Thoughts on using Honda generator

[240da]

I would like your thoughts/experience on using a Honda generator. I'm considering buying the 2000i model and using it occasionally for a/c at night.

I lnow all of the CO issues and we have 2 CO detectors in the cabin. I was considering locating it on the swim platform (secured very well, of course). I know these models are very quiet (as portables go) and provide well regulated power.

Thanks in advance for sharing any experiences.

 

[chuck1]

You make want to do a search on Honda generators, this issue has been hashed pretty good before.

 

[First Born]

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11618&highlight=honda

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=886&highlight=honda

 

[dpmulvey]

The 2000iu is the best thing that has happened for smaller cruisers since the invention of the mid cabin. When I owned my Regal 2465, it was indeed the best purchase I made for the boat.

If Honda ever decided to marinize the 2000iu, the rest of the gennie manufacturers might as well hang up their spurs in anything under 4.5K.

My two cents.

 

[Four Suns]

I've never really debated this with anyone... I think it's stupid... but that's just me.

People die from portable generators on boats around the Chesapeake Bay every year it seems...

 

[rwvw415]

The only reason to do this is if you want to kill your family and yourself. Do not do it. Please

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

Use mine a lot. Works great and since you have a CO detector, you'll be just fine. Any gas engine can be dangerous (even the one in your engine bay). I put mine on the bow however. I can start it from the hatch. It is quiet and I can split the power off and allow others to charge their batteries when away from shore power.

Also, I need to mention, the cover (not shown) does a great job keeping it dry. We went through some really rough seas last summer up near Desolation and she did not move an inch nor get wet. Starts on the first or second pull every time. Check your local pawn shops for good used ones. They come available more often then you'd think.

 

[papogator24]

This is never really a good debate.

 

[First Born]

Correct this is never a really good debate....it is almost as bad as a political debate because everyone feels so strongly that they are right and the other side is wrong. Here is the standard Wesley response to this question, please do not take offense that someone disagrees with your opinion on this matter as there are only two sides and usually if you agree with one side you think the other side of boaters are complete idiots.

And here is my standard portable generator disclaimer:

Please do not use a portable generator for several reasons. If you do decided to do so, please do so at your own risk (not because anyone on this board said that you were ok to do so). We get this question several times every year and pretty much everyone on this board feels that it is not safe to do it, those that do, do so because they have done research and they feel comfortable doing it the way that they have decided to do it. If you do your research and you feel comfortable doing so please be safe.

 

[BadaBingII]

If you search on this, there are some folks who won't even run their marinized genny's overnight with people on board. Please don't do it.

 

[Groucho]

I used my Honda 2-K for 2 seasons to run my heat/AC. BUT...I was at a camping dock and ran a cord to shore. It has enough juice to do the job if thats was your question.

 

[gerryb]

I also have my views on this, but seeing Doug's picture... I can't imagine the lecture I would get from the other boaters in the marina I'm at with that setup...90% of them would think I'm an idiot -- the other 10% would know that I was an idiot... (No offense Doug - just giving a glimpse of our marina and the hard-liners here... They have learned to live with my 8' umbrella providing shade over my dockbox..)

...repeating the wisdom above...if you must...use detector(S) and please be careful..

 

[jitts3]

Uh OH! Paging Gary......Four Suns to the lobby please....quote]

Now this is funny, Not the topic. Whats wrong with a power inverter.
Now I'm new to this but this portable generator idea seems nuts to me. This is what I plan on doing on my 24ft boat.
I am gonna run 2 deep cycle marine Batterys and an A-B switch. I'll run a 1000 watt inverter to run the TV Coffee 12v Cooler and a fan to move air in the cabin. At night just the 12v cooler and fan. Now when plugged in at a dock run a battery charger to maintain the battery and switch the TV to 110 AC and not use the inverter at all.
The dual Battery is so I can get the engine started then switch to the weak battery once running and charge it.

 

[jitts3]

Use mine a lot. Works great and since you have a CO detector, you'll be just fine. Any gas engine can be dangerous (even the one in your engine bay). I put mine on the bow however. I can start it from the hatch. It is quiet and I can split the power off and allow others to charge their batteries when away from shore power.

Also, I need to mention, the cover (not shown) does a great job keeping it dry. We went through some really rough seas last summer up near Desolation and she did not move an inch nor get wet. Starts on the first or second pull every time. Check your local pawn shops for good used ones. They come available more often then you'd think.

Is that your cabin hatch next to it. Exhaust settling around the bow and getting thru the hatch doesn't concern you. I don't know what to say without makin enemys. This is crazy.

 

[jitts3]

Yea I know, 3 in a row. Try this link. I plan on getting one. anybody have luck with these.
http://www.davisnet.com/marine/products/marine_product.asp?pnum=00291
Seems logical.

