Cruisers Forum
 


Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. Advertise Here
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 04-03-2018, 11:07   #1
Marine Service Provider

Join Date: May 2014
Location: Yucatan, Mexico
Boat: Molenmaker Dutch steel gaff-rigged ketch
Posts: 170
Images: 2
Honda EU2000 or Harbor Freight Predator?

I have used the Honda in the past and it is a fine generator. But about 6 months ago I purchased a Harbor Freight Predator for $429 (less than half price) which has basically the same specifications and I am over the moon about how good it is. Don't tell Harbor Freight but it is seriously under-priced.

I have easily run mine for nearly 1000 hours and it is as quiet as the Honda and so far as efficient and reliable that I just bought another. Like the Honda it is a modern inverter generator you can hook two up together to get 4kW peak, probably would solve a lot of problems people have starting up such things as the start-up loading of a powerful electric watermaker - once running, you just shut down one of the gensets.

One criticism i have for both - a simple front panel waterproof cover for the controls and AC plugs would be a great idea - or I'd be willing to buy a full rain cover that allows operation (allowing intake and exhaust).
__________________
Captain Ray Thackeray
International Rescue Group, disaster relief and humanitarian aid by sea.
Capt. Ray is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2018, 13:34   #2
cruiser

Join Date: Jan 2017
Boat: Retired from CF
Posts: 13,317
Re: Honda EU2000 or Harbor Freight Predator?

One downside is longevity, but not an issue for those only running a few hundred hours per year.

Replacement parts down the road

Propane conversion kit availability.

Minor issues for most
john61ct is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2018, 14:28   #3
Registered User
 
Sailmonkey's Avatar

Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Houston
Boat: ‘01 Catana 401
Posts: 9,626
Re: Honda EU2000 or Harbor Freight Predator?

My take on Harbor freight predator is this.
While you may have gotten a good one, chances are much higher that you can pick a bad one.
So if you’re not going to stray far from harbor freight, go ahead and get one and use it. But if you’re going to be away from support, wouldn’t you rather gamble on getting a good Honda generator vs the much higher probability that you won’t get a good predator?
Sailmonkey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2018, 15:55   #4
Marine Service Provider

Join Date: May 2014
Location: Yucatan, Mexico
Boat: Molenmaker Dutch steel gaff-rigged ketch
Posts: 170
Images: 2
Re: Honda EU2000 or Harbor Freight Predator?

You re making an assumption that the Honda is more durable or reliable than the Predator. What evidence do you have? I actually bought a second unit (still in the box...) seems a better deal to me. Twofer.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sailmonkey View Post
My take on Harbor freight predator is this.
While you may have gotten a good one, chances are much higher that you can pick a bad one.
So if you’re not going to stray far from harbor freight, go ahead and get one and use it. But if you’re going to be away from support, wouldn’t you rather gamble on getting a good Honda generator vs the much higher probability that you won’t get a good predator?
__________________
Captain Ray Thackeray
International Rescue Group, disaster relief and humanitarian aid by sea.
Capt. Ray is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2018, 16:02   #5
CLOD
 
sailorboy1's Avatar

Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: being planted in Jacksonville Fl
Boat: none
Posts: 20,364
Re: Honda EU2000 or Harbor Freight Predator?

I think the day of the Honda2000 being the clear product winner is over. It’s still living on the past, but a web search will show love to of others with great reviews at much less $$$$
__________________
Don't ask a bunch of unknown forum people if it is OK to do something on YOUR boat. It is your boat, do what you want!
sailorboy1 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2018, 16:14   #6
Registered User

Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 439
Re: Honda EU2000 or Harbor Freight Predator?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sailmonkey View Post
My take on Harbor freight predator is this.
While you may have gotten a good one, chances are much higher that you can pick a bad one.
So if you’re not going to stray far from harbor freight, go ahead and get one and use it. But if you’re going to be away from support, wouldn’t you rather gamble on getting a good Honda generator vs the much higher probability that you won’t get a good predator?
This logic doesn't jive with most of what I've read of Harbor Freight product comparisons. They made a video of testing impact wrenches and theirs kept up with the popular brands for half the price.
Doesn't surprise me folks are getting good results with this generator. There is no evidence to the contrary that I know of?
Flyingriki is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2018, 16:16   #7
Registered User
 
S/V Illusion's Avatar

Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Lakewood Ranch, FLORIDA
Boat: Alden 50, Sarasota, Florida
Posts: 3,467
Re: Honda EU2000 or Harbor Freight Predator?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Capt. Ray View Post
You re making an assumption that the Honda is more durable or reliable than the Predator. What evidence do you have? I actually bought a second unit (still in the box...) seems a better deal to me. Twofer.
That's a good assumption. Look at the plastic parts such as the carburetor. Like most HF stuff, cheap doesn't equal value
S/V Illusion is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2018, 17:19   #8
Registered User
 
Sailmonkey's Avatar

Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Houston
Boat: ‘01 Catana 401
Posts: 9,626
Re: Honda EU2000 or Harbor Freight Predator?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Capt. Ray View Post
You re making an assumption that the Honda is more durable or reliable than the Predator. What evidence do you have? I actually bought a second unit (still in the box...) seems a better deal to me. Twofer.


I’ve bought enough crap from harbor freight to recognize it for what it is. It’s a price point.
Sailmonkey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2018, 17:28   #9
Registered User
 
IslandHopper's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Bundaberg, Qld.
Posts: 2,192
Re: Honda EU2000 or Harbor Freight Predator?

Quote:
Originally Posted by sailorboy1 View Post
I think the day of the Honda2000 being the clear product winner is over. It’s still living on the past, but a web search will show love to of others with great reviews at much less $$$$
I agree, now that the Honda EU20i has been superseded by the EU22i the crown will pass smoothly to it......

