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stevensuf · 12-02-2012, 11:03

i bought 400w of solar on fleabay, german panels tuv approved for under 500 pounds, the controller and display mppt again german were under 200 pounds, the mounts and various fittings to mount on the bimini and reinforce the bimini were 300 pounds, about a grand or boat buck, or $1600 at current rates. You dont need fancy name panels, just make sure they dont have cheap glass or plastic covers which can opaque quite quickly.

Nb i have a honda eu200i as well, but its for emergency use, ok for a portable aircon unit for those humid days!

2007.pierre · 15-02-2012, 14:40

10% is the rate charge for a battery bank. So for 400A, 40A charger may be ok but 60A would be the max I would go. Putting more amps may damage the battery plates then shorter they life span. The Honda 2000 is a good generator, but heavy and require handling to daily intallation on deck. Petrol is also an issue in term of volume and safety. I think a small Diesel generator like Mase 2000 would do a better job for not much money and just as reliable. Moreover: no more handling/storage and extremely low consumption.

**btrayfors** · 15-02-2012, 15:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2007.pierre

....... The Honda 2000 is a good generator, but heavy and require handling to daily intallation on deck. Petrol is also an issue in term of volume and safety. I think a small Diesel generator like Mase 2000 would do a better job for not much money and just as reliable. Moreover: no more handling/storage and extremely low consumption.

Hmmm. Let's see..... Smallest Mase diesel generator: MA-02 Weight 143lbs Price $5,085 Honda gasoline generator: Model EU2000i Weight 46.3lbs Price $899 Golly....how could one not go for the Mase?? :-) Bill

**skipmac** · 15-02-2012, 15:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by btrayfors

Hmmm. Let's see..... Smallest Mase diesel generator: MA-02 Weight 143lbs Price $5,085 Honda gasoline generator: Model EU2000i Weight 46.3lbs Price $899 Golly....how could one not go for the Mase?? :-) Bill

I'm convinced. Where do I sign up?

SailFastTri · 15-02-2012, 15:17

The Yamaha EF2000is is 2 pounds lighter, has a fuel gauge, and otherwise has similar specs to the Honda. I own one (for 2 years) and love it.

It can power the 120VAC hot water tank heating coil at the same time it powers the 40-amp charger at bulk charge phase. Without the water heater coil it runs on "eco" setting which slows down the engine to a purr and still puts out enough to run the charger.

mbianka · 15-02-2012, 16:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by btrayfors

Hmmm. Let's see..... Smallest Mase diesel generator: MA-02 Weight 143lbs Price $5,085 Honda gasoline generator: Model EU2000i Weight 46.3lbs Price $899 Golly....how could one not go for the Mase?? :-) Bill

Btraysfor:

You took the words right off of my keyboard.

I've nothing against inboard diesel generators. Except what they would do to my wallet and muscles as I would once be squeezing by 6 foot 2 inch frame down below to do maintenance on it. I find the Honda 2000 useful not just for charging and propulsion but also use it to drive my dive air compressor to clean the boats bottom. I could also run a microwave or toaster oven with it. It does not take up much room is light enough to carry in one hand. I could take it to shore for use or repair easily. For me it just makes a lot of sense to have it on board.

2007.pierre · 16-02-2012, 13:44

You are right in term of cost but long term or for an extended cruise the small diesel like Mase is worth the investment. However, on our last boat, we always carry a Honda 750 just in case... Our Mase had more than 2000 hrs and never give us any trouble. On a budget, I rather get rid of all my electronic gizmos and go back to my sextant but keep a similar generator on board.

**skipmac** · 16-02-2012, 14:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2007.pierre

You are right in term of cost but long term or for an extended cruise the small diesel like Mase is worth the investment. However, on our last boat, we always carry a Honda 750 just in case... Our Mase had more than 2000 hrs and never give us any trouble. On a budget, I rather get rid of all my electronic gizmos and go back to my sextant but keep a similar generator on board.

IF I had the place to put it AND the budget then an installed, diesel generator would be nice. But after new rigging, sails, plumbing, wiring, pumps and more I think a Honda is more in line with what remains in my boat bank. Plus I would have to do some major rearranging of the house batteries and ALL the wiring to make a spot for a diesel generator.

So, Honda for now.

goboatingnow · 16-02-2012, 18:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2007.pierre

10% is the rate charge for a battery bank. So for 400A, 40A charger may be ok but 60A would be the max I would go. Putting more amps may damage the battery plates then shorter they life span. The Honda 2000 is a good generator, but heavy and require handling to daily intallation on deck. Petrol is also an issue in term of volume and safety. I think a small Diesel generator like Mase 2000 would do a better job for not much money and just as reliable. Moreover: no more handling/storage and extremely low consumption.

Not so once you control the absorption voltage batteries only consume what they can. You can quite happily put a large charger on a small unit.

Some batteries can handle upto C/5 most are C/10 and some are even down to C/20

Dave

chala · 19-02-2012, 20:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2007.pierre

The Honda 2000 is a good generator, but heavy and require handling to daily intallation on deck. Petrol is also an issue in term of volume and safety. I think a small Diesel generator......... would do a better job for not much money and just as reliable. Moreover: no more handling/storage and extremely low consumption.

I agree.

fighterpilot · 24-02-2012, 19:45

For those of you using a Honda how do you manage the exhaust issue when running? Thanks

stevensuf · 25-02-2012, 02:10

stick it on the dinghy tied to the transom

**Pete7** · 25-02-2012, 02:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by fighterpilot

For those of you using a Honda how do you manage the exhaust issue when running? Thanks

place it at the rear of the cockpit if we are down below so the wind takes the fumes out away over the stern. We have also run it on the foredeck when the wind was from the stern in a marina.

Pete

stevensuf · 25-02-2012, 02:59

anyone left it out in the rain, mine came with a normal plug socket not a weatherproof shore power type connector

**Pete7** · 25-02-2012, 03:05

AFter 4 years of being stored in the cockpit locker the plug looks a little dull and just a hint of corrosion but still works fine.

The honda has a good case so protects most of the genny,

Pete