generator on board

I

irishfire

New Member
Sep 15, 2009
134
toronto
Boat Info
78 SRV 240 weekender
Engines
1 lonely 5.7L Merc
Hi, this will be our first full season with our boat...i have a question about generators...when out on the water for the day or for a couple days, do most people bring a generator ( ie Honda eu 2000) to run certain things ( margarita blender ) and also to make sure your batteies will get you back to port?
what do most people do to run radios and such while out playing?
Thanks
Chad
 
Before this topic even gets started again, you may want to do a quick search on portable generator. This has been hashed around a couples times and some people have very strong feelings about it.
 
Hi, There is a ton of info on this site regarding this issue. just do a search. The "CO" problem is the bigggest issue. You don't want to wake up dead. JG
 
Long extension cord hooked into shore power works when the boat is out of the water or at the dock...
 
Chuck1- thanks i am aware fo the search option, i didnt have a lot of time for alot of searching, and i know some people wont mind repeating a couple points i am looking for...

Jabs - dual batteries

JohnEgraham - it wouldnt be running at night and a think i CO detector would measure any dangeroius levels..

Rcknecht, that is exactly what i was wondering, and i believe that will run all the equipment and not worry about flat batteries...right?

tobnpr- what does your reply mean?
 
and...if a genny is a bad idea, what can i use while out on the water to run such things as radios and blenders? there must be a few things i can use...thanks
 
Irishfire,
As was said earlier there were threads on this before with some heated discussion about pros and cons. I think more cons than pros. Take the time and do the search you will see what I'm talking about.

Jack
 
Irish - don't worry about it. The general consensus is the risks outweigh the benefits. That being said - a lot of people are using portables but you definitely need to have multiple CO detectors and be aware of the risks. Get a CO detector which has a digital readout so you can monitor any rise in levels.

The portable can be a great way to run appliances or a charger - most people place on the swim platform although there are some examples of placing them at the bow and out of the way of the cockpit. If at the swim platform and you are using that space you can run into potential high levels of CO and may not realize it.

Other options are to use an inverter connected to a good set of deep cycle batteries. Typically you'd want a starting battery so you can always get the engine running after a day out and then a house battery (or a pair of house batteries). The inverter could be connected to the house bank and a good inverter will power small appliances without a problem. West Marine has a good article which may help: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/westadvisor/10001/-1/10001/Inverters.htm

You've got some options - just be careful and be aware of the risks associated with the choice you make.
 
yeah i have my mind made up for sure....using it to run a few things every now and then while out on the water is perfectly safe...there is enough air movement if i need to run it to make a margarita or or charge a battery....it doesnt run all night like some people eluded too... besides you need alot of CO and zero education to be killed by it...cheers all, enjoy your genny or non genny experience...thanks for all the advice
 
irishfire said:
Hi, this will be our first full season with our boat...i have a question about generators...when out on the water for the day or for a couple days, do most people bring a generator ( ie Honda eu 2000) to run certain things ( margarita blender ) and also to make sure your batteies will get you back to port?
what do most people do to run radios and such while out playing?
Thanks
Chad
Click to expand...

Irish,

My response was mostly in jest. You're relatively new here, so please don't mistake some tongue-in-cheek humor for anything else.

Actually, upon re-reading your question I have a different response. The dangers of CO poisoning relate mostly to the odorless, colorless gas infiltrating the enclosed cabin area with what can be deadly results. I see no issue with bringing along a 2000 (it's a great generator) for the reasons you mentioned. Everyone above decks, running the gen for a bit to charge your batteries- or fire up a blender, would pose very little risk. Stating the obvious, no canvas up, keep the gen downwind- on the platform if possible. Before entering the cabin for any length of time, shut down the gen, open the hatches, ventilate thoroughly, and of course, be sure you have an operational CO detector (or 2).

It's running the gen on deck- with persons in the cabin- that's the real hazard. Using one on deck in the open air is no different than using one in a campground. Do I need to say don't stick your nose in front of the exhaust? :) J/K... like you said, common sense...
 
oh for sure tobnpr i dont take anything seriously...i like the humor, but i guess i should have mentioned the total extent of my generator use, it wont be in constant use I am a firefighter and have respond to CO calls and have training in the effects and behavior of the gas, so i am confident....yes i am new here and to boating thats why i appreciate all the info from here its great and very needed...i read all the "generator" posts and wow some great discussions...
 
I had 4 additional golf cart batteries and an inverter that would run a/c on my 260. Worked great and less headaches than a portable generator. That being said running a portable generator for margaritas and for emergency starting scenarios is not a big deal, as long as you realize the dangers of the portable generator.
 
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