when not in use.

[Nightwatch]

Put a notice on it."Danger. Wired for high voltage, electrocution risk"

 

It might work.

 

Martyn

[Wanted]

Put a notice on it."Danger. Wired for high voltage, electrocution risk"

 

It might work.

 

Martyn

That might be why they want it...