Update. 17 September 2021. A reader was able to find a 15k btu Penguin II with a heat pump available at Camping World. I had checked there previously when they had none in stock with the heat pump. The price went up $100 in the interim.
With the inside controls part in case you're curious totaled $1700, with "free" shipping and a 10% discount. I was and am grateful. I am ever so thankful for the advice re my ac predicament. There is a big sense of relief at getting this found in stock, and ordered.
As far as the generator situation, I did learn that Honda gennys use (on average, at 50% draw) approximately .75 gallons per hour. The NextGen3.5 only requires. 2gph. That's a large difference especially for a boat without a great deal of tankage. Seaweed carries 35 in one tank and 37 in the other, so 72 in total.The extra half gallon per hour is simply too much.
At least that's the way I am leaning, today!
Once again, thanks so much for the helpful advice. You came through for me. I didn't know there was such a thing as a heat pump, and pretty soon I'll have one. Life is very good.