Thoughts on using Honda generator

[MAKC]

Ive seen a lot of people use this Honda Generator, and if used the way it was intended, it usually doesnt cause much of a problem. Running it overnight to power your A/C on your boat most likely wasnt one of them. Would i run one overnight? No. But then again, i dont run the built in generator on my 320 overnight either. In my opinion, the CO risk just isnt worth taking even with all the precautions i take. I am also of the belief that you must clearly understand ALL the risks with something like this and then decide for yourself what risk is an acceptable one for you and your family. I think this forum will give you enough information to decide for yourself.

 

[240da]

Thanks MAKC:

I think you are right about not running it overnight. Not worth the risk, however, it would be nice to run the A/C before turning in for the night to cool the cabin during our balmy (think sweaty) Southern nights!

Thanks to all of you who responded to my initial post. Who would have thought that this subject could generate (pun intended) so much passion!:grin::grin:

 

[fc3]

Here we go...

First of all, what Frank said. I know. I say that a lot, but... what Frank said is correct.

Diesel engines do emit significantly less CO than gasoline engines.
There are a number of marine gasoline generators with catalytic converters which have been tested and confirmed to emit very little or no CO. I am not aware of any portable generator so equipped. There is a portable (sort of) diesel generator available on the market. However, it is far from quiet.

I do not run my generator at night, so I'm not too worried about CO. If one knows the symptoms of CO poisoning, they are easy enough to recognize and then to take corrective action. However, if one is sleeping then it's far too common to die from CO than it is to suddenly awaken and resolve the impending crisis. On the other hand, if I were to the type to anchor out and run the generator at night, I'd want to switch to one of the catalytic converter gensets, or just simply trade Just Ducky for a diesel.

CO detectors are nice, but I don't want to trust a number of lives to just one technology and the vagaries of air currents.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[Westie]

Here's an interesting read on CO poisening related to boating. Some of the key things I got out of reading this are

1) never leave any generator on over night.
2) never swim around the stern of a boat while either a generator or engine is running.
3) always have working and powered CO detectors
4) any time you smell engine exhaust CO is also present

Most of this is just commen sense, but a lot of people ack commen sense. (not directed at anyone here)

http://www.doubleangel.org/documents/NatlCaseListingBoat-RelatedCOPoisoningsMay2007April2008.pdf

 

[Vince_nj1]

This may seem obvious, but if you are going to use it and place it on the swim platform, make sure the exhaust isnt pointed at your boat.

 

[Four Suns]

I don't have a dog in this fight and don't think I've ever lectured anyone on why not to do it... I do think it's stupid but I also think crossing the Gulf Stream in a bow rider and jumping off a cliff with a winged suit on is stupid... but it's fun to watch.

One of the deaths that happened here on the Chesapeake last year involved a portable generator sitting on a swim platform and the people sitting in the cockpit got CO poisoning and one died... I don't think anyone can predict the airflow around the transom of a boat and there are instances that people die in broad daylight with a portable generator sitting in the middle of the swim platform. The air is going to be stagnant no matter which direction you point the exhaust and can go just about anywhere. I would think having the exhaust vented out the lower side of the boat is safer (like a built in one has) from an airflow point of view but I am no expert... I just don't want to be a statistic...

I do love the line of "I've never had a CO problem yet"...

I'm no expert... just an observer.

 

[jg300da]

I think as logical semi-intelligent adults we can conclude that the risk of death from CO poisoning while sitting in an open cockpit in broad daylight is far, far lower than it would be if sleeping in a cabin with the same generator running. We can also say with some certainty that the effect of exhaust gasses from a swim platform inches above the waterline would not vary much at all from the same exhaust gasses exiting the hull inches above the same waterline.
I have no dog in this fight either, and I don't condone using a portable genny, I just think that some of the hysteria and drama needs to be balanced with some common sense and reasoning. Educate yourselves and weigh the risks because you may not get a second chance.

 

[Blueone]

I would compare this to smoking... You know (if you believe everything you read) that smoking can kill you.... but alot of people still smoke. So all there is left to do is keep warning them of the dangers and hope they listen.... or if your really adamant and poses the powers of the govenor...ban all generators state wide in restaurants and bars....so you have to stand outside in the freezing cold to use it....

 

[Four Suns]

We can also say with some certainty that the effect of exhaust gasses from a swim platform inches above the waterline would not vary much at all from the same exhaust gasses exiting the hull inches above the same waterline.

You must be smarter than me because I wouldn't say that. A boat pointing into the wind at anchor with exhaust gas venting out the side of the boat by the water line is going to be different than the exhaust gas venting out in the stagnant/turbulent region behind the transom... I would think... Plus, there is one death in these parts last year that proves CO from the swim platform can get back into the cockpit and cabin.

 

[Four Suns]

....

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

I think anyone that does not observe safety related issues on any death associated tool is just plain dumb. You need to know the risks and take appropriate precautions. Having said all that, I am not responding to get some kind of a "ticking off fellow boaters contest" going. It is just that I like to speak from statistics and not hear say or I heard that blah blah blah... I am sure most of the intellegent folks on this forum would agree... Sooo...