 

[Zorba]

The only time i use my Honda is when we are at a dock without power available and keep it on land 50' (length of shorepower cord) away from the boat.

 

[Pseudomind]

If you search on this, there are some folks who won't even run their marinized genny's overnight with people on board. Please don't do it.

I am not asking you per se, but rhetorically here, why not use the generator overnight (speaking of Sea Ray factory installed here, not portable units)? Surely Sea Ray did some testing? Or this more of an issue with a smaller size boat? I have no idea what the boat size cutoff would be, but it seems strange to me, that on boats especially lets say over 30 foot. Some type of study was not done

I realize with gasoline engines one can get the "station wagon effect" if the cabin door is left open.

And I do have CO detectors which work, non-the-less I purchased a set of additional backup units, so now I have 4 units below deck. But just what are the actual facts as it relates to CO, and gasoline powered boats with gasoline generators?

It seems strange to me to make boats at least over 30 foot in length, supply a generator and air conditioning systems, but have a caveat, do not use generator when anchored at night. Now I do know Sea Ray states to run the bilge blowers while in use. Besides the possibly of gasoline fumes, I would imagine the blowers would also dispel CO.:huh:

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

CO detectors are not bulletproof, I have had several fail without warning.

Regards,
Scott

Have you ever run your engine when at the dock or on the hook? Nuf said.

Oh, and I'd recommend a high quality marine CO detector and replace it every three years. They do fail. But high quality ones can actually warn you of their impending failure. That should avoid "several" failing without notice...

Is that your cabin hatch next to it. Exhaust settling around the bow and getting thru the hatch doesn't concern you. I don't know what to say without makin enemys. This is crazy. jitts3

Yes it is. And it seals very well. The exhaust goes over the side to "settle".

Love the dramatics everyone. Dislike the display of lectures.

If you search on this, there are some folks who won't even run their marinized genny's overnight with people on board. Please don't do it. Badda

You're right, those people and any one else would be crazy to run a genny while you sleep and yet I see it every single day I am at the dock.

We get this question several times every year and pretty much everyone on this board feels that it is not safe to do it, those that do, do so because they have done research and they feel comfortable doing it the way that they have decided to do it. If you do your research and you feel comfortable doing so please be safe. First Born

Ah, someone with a logical well thought out response... Thanks Wes... Yes, I believe I take more cautions than most boaters and appreciate not being dramatically lectured by the self proclaimed experts.:thumbsup:

 

[Nehalennia]

From another Portable Genny thread:

I swore I was not going to participate in another discussion on this, but I cannot let with go with only 1/3 the caution needed.

Even though it is a substantial risk, CO is not the only issue with portable generators on a boat. The fuel systems on Honda's and others are vented to the atmosphere. That means where you run it, store it or put it under way will have gasoline fumes released in the area.

The electrical components on portables are not ignition protected like marine generator electrical components are.

While accidents are rare, you do substantially increase your risk of becomming a "statistic" when using a portable generator on a boat.......you put your family at unnecessary risk when you do.

I have entertained getting a Honda, but I've been hesitant because of this post.

I've never really debated this with anyone... I think it's stupid... but that's just me.

People die from portable generators on boats around the Chesapeake Bay every year it seems...

To me I really don't see why the CO would be any different than a built in genny. Does a Diesel genny kick out more or less CO than a Gas unit?

I've seen Doug's in action and it really was to charge batteries. It doesn't get warm enough around here for us to need A/C so it's not running at night.
He run's and stows it away from the engine bay. I've heard of people stowing it in there, and to me that's suicide.

That being said, I really would like to know why some can't dicipher the difference between a built in and Portable without simply saying "it's stupid". After reading many many threads on this I always avoid posting my questions/interest because it's such a volitile issue. I have, however, filtered through enough of the valuable tidbits to create the hurdle or resistance to get one.
For me it is not CO (as I feel the risk is the same between built in and portable). I suppose if the exhaust is closer to the water on the built in, it's safer but.....My resistance is because of items #1 and #2 below. So that all that read this know; I'd like to get the facts on the table without the "it's stupid or "you're an idiot" we've all heard those before.

So if you know and are not regurgitating previous threads I'd like to hear/know the facts and additional risks besides:
1. No great way to stow it
2. The fuel system as Frank describes above is suspect
3. What are the other considerations that "substantially increase your risk of becomming a "statistic" when using a portable generator on a boat.......you put your family at unnecessary risk when you do"

 

[jg300da]

Todd, I think that if you're not going to run it overnight than the fuel storage issue is a moot point because the Honda can run for many hours on a tank of fuel. In addition there is no higher CO level produced in comparison to a factory mounted unit. That being said, if you decide to go that way the only question would be transporting it safely. Is the benefit worth the effort of handling/transporting it?