Portable generator size

I believe I got my EU2000 for $800 back in 2005. I've got about 560 hours on it, and many, many more miles. Being the time of year it is, I just started it after it's been sitting in my cockpit for that last 3 months. It took 3 pulls :-)
 
None of you use them running in the cockpit , right? Only on the swim platform or bracket on the outside of the trnasom, yes?

And use CO monitors?
 
Used with common sense, a quality portable generator is no different than any other gasonline generator that exhausts at or near the stern of a boat (except that if there is an exhaust leak, a portable isn't below and won't kill the boat occupants). Even BoatUS is starting to recommend them. If you cruise some, you'll see them quite frequently on both power and sail. Sailboats don't typically have swim platforms, so they have them up on deck. Power boats typically have them at the stern.
 
On my previous boats I used a Honda 2000, works great. Overtons has a different brand available for a cheaper price.
 
I looked up that Overton's model. That item doesn't quite have a "quality" look about it like a Honda or a Yamaha, nor is it an inverter. It's also very loud at 80dBA A Honda EU2000 runs between 53-59dBA. For comparison:

Weakest sound heard 0dB
Whisper Quiet Library 30dB
HONDA EU2000 - 53-59dB
Normal conversation (3-5') 60-70dB
Telephone dial tone 80dB
OVERTONS Generator - 80dB
City Traffic (inside car) 85dB
Train whistle at 500' 90dB
Subway train at 200' 95dB
Level at which sustained exposure may result in hearing loss 90 - 95dB

That being said, for $220 it would make a very nice home back-up generator. But using it in a camp ground might get one some nasty glares.
 
"Sam's club has a 2000W unit for ~$450 that frankly I like a couple of the features better than the Honda; the primary one being you can cut the gas off to the carb and let the unit stall itself out. "

I had a similar situation a few years ago and bought a couple from Pep Boys. I've had it for about 3 years now......runs everything on the boat including the A/C. Noise level at High Speed is 57 db. and it never fails to start within one or two pulls. It also has the feature of being able to shut off the Fuel Supply to the carb and letting it run dry.
I bought a couple of these and put one on here for sale and took quite a bashing for it.....Butttttt,,,,If I were you I wouldn't overlook other brands simply because they don't say Honda on them. There are LOTS of comparable portables out there for ALOT less money. I bought THREE of the one I have for less than the price of ONE Honda and I can't see where a Honda does anything mine doesn't.
 
Tanq is probably right. When I bought my Honda, they and Yamaha were the only inverters available. Now, there are quite a number of competitors. I was reading through a Cabelas catalog last night and they've got a Generac 2000 watt inverter for $579, but the reviews are mixed. I guess the term should change from "Honda generator" to "Inverter generator". If I was to buy again, I'd probably get another Honda due to my past experience and the newer model with the built-in 30-amp outlet:

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The latest pricing I have see from Mayberry's: $899 for the standard EU2000, $999 for the "Companion" model with the 30-amp socket.
 
I believe it is acceptable to do so, but only on bow riders undertaking ocean passages.
 
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