Mobile Generator

[RainDog]

Originally Posted by robgrant1

Can the Honda EB2000I be plugged into the boat's shore power port using a marinco power cord to power the outlets while charging the battery bank?

Yes. If you want the 30amp plug, buy the companion model. Or you can use an adapter and the regular (non-companion) model.

[AnchorageGuy]

Our Honda had the 30 amp style twist outlet so that the shore power cord could be directly plugged in. If the generator only has a standard 20 amp outlet, an adapter pigtail to allow connection of a 30 amp cord is available. This is how we have always used the generator. We also made an adapter so we could run off our dinghy fuel tanks for extended runs. The Trawler Beach House: Extended Use Tank For A Honda Generator In 4 Easy Steps . Chuck

[robgrant1]

Is the charger self-regulating or do you have to monitor the process to avoid overcharging the battery?

[Sailor Doug]

I plug mine from 12 amp plug into the shore power 30 amp plug. Simple works well if you only need 2kw.
My charger is a 40 amp three stage, works at dock and with the Honda.


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[Reefmagnet]

The onboard 12vdc supply on Honda and similar gensets should not be used to charge batteries in all but the direst emergencies. Not only is it unregulated, it is also inefficient.

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[robgrant1]

Reefmagnet, So better to run the engine to recharge the batteries and use the portable generator how; just to plug into the ac outlets?

[StuM]

Originally Posted by robgrant1

Reefmagnet, So better to run the engine to recharge the batteries and use the portable generator how; just to plug into the ac outlets?

Better to use the AC outlet on the generator to drive a battery charger.

[Reefmagnet]

Originally Posted by robgrant1

Reefmagnet, So better to run the engine to recharge the batteries and use the portable generator how; just to plug into the ac outlets?

It's a good idea to have a battery charger for shore power. Just plug the generator into the shore power socket on your boat, using an adaptor as discussed above if need be.

So, something like this...
Generator -> Shore power socket -> Battery Charger -> Batteries.

I can charge at a max 50 amps continuous with my Honda 1000 and Sterling charger. These are an efficient charger. Some other brands can only charge to about 30/35A max from the same genset because they aren't as efficient. During the charging cycle this peak output usually tapers off rapidly as the batteries approach full charge. This is what makes a genset a good alternative to running the main engine for charging batteries if the engine is not going to concurrently perform other functions. Much more economical, and running diesels for extended periods at light loads can lead to glazed bores.

I would also argue the above can eliminate the need for a dedicated starting battery as well, allowing you an increased housebank size (split into 1-both-2 banks as a precaution, though). This is the system I use with success on my boat which has limited room for batteries.

[robgrant1]

I think we're on the same page (which makes me fear for your mental stability ;-)). I will have the charger, the shore power outlet, and the generator.

[Sailor Doug]

😊⛵️


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[Reefmagnet]

Originally Posted by robgrant1

I think we're on the same page (which makes me fear for your mental stability ;-)). I will have the charger, the shore power outlet, and the generator.

If you go for the smaller Honda like the 1000 unit just ensure it has enough output to power an existing charger if you already have it installed. Best way is to take your charger spec and ask the genset guy and/or vice versa with the charger guy if you aren't sure how it will work together. Failing that, you can always ask here :-)

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[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by robgrant1

Can the Honda EB2000I be plugged into the boat's shore power port using a marinco power cord to power the outlets while charging the battery bank?

Sure but the generator won't put out anything close to the 30amps the plug is labeled as.

I believe the 2000watts is peak output (as in a few seconds or minutes, don't remember which). It's only rated for 1600watts continous or about 13amps.

[sailnow2011]

Oh great, another person who will ruin an anchorage and poison themselves with CO.
I had to listen to one of those rattletraps one night on the ICW. The guy was using it to run a spaceheater. Sounded like someone was mowing the grass. There was no wind, and it ruined our sleep. I have an 18' boathook, and if we came close enough I would have knocked it into the water. Keep your honda's and other brand portables at home.

[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by sailnow2011

Oh great, another person who will ruin an anchorage and poison themselves with CO.
I had to listen to one of those rattletraps one night on the ICW. The guy was using it to run a spaceheater. Sounded like someone was mowing the grass. There was no wind, and it ruined our sleep. I have an 18' boathook, and if we came close enough I would have knocked it into the water. Keep your honda's and other brand portables at home.

If they are poisoning themselves with CO, no worries...they will only do it once, so your sleep is protected. Reality is a few simple precautions and they are safe to use.

If it sounds like a lawn mower, it isn't a Honda/Yamaha inverter style generator as it being discussed. Now if it's a cheap contractor style generator, thats a bit different. Then again, if they were running a space heater, odds are you had your windows closed at most it should be a very low hum.

Some of the comments about generator or traveling under power baffle me. Are sailors really that sensitive to noise? How do sailors survive in the regular world?

[sailnow2011]

Originally Posted by valhalla360

If they are poisoning themselves with CO, no worries...they will only do it once, so your sleep is protected. Reality is a few simple precautions and they are safe to use.

If it sounds like a lawn mower, it isn't a Honda/Yamaha inverter style generator as it being discussed. Now if it's a cheap contractor style generator, thats a bit different. Then again, if they were running a space heater, odds are you had your windows closed at most it should be a very low hum.

Some of the comments about generator or traveling under power baffle me. Are sailors really that sensitive to noise? How do sailors survive in the regular world?

We could see it from our deck. At the time we had no generator, and had thought about getting a honda. That night sold me on a proper installed generator. It was nearly silent, until the space heater kicked on. Then it went into lawnmower mode, like all hondas do. They rev up, and create a racket. Sailors want a quiet anchorage. Thats just how we are. We don't travel a thousand miles so that we can share the location with loud people. At the dock I expect noise, in an anchorage, I do not. We have a 1" thick fibreglass hull, but hondas under load are LOUD.