For the first time, I'm docking "on the wall". Without shore power, I'm looking to buy a small generator to charge the batteries for the fridge, lights, ice maker, etc. What make and wattage would anybody recommend? Also, is it safe enough running in the engine compartment with the blower on?
Buying a Small Generator
- Thread starter LuBell
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Do not put in the bilge. EVER!!!
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What size boat?
Honda are nice and quiet. That would be my #1 concern for you and your neighbors.
Honda are nice and quiet. That would be my #1 concern for you and your neighbors.
Prospective
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I have a Honda EU2000 that I used on my previous boat. It is now keeping my fridge going at home while the power is out. It is quiet and reliable. Easy to start and maintain. Highly recommended. But do some reading on the use of portable gas gennys on boats. DO NOT put it in the engine room. I would recommend only running it off of a swim platform. Be concious of wind direction, swimmers in the water, etc. And don't run it at night while sleeping.
With Honda, you are paying for the name. I am really surprised the cost has not come down that much over time as Yamaha now makes the same thing. The technology is old now. What you are looking for is noise abatement. There are a couple of mail order places that will help you avoid taxes. Do NOT order the extended run fuel tank. That's a $100 rip-off. DAMHIK!
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About 8 years ago I bought the Honda EU2000i for my previous boat. Irene knocked out our power 3:00AM sunday morning. I had the Honda running my refrigerator and my neighbors till noon time today, without stopping. Great generator. Very reliable.
Exactly the same for me. I bought the Honda for my old boat and kept it. The new one has one aboard. I paid about $ 850 fpor the EU 2000 and it is worth every penny.
I ran the Honda for 40 hours straight It saved our food and even ran the cable TV.
I keep a Honda EU2000 on my 5th wheel trailer. 5 years trouble free service.
Why would you want to have AC going to the boat fulltime? There is no need to be trickle charging 24/7. There is no need to run the fridge 24/7. Put what you need in it when you are going boating or don't use it at all. We have 2 12V fridges on our boat. Hardly ever used them. What came onboard in a cooler, stayed in the cooler. The boat was mooring kept so the was no AC going to it week to week, sometimes many weeks between uses. The batterys in my trailer sit 6 months winter storage no problem. Disconnect from any load & forget about them.
Why would you want to have AC going to the boat fulltime? There is no need to be trickle charging 24/7. There is no need to run the fridge 24/7. Put what you need in it when you are going boating or don't use it at all. We have 2 12V fridges on our boat. Hardly ever used them. What came onboard in a cooler, stayed in the cooler. The boat was mooring kept so the was no AC going to it week to week, sometimes many weeks between uses. The batterys in my trailer sit 6 months winter storage no problem. Disconnect from any load & forget about them.
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I am looking at getting one for home use.
Just 2 fridges, that's all I care about really.
Is 4400 watts enough?
Looking at DuroStar 4400?
Just 2 fridges, that's all I care about really.
Is 4400 watts enough?
Looking at DuroStar 4400?
A friend had one on his last boat with a 16K marine AC. It was hit or miss but it was an older AC unit. It will do a 10K AC with no effort.
What I do like about the newer Honda's is they have a model that has a 30 amp receptacle so no pigtail adapter is necessary.
It (Honda EU 2000) will run my 15K A/C, but. . . .I have to phase in the compressor, then the fan, then the water pump. The start surge is a bit heavy for this unit. A hard start capacitor on my A/C would probably cure that. Once the air is up and running it isn't necessary to run the gen wide open. In the eco mode the gen slows down 50 or so RPM.
finz2right
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Thank God somebody told me that I wasn't supposed to run my honda in the cabin of my bayliner at night. Boy, I was sure sleeping good but thank goodness you guys all diagnosed that one.