Portable Honda Generators - Advertised on ClubSeaRay ???

[fwebster]

I stow mine in the transom trunk while under way and you're telling me that the un-powered shore power breaker can cause a spark there and I should be concerned? You really are clutching at straws.

On my generator there is a fuel shut off valve that I close while the generator is running and I allow it to run until it stops due to lack of fuel. No fuel in the bowl that way.

Of course not……………


I am concerned about the less experienced CSR members who read your posts where you say portable generators are perfectly safe,
ut never explain how you control the risks.

 

[islandhopper00]

So, put a bandaid over the reverse polarity indicator light-got it

Well, I use a Curad brand, because the gause is thicker and the light doesn't bleed thru. Lol

 

[islandhopper00]

Seriously, Frank is right, and everybody that has concerns with generator usage. Please anyone that is considering using one, educate yourself. Know the risks, make an informed decision.
I use one, but accept the risks as manageable.

By the way, I made an enclosure for my Honda, that sits on the swim platform by itself. It is a vented enclosure.In my mind, there is little difference between this set up, and the outboard motor hanging on a dingy on the swim platform or from a rail mounted storage bracket.
The dangerous proposition is refueling the dang thing, when spilling gas on the boat is very real. I do my best to manage a refueling when I can do it on the dock or better on land.

 

[dvx216]

I agree with all of your concerns if you are not knowledged enough to do the research to operate a portable generator in this situation then you should not run one.But if you do your home work there is a reasonable safe way to operate one on a boat which is no different then in a Rv.The Carbon Monoxide problem is present with all gas burning devices portable or installed so that it no different.With proper electrical preparation a portable generator can be set up to do the job safely . So if you are saying the average person should not run a portable generator so be it. My back ground is 32 years doing electrical work In house for a generating power plant so I feel as though I am capable of doing this safely.That does not mean I would ever run one near any other boats.

 

[islandhopper00]

Dvx, great write up, and good point on usage.

I have a hardened rule I live by. If anyone in my raft up isn't comfortable with my portable gen usage, I don't use it.....I hand them my extension cord and tell them to plug me up! Lol

 

[estoltz]

No it is not "perfectly safe", rather it is at best a managed risk.

MM

You mean like flying, or sky diving, or ... boating? All "Managed risks".

 

[Billfletcher]

Personally I am most concerned about my safety on the freeway, walking through a crowded parking lot, or walking down the stairs of my home. Theoretically, those are things that will do me in.

My kids are always concerned about sharks when we swim in the ocean. I tell to them to put their Iphone down when they walk through the parking lot, and worry about the above noted factors, not the sharks.

I also swim behind my boat with the electricity plugged in, along with the 100 divers in San Diego bay each day. I have yet to hear of a diver in so-cal being electrocuted, but I know it has happened in other parts of the US. How many people died in car accidents last night across the U.S.?

I don’t have a portable genny, so I can’t, and don’t want to comment.

The points people are making are valid, but the “managed risks” comment is valid as well. Life has inherent risks, and we need to manage them the best we can. As FW pointed out, unfortunately there are a lot of people that run by the seat of their pants, don’t take the needed precautions, and end up hurt. This involves portable generators, or the decision to drink 6 beers and take their friends out for a boat ride. I think most people on a boating forum are doing their due diligence, and will in general run their boats safely.

Again, not down playing the issues of a gas fired portable gen on a boat, but I think we sometimes miss the forest through the trees in regards to the bigger picture.

 

[estoltz]

Well stated Bill.