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robgrant1 · 12-02-2016, 15:06

I don't want to spring for a genset; so, I'm considering a Honda mobile instead. Is this a good solution or a bad one?

s/v Moondancer · 12-02-2016, 15:28

A large % of cruising boats carry one...It is an excellent idea!

An Australian friend who just finished a circumnavigation told me it was the best piece of equipment he ever bought.

Caribsailors · 12-02-2016, 15:30

That's that what we use!

Mirage Gecko · 12-02-2016, 15:50

Have been using ours for more than 10 years.Have had it on two boats and in the back of our 4WD for a lot of outback trips.
Ran watermakers,aircon units,battery chargers ,caravan ,house fridge during blackouts etc.
Not one minute of problems with it other than old fuel making it harder than normal to start after sitting for a few months.
My opinion might be best $2K I have ever spent.
Chris

stefano_ita · 12-02-2016, 16:02

Interesting 3d...

Where do you placed it? Outside at the aft, into the cockpit to repare it from waves, on the bow away from the people (about breath the exhaust gas let's say wind win always, except during saling that the aft position would be the best...obviously)

Sailor Doug · 12-02-2016, 16:30

I always use at anchor only. It sits nicely on transom so wind keeps waves and fumes away. At a dock you need to be sure fumes are not coming into the cabin, good to co detector.

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RainDog · 12-02-2016, 16:40

I have a KISS boat, so have no idea what I am talking about. That said, my impression is:

If you want a generator to charge your batteries, occasionally run AC appliances, and very occasionally run a small AC or heater, the the Honda is perfect for you.

If you want a generator to fuel a power hungry boat (AC, Microwave, Refrigerators, TV, Computers, etc. used on a regular basis) then splurging for a built in is a much better option.

Will you run your generator 2 hours a week? Get the Honda. 20 hours a week? Get the diesel generator.

Sailor Doug · 12-02-2016, 16:56

2k Honda will charge my battery's and heat my hot water tank. Makes you smell sweet and have a cold drink, for two hours running a day. Air conditioning requires something more.

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stefano_ita · 12-02-2016, 17:04

Do you use your generator directly or you have a big battery bank with inverter, so you just use the generator as battery charger?

Sailor Doug · 12-02-2016, 17:16

My Honda has 110 volt ac that powers water heater and battery charger. Four golf cart battery's power fridge freezer & house. I only have a small inverter for the tv. Computer is a iPad so chargers from 12 volt.
I have thought about one for the microwave but using propane stove makes more sense.

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Reefmagnet · 12-02-2016, 17:22

We've got a 1KVa Honda genset running a Sterling 50 Amp charger which is it's only real job. Thinking of maybe adding a 700 watt element to the HW tank as well down the track. Sure beats using the engine to top the batteries up when the solar isn't enough.

valhalla360 · 12-02-2016, 20:06

We have a Yamaha 2400. Nice option if you just need it occasionally.

It will run the air/con.

Do be careful to place it where exhaust goes overboard and not in the cabin and get a CO detector.

Ours is 8yrs old and goes between the boat and the RV and does nicely.

AnchorageGuy · 13-02-2016, 08:20

We ran the Honda 2000 on two boats for many, many years. It ran most of our 120 volt needs. We powered all of our small appliances, the microwave, toaster, hot water heater, etc. and battery charger. Not all at once and in some cases like the microwave, only that appliance. We also have an inverter hard wired, but seldom used it with the generator since that would be much less efficient. Eventually we installed a diesel generator to provide for our heat/ac system which the Honda would not power. It is a fine addition to your power needs but a complete system approach is still needed. Chuck