Honda Generators vs Firman?

[NaturalPace]

So here we are in the 11th hour and just decided we NEED a generator! we were all set to buy a Honda as "everyone" seems to love them...and then, by chance, ran into a fellow who said he uses the Firman generator, much less money, same decibel level and good performance. It is about $600 or MORE less than the Honda 2000i. What do YOU think?? http://www.cruisersforum.com/images/...s/confused.gif
please help...THANKS!!! OMG! leaving for Mexico THURSDAY!!!

[landsend]

Not familiar with firman but you cant go wrong with the dependability of the Honda. Ours is in its second year of easy start, operating outside in the salt air. so quiet too.

[FSMike]

Originally Posted by NaturalPace

So here we are in the 11th hour -----
please help...THANKS!!! OMG! leaving for Mexico THURSDAY!!!

The most dangerous thing on a sailboat is a schedule.

[Lockjr]

There are a lot of reviews by a lot of cruisers who use Honda and swear by them. Firman may be too new to have any cruising followers. Have you put your hands on both of them and started both of them to see what you think of them. I have used honda engines for 25+ years on various items including generators and other small engine items great small engines. I still bought a Mercury when I bought my outboard not because it was any better but because it was more engine for the same money as a Honda. The start of both outboards was the same in feel and noise and my other criteria. Great after market for parts. So I saved some money and bought Mercury. The same may go for Firman but until you see a bunch of Firman's used in cruising the only real way to find out is to get your hands on one at a dealer and try it out really.

[RTB]

4 years on my Honda. Don't leave home without it. Get the EU2000i "Companion" model. I have a short 30 amp power cord that plugs into the Honda and shore power receptacle on the boat.

Ralph

[Stumble]

They may be great, I have no idea. But I would still buy the Honda. The Honda's reputation for reliability is just too good to risk on a knock off.

[a64pilot]

If they are any good, at less than half the price of a Honda, they will soon replace Honda's.
Many, many have tried, so far none have.


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[a64pilot]

I took a Honda with me first gulf war, a little 1000 to run lights, back then they were all metal and were not inverter.
I brought mine back and until it was stolen it still ran fine, I watched many, many inexpensive generators bite the dust in a week or so and my little Honda never missed a lick.


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[RTB]

Originally Posted by NaturalPace

OMG! leaving for Mexico THURSDAY!!!

I assume you are on the Pacific Coast? Never mind. I see that you are doing the Baja HaHa. Have a safe run.

Ralph

[rwidman]

I watched an infomercial from Generac comparing their new portable generator to the Honda. It's an inverter generator (genset) and according to the infomercial, it's better than the Honda in many ways and less expensive as well.

Of course it was a Generac ad, but it is made in the USA by an established generator company. I think if one was in the market for a portable genset, it would be worth checking into.

[sailorchic34]

One thing that jumped out too me looking at the specs of the firman is it's an 80cc engine. Honda is 98cc so loading on the firman engine would be higher for a given output.

My honda have been with me for 8 years now and still goes strong.. Mind you I only use it in winter months as solar carriers the boat most of spring, summer and fall.

[puffcard]

Ok two weeks you're in Mexico and you have a problem with your generator, which one will have the best part network, customer service and chance of getting it fixed. Nothing like things coming from China with no support. Call their customer service ask a few questions about parts and support and get a feel for their support. But a 2k watt gen for $530 does sound good. Heck if it breaks, throw it overboard its cheaper than a Ronca.

If this is a nice to have item, maybe go cheaper. If you got to have it go the high quality model. Also Yamaha gens are out there and a little cheaper than Honda. Seen several of them and they were not bad running units.

[boatbod]

Used my Honda 2000i daily for three years straight when I was cruising. Never missed a beat. Still have it 12yrs later and as long as I keep the gas out of the carb, it runs when I need it to.