Does Honda petrol generators worth the extra $$$

[jcapo]

I have an EU2000 purchased in 2016. Due to a prolonged power outage last hurricane season, I moved it out of storage to the cockpit and it started on the second pull. It had been unused for over 4 years. Of course all gas was drained from the carb and tank before it went to storage.

[razamataz]

I wish all marine related questions would have such a definitive replies

[PickledHerrings]

I have the eu2200i and it's incredible, I put in the oil magnetic cap to protect from metal in the oil and it's run forever. I'm looking at a 1000i for the boat, as they're like a small cooler and make a putting sound, for winter time if I wind up needing it.


I've used the other brands and my friends have had them. They've all failed at some point. Get two extra pull cords (just the cord). You'll wear one out before the genny gives out and then you'll want a spare for it. The magnetic oil cap and extra pull cable cost the price of a coffee total.

[sailorxyz]

Another vote for Honda. I've an EU 22i and I am completely satisfied with it.... with some items,there is one brand that completely out shines all the others, like Engel for portable fridge/freezers, for generators, its Honda.

[Joe Okros]

I have a Honda 1000 I purchased second hand in St Maarten in 2005,-it has had ONE oil change since and mostly starts 1st or 2nd pull, sometimes with 2 year old gas. I have never even changed the spark plug. At my cabin I have changed bigger/cheaper clones more often. The only other generator I have is an older one with a Robin/Subaru engine that also just keeps chugging along.

[CarinaPDX]

Once upon a time, before inverter generators, Honda made the quietest generators by far. RVers would be very critical of anyone firing up a non-Honda generator due to the noise. These days the inverter generators tend to be quieter but there can be substantial differences. I recommend comparing the sound level specs before making a decision. Fortunately most if not all manufacturers publish this spec. And keep in mind that a sound level difference of 3dB is actually a doubling or halving of the sound energy, so small numerical differences matter. (Our perception of sound is logarithmic so we state sound in decibels, and each dB is a small but noticeable change. 1dB is a barely noticeable but you will certainly be aware of an extra 3dB.)

While one can buy a very decent generator from Harbor Freight, at a low price (shop the sales) there are a number of brand name generators that are priced in the middle between the Honda and HF models. I would probably opt for one of them if the sound is low enough.

There is always a tradeoff: buy expensive quality gear that will last forever on land but might not survive on the water all that long, or get something cheaper with a throw-away mentality. Your choice.

Greg

[sailorxyz]

Originally Posted by CarinaPDX

There is always a tradeoff: buy expensive quality gear that will last forever on land but might not survive on the water all that long, or get something cheaper with a throw-away mentality. Your choice.

Greg

Actually if you care about the planet we live on and our environment, there is only one choice, buy decent quality stuff that will last. If you need cheaper, buy decent quality second hand products.... the throw away mentality is long past its use by date. It's quite horrifying to see someone in this day and age, still suggesting it as a way of doing g things.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by CarinaPDX

... And keep in mind that a sound level difference of 3dB is actually a doubling or halving of the sound energy, so small numerical differences matter. (Our perception of sound is logarithmic so we state sound in decibels, and each dB is a small but noticeable change. 1dB is a barely noticeable but you will certainly be aware of an extra 3dB.)...

Although an increase of 3 dB represents a doubling of the sound pressure, an increase of about 10 dB is required before the sound subjectively appears to be twice as loud.