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Old 23-05-2017, 12:17   #1
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which size honda?

I'm sure like many new boat owners I am still a bit confused when it comes to electrical systems. So I'd love to get a few opinions here. I'm going to purchase a small Honda generator, and am unsure what size I need. It will primarily be used to charge the batteries and for the occasional power tool. I don't have a microwave or ac, and don't intend on getting one. I do have a 3000watt inverter (seems a bit big for my 34' boat), so I suppose I could always run a microwave or blender off that if I felt the need.

So do you think I can get away with the 1000, or do I need the 2000? From reading the forum I can tell that the 2000 is significantly more popular. However the 1000 weighs less (I'm a wuss) and is just the right size to store in the cockpit lazarette when not in use (with an empty tank obviously). The 2000 is a bit bigger, and I would have to store it in the cabin when not in use. The battery charger my boat came with is a 50 amp pronautic. Will the 1000 be adequate for charging?

I do intend to get solar and wind eventually as well. but I am on a mooring and looking for a quick and dirty solution in the meantime.
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Old 23-05-2017, 12:32   #2
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which size honda?

Well 50 amps at say 15 V is 750W, so yes the 1000 ought to be OK.
Except for not being able to store it in the Lazarette, I'd say go for the 2000, however I wouldn't want one in my living space either.

You won't run much of a tool off of a 1000 and maybe not a window unit AC either, where the 2000 will do both, and isn't much more money, just that darn storage problem
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Old 23-05-2017, 12:49   #3
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Re: which size honda?

a64 has it right. (I have the Yamaha is2000 which is comparable, and am very happy with it.)


If you just wanted to run the charger you'd be fine with the 1000, but the 2000 gives you the ability to run power tools. Another reason for the 2000 is it will be more likely to run at slower speeds ("eco mode") with your charger, and that would be quieter than the 1000 at higher speeds.


A third option (more expensive) is to get a pair of 1000's and run them in parallel when you need more power. You'd also have easier lifting of each but the storage might be more or less challenging, depending on your boat's setup.
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Old 23-05-2017, 13:29   #4
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Re: which size honda?

I have a 2000 and love it. I'd recommend the 2000 for several reasons. You can run most counter appliances or tools while recharging, it gives you a good reserve capability, because of the eco mode, it will run quieter for any given load. Also because of the eco mode, it's fuel consumption is very close to the 1000 when the power draw is the same.
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Old 23-05-2017, 13:41   #5
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Re: which size honda?

My preference is everything possible running off DC direct, few sacrifices these days even most tools needed away from shore.

Yes the 1000 will run 50A no problem, that's the way I'd go, charge up to ~85% in the morning, solar for the remaining low amp 3-5 hours to get to 100%, ideal for bank longevity.
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Old 23-05-2017, 13:59   #6
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Re: which size honda?

No problem with the 1000 Honda, a great little machine however after much research I went with the Yamaha due to fewer warranty claims and higher reliability reports. ...... Consumer Reports and many other online reviews.
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Old 23-05-2017, 14:16   #7
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Re: which size honda?

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No problem with the 1000 Honda, a great little machine however after much research I went with the Yamaha due to fewer warranty claims and higher reliability reports. ...... Consumer Reports and many other online reviews.
I agree Hondas are great, but I chose the Yamaha 2000is because it has a gas gauge, it's lighter weight, and it has a fuel shutoff valve (so I can easily drain the carb for long term storage). I also think the retro styling is cooler.

Edit: I've had mine sine '09 and Honda still hasn't added a fuel shutoff or gauge. Seems so obvious.
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Old 23-05-2017, 14:35   #8
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Re: which size honda?

Check the charger, as some are more efficient than others. The 1000 is actually only good for about 900 watts. I use a Sterling 50 amp charger on mine and it works fine, but the genset needs economy mode turned off to do so. Don't forget that the charger will only output maximum load for part of the time during the battery charging cycle. On the issue of 1000 vs 2000, if you are DC centric on your vessel (like we are) and primarily use the genset for battery charging (like we do) the 1000 is fine and will burn less fuel as well.

On a side note, in this day and age, cordless tools are the pick for the majority of boat maintenance tasks.
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Old 23-05-2017, 17:45   #9
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Re: which size honda?

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Originally Posted by a64pilot View Post
Well 50 amps at say 15 V is 750W, so yes the 1000 ought to be OK.
Just a couple of caveats:

1000W is max load for the generator. The rated (max continuous) load in 900W.

Your calculated 750W is output from the charger, the required input will be a lot higher.

So I'd say that 50 Amps is going to be a lot closer to the limit of that genset that your numbers would suggest. (But I'd guess it will still do the job).

Edit: I see Reefmagnet beat me to it again.
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Old 23-05-2017, 18:03   #10
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Re: which size honda?

I would be very happy with a 1,000 or 2,000 watt Honda. As it turned out I found a brand new Honda 2,000 on sale for $750.00 so that made the decision for me. So far very happy with it for the last 2 years.
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Old 23-05-2017, 20:18   #11
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Re: which size honda?

go 2K

I bought the Yammy as I got a screaming deal on it. They are both great little motors.

There are a few youtube compariosns of the two

The general rule over the last twenty years working in austere enviornments is Honda small engines are the best . its the OHV design.

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Old 23-05-2017, 20:38   #12
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Re: which size honda?

Simple: 2000 gets you hot water if you have an electric element in your heater, 1000 won't do anything but run a battery charger.
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Old 23-05-2017, 22:03   #13
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Re: which size honda?

Those gens have no place on a boat. They are a big no no for safety.

Run stuff off the inverter. Get solar to recharge.
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Old 23-05-2017, 22:15   #14
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Re: which size honda?

Ha ha ha !!!!! Too funny
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Old 24-05-2017, 21:35   #15
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Re: which size honda?

I have a Honda 2000 and it lives under the diner when not in use. I can run any power tool I like and it copes with the 1500 watts required to heat my water. (Solar looks after the batteries). Goes first pull and economical as well as quiet.
Cheers
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