Generator safety????

T

Tblair

New Member
Jul 11, 2016
24
Ohio
Boat Info
2006 sea Ray 290 sundancer
2005 Chevy 2500HD duramax
Engines
Twin 5.0 bravo III
Ok, I've got a 07 290 Sundance with no Genset. I have a brand new Honda eu2000i generator and I know about the dangers of carbon monoxide. What I'm considering doing is converting the Honda eu2000i to propane to reduce emissions. Ok so I would either run this on the swim platform or.... option 2 would be to mount it in the engine compartment with a flexible exhaust extension and a stainless through hull just like a factory genset would be vented. I don't think the propane would pose any kind of vapor / explosion threat in the engine compartment. I know this would be a major NO NO with a gasoline setup. So what do you guys think? Just looking for some opinions on this setup. I'm trying to take every precaution I can just want to see what others think about this. Thanks
 
Just thinking out load here, but, the engine compartment gets very hot from the heat from the motor. Wouldn't putting a propane tank in the engine compartment create the same type of scenario as leaving a propane tank for your bbq grill in a hot car?
 
Regardless of fuel, you should not put a Honda generator in the bilge... it is not spark safe.
 
Jim beat me to it. Marine rated generators are the only ones that are safe to put on boats. Period.

C'mon man, if you want a boat with a generator you're going to have to buy a boat with a generator.

What is your life and the lives of your family worth to you?

It just is not worth the risk.
 
Ok, so I guess scratch the idea of putting the generator in the engine compartment. Is it worth it to convert the Honda to propane? No fuel vapors, don't have to mess with extra gas on the boat, and the propane would have lower carbon monoxide emissions than a factory installed genset? Selling the boat and buying a boat with a factory installed genset is not an option. 290 Sundancers in the newer body style were only made 06,07,08 so there are not many out there at all and this is the model my wife and I fell in love with. I looked for months to find one with a genset and couldn't find one in good condition. So I purchased a 290 without a genset but in excellent condition.
 
The only place the Honda will be safe to operate is strapped to your swim step.... And then the fight started - lol
 
I don't see any difference with propane or gasoline. Propane is heavier than air so in the event you had a leak it could fill the engine room and you could have a mess on your hands. Gasoline isn't easy to deal with either but if you keep it out of the boat then it would work.

I really don't think a portable genset is the right option here, how about fitting a proper genset to your boat? Also, I know you said you are aware of the CO danger but you need to install detectors as well.


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West Marine and others sell propane tanks for boats, however they recommend storing them in special vapor proof lockers which only open above deck. I'm not sure you have the room on your boat to mount one of these propane lockers. That's the only way I'd do it personally. I like your idea though to switch to propane and avoid the carbon monoxide.
 
I have a factory installed CO detector and another that I installed. I have checked into getting a factory installed genset added but the best quote I've got so far is 6K. For 6k I guess I don't really need one that bad. I know portables are frowned upon and I can understand why. If I can't use the portable safely and a factory installed genset is 6K I may just have to do without. I just though I may have been onto a "safer option" with the propane conversion.
 
No Honda generators in the bilge under any circumstances, even for storage when not running. No propane storage in the bilge either.

From a CO safety point of view a portable generator on the swim platform is much safer than a generator in the bilge.
In either case the biggest safety factor is the operator. Functioning CO detectors are a must, preferably ones with a digital readout as well as the alarm.
 
Tblair said:
If I can't use the portable safely and a factory installed genset is 6K I may just have to do without.
Click to expand...

I enjoy having a genset - primarily because I have it - but we went many years on our 310DA without one and I can't remember ever saying "Damn, if I only had a generator" during that period. I also looked at installing one and walked away at the price.
 
I realize $6k is not chump change by any means but I actually think it would be worth it to go that route. Figure the Honda plus a conversion is over a $1000. So now you're at $5000. Added value to the boat on resale is probably easily that. So it may make sense if you overnight a lot. I loved my 290 and always liked knowing I had all the power I needed while away. To me it made the boating experience that much more enjoyable. Throw in the safety factor and I would give that more thought. Is that for a Koehler like from the factory? What about a Westerbeke or some other brand?

Btw my good friends enjoyed meeting you! Small world!
 
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Yes, that is for a factory installed genset like the boat would have come with. I'm trying to find other brands/installers to get more quotes on aftermarket. Suggestions?
 
Look at a westerbeke 3.0BPMG - That is what I installed in my 300DA - I bought mine used with 40hrs on it - when I did the conversion 6-7 years ago it cost me about 3k total IIRC (that is doing ALL the labor myself)........the new ones are fuel injected low Co models (and I think the new ones are 3.5, so they make about 30A like your shore power) and a professional conversion would probably run 10-12k - It is a big job that involves cutting 2 holes in your boat, lifting in and mounting the gen (another advantage of the small westerbeke as two can lift it), wiring a transfer switch, and tying into the fuel system......a lot of labor and parts besides the gen itself, but worth it. If you don't want the expense, just run the Honda as is on the platform - its not safe or recommended, but a LOT of people do it anyway - if you do go that route, do us a favor and keep it quiet here - we don't need the drama...PS there is a great old thread by the member Presentation on here that chronicles the same conversion on his 280DA - Good Luck

 
I'm sorry I just noticed your last sentence. Didn't see it before. Yes I had a great time with your friends. Really nice people and very nice new boat they just got.


QUOTE=Cincy Aquaholic;944577]I realize $6k is not chump change by any means but I actually think it would be worth it to go that route. Figure the Honda plus a conversion is over a $1000. So now you're at $5000. Added value to the boat on resale is probably easily that. So it may make sense if you overnight a lot. I loved my 290 and always liked knowing I had all the power I needed while away. To me it made the boating experience that much more enjoyable. Throw in the safety factor and I would give that more thought. Is that for a Koehler like from the factory? What about a Westerbeke or some other brand?

Btw my good friends enjoyed meeting you! Small world![/QUOTE]
 
Where would I find the article or thread your referring to from the person who added a genset to his 280DA?
 
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