Just setting the record straight...
According to U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Directorate for Epidemiology, 2007 report:

Number of Non-Fire Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Deaths Reported to CPSC Staff and Associated with Engine-Driven Tools by Location, 1999-2006:
I am only showing portable generator deaths from CO poisoning below...
Generator deaths related to CO from 1999-2006:
334 all generators
266 home use
51 Temporary shelter (includes RV's using a portable genny)
5 Boat
7 Other (office building, utility building and storage shed (offsite from home).​

5 Not reported as to location of death.

If you follow basic guidelines with respect to any power tool, you should be OK. I think we can conclude the 5 boat related deaths were of stupid people who did not take reasonable precautions when using their portable gennys. I know of many of them on the waters I ply every time I go boating. I am surprised at the low number when knowing there are a lot of possible Darwin awardees out there...


BTW, I intend to make this my last post on this subject. I am sorry that I can not find more recent government statistics but we all know how slow our govt works at times. If you can find more recent govt. studies, please let us know.

 

[Southpaw II]

:huh:Interestly, when I was checking this thread a few minutes ago, there was a "sponsored link" for a portable generator between posts.

 

[Woody]

Storage
The fuel system does vent to the atmosphere. We all agree volatile vapors are not wanted anywhere in the boat, so external storage and operation would be a must. Now protection of the unit, location/accessibility and aesthetics become issues.

Fuel system
While it does vent to atmosphere is the lack of ignition protection a concern to some because it may ignite it’s own vapors or is it because it may be an ignition source for vapors generated from other sources on or about the boat? My boat has a regular electrical outlet in the cockpit, some people smoke, some boats have gas grills(electrically ignited) or charcoal grills. If we were on land would we be concerned with the lack of ignition protection on these portable units?

CO
There is always a CO risk on a boat, gas especially, we have all heard of individuals alarms going off due to another boat or generator. I had mine go off twice while running off plane gawking at the scenery. No canvas was up and the grandkids had the cabin door open most of the time, it surprised me. If a portable unit is on a swim platform why would it’s exhaust be more risk than a marine unit in the er? One unit discharges off the stern the others often around the corner a couple feet from the stern. The question is not whether it’s a risk but is it a larger risk.

I will add that I feel an on board marine generator may have an additional risk that a portable doesn’t have…an exhaust system plumbed to the outside. I’ve not been in the er of as many boats as a lot of you fellows but I feel CO from a leaky exhaust system can easily enter the cabin areas of most boats I’ve been in. For those that don’t do it exhaust inspection should be part of regular maintenance.

I don’t know how my insurance company would respond to this subject but most of us are subjected to rules/laws etc that were brought about by the often stupid(oops) behavior of others. Story time….My father and I built a wood burner for my house, I had the agent come out and he complimented me on the system by saying it was one of the best units he ever saw. He then told me to take it out or he’d have to drop me. The reason….it was not a manufactured, UL approved unit. He said you wouldn’t believe the cobbled, -----engineered stuff people do, so no home made for anyone. He also mention going for inspections and finding recently cleaned out ashes smoldering away in cardboard boxes next to the stove. Perhaps these are the people who put the portable up on the bow but leave the porthole right below open or run their portables from the bilge while it sits next to their can of spare gas. Maybe they’re just to easy to misuse in a boating application.

I don’t have a genny of either type but will on the next boat so this interest me each time it comes up. I’ve answered no question but shared my thoughts on the subject. Would I have a portable on my boat…NO. I don’t have any extra space to waste and if there is extra risk I won’t accept it but the analytical part of me is seeing little difference if properly used
.

 

[jg300da]

You must be smarter than me because I wouldn't say that. A boat pointing into the wind at anchor with exhaust gas venting out the side of the boat by the water line is going to be different than the exhaust gas venting out in the stagnant/turbulent region behind the transom... I would think... Plus, there is one death in these parts last year that proves CO from the swim platform can get back into the cockpit and cabin.

Someone smarter than you? Hard to imagine.
There are countless positions for the generator and just as many wind variables that could make it less or more problematic.
My opinion is that the risks and the hassle outweigh the benefit.
I'm sure there are others that could think of ways to minimize the risks.

 

[hack4alivin]

Educate yourselves and weigh the risks because you may not get a second chance.

:thumbsup:There is the best line in this entire thread, and by now I think the education of the dangers has been make pretty clear.

 

[Bridog]

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.

Got that right!! I wouldn't have a problem using the Honda with the right precautions in place. AND... it would probably be better than that 10,000 dollar, spark plug eating, 120 decible lawnmower engine I have in my boat.:grin:

 

[Four Suns]

Too bad Honda doesn't make marine engines as well... who the hell would buy a mercruiser at that point.

 

[JYurgo]

To the people who are using the portable Honda's:

How are you using the generator? Are you just plugging devices into the 110v outlets or are you wiring up a plug/adapter to plug into the shore power plug of the boat and power the boats 110 system? Thanks

 

[Hampton]

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.

Just get an inflatable floaty for it. You could tether it by the cord.

 

[Nehalennia]

To the people who are using the portable Honda's:

How are you using the generator? Are you just plugging devices into the 110v outlets or are you wiring up a plug/adapter to plug into the shore power plug of the boat and power the boats 110 system? Thanks

Doug (GoAweigh2452) and two other boats and I were in Desolation Sound last Summer. We spent several nights out of 16 on the hook or without shorepower. Doug was kind enough to allow me to share his connection on his generator to recharge out batteries.

We all were aware they were on, no-one was in the cabins of these 4 boats and they never ran while we slept. Essentially each of the other 3 boats had one except me, and they were just used to charge up batteries. I think Doug used his more than he wanted because during the trip he discovered one of his house batteries was defective.