As for the HF line? can't say i have ever heard of or seen them down my way
__________________
International Guild of Knot Tyers

Be Brave, Take Risks, Nothing Can Substitute Experience
IslandHopper is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2018, 17:31   #10
Registered User
 
Sailmonkey's Avatar

Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Houston
Boat: ‘01 Catana 401
Posts: 9,626
Re: Honda EU2000 or Harbor Freight Predator?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flyingriki View Post
This logic doesn't jive with most of what I've read of Harbor Freight product comparisons. They made a video of testing impact wrenches and theirs kept up with the popular brands for half the price.
Doesn't surprise me folks are getting good results with this generator. There is no evidence to the contrary that I know of?


You’ve read. Have you purchased and used?
Sailmonkey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2018, 17:37   #11
Registered User
 
Suijin's Avatar

Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Bumping around the Caribbean
Boat: Valiant 40
Posts: 4,625
Re: Honda EU2000 or Harbor Freight Predator?

Everything I've bought from Harbor Freight, I've done so under the assumption that it is basically disposable. I would say that assumption has been correct 90% of the time. They work, but their longevity is where they almost inevitably fall down.

Don't have any direct experience with their generators but most of their power tools have a pretty short lifespan and the initial quality can vary widely. I would be very concerned buying a $500 item from them and relying on it far away from any store. And the one consistent complaint you hear from people who buy cheap generators is that they don't last.

That said, the quality of stuff out of China is up and down and all over the place and changing all the time with factories improving their processes and designs and personnel. I have a bunch of Milwaukee 12v stuff and it's absolutely bullet proof. So it would not surprise me if HF stuff was getting better over time. But I'd have to experience it first hand.
Suijin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2018, 17:56   #12
Registered User

Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: San Francisco Bay area
Boat: Condor Trimaran 30 foot
Posts: 1,501
Re: Honda EU2000 or Harbor Freight Predator?

We just did this same topic a couple of weeks ago when i posted up about the Ryobi versus Honda.

Many of us have had such good luck with the Hondas. I love Honda engines in anything they do. My Honda gas lawnmower...12 years or so...not a penny put into it other than blades. Starts first pull. I swear it is true.

But i also believe that competitors are making better and better mousetraps to compete with Honda. Ryobi for me...no disrespect Honda...I'll always love you. The Ryobi also has wifi on it so you can see what's left in the tank and output ampage right from the bunk with out going out in the rain to see what's in the tank.

As far as Harbor Freight...they always replaced any power tool i bought. I have some tools like sawzall that i have pounded hard that cost a third of what a Milwaukee costs and does the job just fine. Replace brushes ...that is it.

Guys...let's face it...we have prejudices ...and for good reasons. But Cheaper does not always mean less reputable. Yes, it does sometimes and i concede that point. But many times we are paying for a Brand Name and it is not worth 200% more than other manufacturers.

I paid 40 percent less for the Ryobi than the Honda.
alansmith is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-03-2018, 06:51   #13
Registered User
 
CaptTom's Avatar

Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Southern Maine
Boat: Prairie 36 Coastal Cruiser
Posts: 3,090
Re: Honda EU2000 or Harbor Freight Predator?

I've really missed my EU2000i since it was stolen a few years ago. It's really a tertiary backup, so I can't justify replacing it. Despite being a huge Honda fan, maybe it's time to consider alternatives.

I'd like to hear more specifics about why folks consider the HF or Ryobi knock-offs inferior. Generalizations are often valid, but I'm more interested in the details. Do they really have plastic carburetors vs. metal ones on the Honda? Are there other specific parts which are inferior or more prone to wear?

I'm really conflicted here. I know some folks insist on buying brand-name stuff regardless of any proof that it's better. I also know buying cheap crap can come back to bite you.
CaptTom is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 05-03-2018, 08:34   #14
Registered User
 
Cadence's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: SC
Boat: None,build the one shown of glass, had many from 6' to 48'.
Posts: 10,208
Re: Honda EU2000 or Harbor Freight Predator?

Quote:
Originally Posted by S/V Illusion View Post
That's a good assumption. Look at the plastic parts such as the carburetor. Like most HF stuff, cheap doesn't equal value
I'm with you on HF products. Occasionally they will advertise a brand name product. You best be the first one in the door to get the one, if that many, in stock. If it is something with no moving parts their stuff may be OK if you are not betting you life on it or don't mind throwing it or losing overboard.
Cadence is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-03-2018, 08:39   #15
Registered User

Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 116
Re: Honda EU2000 or Harbor Freight Predator?

I have a Northern Tools PowerHorse 2000 watt genny...Quiet as any Honda. I have no idea how many hours, it just runs and runs.

You can hook two of them together.

It also has a 30 amp plug in.

I paid $350 for it.

So I could by 3 of these guys before I paid for one Honda!!

Runs great, starts easily.
Gypsyjon is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
honda, honda eu2000

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Honda EU2000 VS Kipor 2000 Wmiii Electrical: Batteries, Generators & Solar 11 11-09-2014 09:59
For Sale: Honda EU2000 Companion Used Once rabend Classifieds Archive 3 05-04-2013 20:50
Honda EU2000 Largest Charger phiggins Electrical: Batteries, Generators & Solar 76 25-02-2012 05:56
EU2000 Honda Generator Jim Lindquist Electrical: Batteries, Generators & Solar 0 31-01-2011 17:42
Honda eu2000, Iota 55 Charger, Trojan T105 Batteries davisr Electrical: Batteries, Generators & Solar 32 27-11-2009 16:52

Advertise Here


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 14:25.


Google+
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Social Knowledge Networks
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.

ShowCase vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.