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Old 01-03-2018, 04:23   #1
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Thinking about a portable generator for occassional use ?

Manufacturer installed a gas Kohler 5 E on my boat .
It's 20 years old, rusted in many areas, 250 hours .
Not maintained by previous owner
Location of generator is behind boats engine . Preforming any work on this generator is an impossible task
Recent major event generator internal windings, grounding .
Black smoke that engulfed rear of boat , looked like boat was on fire
Speaking with generator shop Generator must be removed .
Main engine has too come out then generator . Many thousands for a generator never used . Would have been better too not have a generator but a generator in a boat that is not operating is just bad .
Boat is marina kept . Use of Dock side for comforts of home.
Only time I used generator was too fire it up too keep parts moving . Never sleeping aboard on anchor, Seldom using generator for a/c while under way
I am not pulling an engine too rebuild a generator I never use , but here is my question .
I am planning a voyage . We will be staying at marinas with dock side
for A.C evenings
Have a Power inverter for TV & coffee while under way,
Just in case I have the need of a generator I am wondering a portable
Honda around 2500 - 3000 watts gas engine . Plugging dock side into generator , I know fumes a concern . My plan is too leave on swim platform far away or on bow tied too rail . Not pretty .
I heard others have done this and a vent hose for fumes into water?
What pros & cons about this plan and what must I do too operate this safely
I just want it aboard just in case but knowing us we like safety of dock with electric for a.c

thanks as usual
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Old 01-03-2018, 04:42   #2
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Re: Thinking about a portable generator for occassional use ?

I can't speak for the portable other than to say friends had 2 of the 2000 series they would connect together to run their A/C. Kept them on rear deck as far back as possible with the theory the bow would always be into the wind so exhaust would be off the rear. No need for an exhaust down to the water.

As for your old genset, can you get to it to the point you could start removing parts? You could remove it from the boat "a little bit at a time". Get rid of the weight, get rid of remaining gas and oil, gain more space for something!
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Old 01-03-2018, 05:07   #3
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Re: Thinking about a portable generator for occassional use ?

A lot of sailboats use portable generators this way, I think ones from any of the major brands are good. I have a really small 20lb 1000 watt Chinese generator but so far have not used it on the boat. I would say to make sure that its an inverter generator and be considerate of others in the anchorage. A lot of folks think their Honda is quiet and they are but not when out on the deck in a peaceful anchorage in the evening.
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Old 01-03-2018, 05:28   #4
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Re: Thinking about a portable generator for occassional use ?

Sounds like you've answered your own question. You never use/no need for the generator you have, so probably no real need to buy the Honda.

Don't have any idea what size/kind of boat you have or the area you intend to sail, but if you are marina hopping then you should be able to plug in every night and charge batteries if needed.

If by chance you ever anchor out, size/expand your battery bank to last an overnight. If you need air conditioning, I don't think a 2/3 kw Honda would be up for that task.

Edit: it is theoretically possible be able to run some single 9-16000 btu AC units (110V) on the 3K Honda if the starting current is <25 amps.

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Old 01-03-2018, 05:35   #5
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Re: Thinking about a portable generator for occassional use ?

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Originally Posted by Bill O View Post
I don't think a 2/3 kw Honda would be up for that task.

Bill O.
My friends found that to be true. They had to connect two, 2000 units together to run their A/C.
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Old 01-03-2018, 08:36   #6
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Re: Thinking about a portable generator for occassional use ?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill O View Post

Edit: it is theoretically possible be able to run some single 9-16000 btu AC units (110V) on the 3K Honda if the starting current is <25 amps.

Bill O.
As a data point:
I can run my 16,000 btu A/C without issue using a Honda 3000E
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Old 01-03-2018, 08:45   #7
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Re: Thinking about a portable generator for occassional use ?

My dock neighbor has a Honda 2000. He run's his 16K BTU AC unit with it. I was shocked when he told me, so I asked if I could try his Honda with my 16K AC unit.
Worked just fine.
If you are thinking about a Honda 2000, might want to give a look at the Generac version as well. I've never seen one up close and personal, but reading about it, it looks pretty good and has a few advantages over the Honda.
I have been around a few Honda's that were running and was always impressed as to how quiet they really are.
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Old 01-03-2018, 08:51   #8
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Re: Thinking about a portable generator for occassional use ?

Two good threads on portable generator use:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...boat-9389.html
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tion-4208.html

Highlights covered in these threads that are things to consider include carbon monoxide issues, grounding issues, storage, fuel storage, "marinizing" (if necessary), and the fact that Honda is moving up from the 2,000 to 2,300 watt models (so you might find the older 2k at a good deal).

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Old 01-03-2018, 08:57   #9
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Re: Thinking about a portable generator for occassional use ?

Since they all are going to rust out, why spend $1000 or more on a Honda, when you can go to Northern Tools and get something similar for $350?

I have one and it is every bit as quiet as a Honda.
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Old 01-03-2018, 08:58   #10
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Re: Thinking about a portable generator for occassional use ?

There is a new version called the Honda 2.2 which you might be interested in, or grab a bargain as dealers discount the older 20i models (hopefully). We sold our 20i for nearly what we paid for it 4 years previously, so a good market for second hand ones. I would buy new though.

We placed ours on the deck so the wind took the exhaust fumes away downwind and never had a problem. We put a car mat under it to damp down any noise and vibration and to stop the rubber feet from marking the deck non slip surface.

The boat electrics give showed no earth warning light when powered from the Honda, this didn't bother us.

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Old 01-03-2018, 08:58   #11
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Re: Thinking about a portable generator for occassional use ?

FYI Honda is replacing the 2000 with a 2200. https://ventry.com/blogs/faqs/new-ho...eu2000i-models
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Old 01-03-2018, 10:22   #12
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Re: Thinking about a portable generator for occassional use ?

We mounted a Honda 2000 three years ago on a ss mount on the transom and sewed a cover so it stays there, out of the weather. Its worked really well, providing 90 amps through the Xantrex charger when batteries are below 85% SOC.
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Old 01-03-2018, 10:26   #13
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Re: Thinking about a portable generator for occassional use ?

The Honda is vastly superior to many of the others because they do what they say. Tests will show you that many others make claims that don't stand up in the real world. My 3000 has the twist lock and will run my microwave and two small electric heaters when on the hook. Tied on the swim platform you have to listen for it to know it is going.
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Old 01-03-2018, 15:43   #14
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Re: Thinking about a portable generator for occassional use ?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete7 View Post
The boat electrics give showed no earth warning light when powered from the Honda, this didn't bother us.
Gord May has some info on the grounding issue in post #3 here:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tion-4208.html

An easy fix is to create a dummy bonding plug to plug into the other outlet:
Generator Ground-Neutral Bonding | No~Shock~Zone

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Old 01-03-2018, 17:45   #15
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Re: Thinking about a portable generator for occassional use ?

I know this is unlikely to change anyone's mind, but as the guy on the other boat in the anchorage, your honda generator running on deck is really, really annoying to listen to. I sure wish you guys would get and install proper generators.
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