Thoughts on using Honda generator

[Four Suns]

I think the stingy guy with the big boat in the middle could have tossed you all a cord... He not like you guys?


________


Where is Wingless? You out there dude?

oh wait... maybe he responded and I just can't see it... damn.

 

[sbw1]

I've listened to both sides of this debate for years. My take is the Honda is ok if you are prudent. People, especially kids should not hang out where it is running. Don't run it when you sleep. Have the CO detection equipment. etc........... Hell, my CO detector for the WB goes off all the time when on the hook. We ventilate the area and get on with life. If the CO keeps going off, we turn the genny off. The beauty of a boat with all 12 volt systems is you don't have to sweat this detail. Our ice maker holds its temp for 24 hours and AC is not a big deal for us during most of our season. When we need AC we are running the boat so this is not an issue. The Honda should be ok as well.

 

[fc3]

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.

The fuel tank might have a vent shutoff, but what about the carburetor? What about the rest of the system? These things are not engineered to be safe on a boat. Unless you're competent do evaluate and re-engineer them you are taking a risk that you cannot calculate or otherwise logically evaluate.

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:

You mean the one with the Kawasaki or Mitsubishi engine? I know the Mitsubishi engine is used in a teeny tiny car that's not imported to the US. Supposedly even smaller than a civic if you can imagine that!

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

Probably the people who bought all of those Yamaha stern drive powered boats in the 80s.

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

Just don't let the cord sag and hang into the water. If you do, somebody is going to come by, unplug it and put you on report.

I've listened to both sides of this debate for years. My take is the Honda is ok if you are prudent. People, especially kids should not hang out where it is running. Don't run it when you sleep. Have the CO detection equipment. etc........... Hell, my CO detector for the WB goes off all the time when on the hook. We ventilate the area and get on with life. If the CO keeps going off, we turn the genny off. The beauty of a boat with all 12 volt systems is you don't have to sweat this detail. Our ice maker holds its temp for 24 hours and AC is not a big deal for us during most of our season. When we need AC we are running the boat so this is not an issue. The Honda should be ok as well.

Don't see a lot of prudence in the real world. But I do see a lot of stupidity. Here's one from Boat US Insurance's publication Seaworthy.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[Hampton]

Just don't let the cord sag and hang into the water. If you do, somebody is going to come by, unplug it and put you on report.

Best regards,
Frank

Nice catch.

 

[comsnark]

Dang. I guess I shouldn't be using my (gas) power washer or my (gas) mower. At least not in the house anyway.

But seriously. . .given the amount of CO these things put out, the fact that people get this to concentrate in boat cabins says something very uncomplementary about the ventilation in the boats.

There are many levels of stupid. Using a generator on an open deck is a different level of stupid than putting a generator in an engine compartment vented with a dry-rotted rubber hose. And no. . I am NOT advocating generator use on a boat.

 

[sbw1]

So.........stupid people should not use one. Prudent people should be ok, Right?

 

[fc3]

Nice catch.

It's nice to be remembered. Isn't it?

There are many levels of stupid. Using a generator on an open deck is a different level of stupid than putting a generator in an engine compartment vented with a dry-rotted rubber hose. And no. . I am NOT advocating generator use on a boat.

Yeah. Do the paid professionals get extra stupid points because they do something stupid but should know better? OR does the guy who paid the professional who did something stupid get extra points because he didn't do his due diligence?

So.........stupid people should not use one. Prudent people should be ok, Right?

Right. Let God sort 'em out. (or Allah)

Best regards,
Frank

 

[dgrumm]

2 summers ago I saw the Coast Guard pull a drunk passed out guy from a cuddy cabin due to CO from his portable genny. He lived (and showed up back at the party the next afternoon), but only because his buddy found him and susptected CO and called 911.
On my previous boat, I (and 4 other boats we rafted off with) used Honda generators on the pulpit every weekend. Never for AC at night, but throughout the day/evening to keep the beer cold and tunes cranked. It worked great.
However, after seeing the reality of what could happen, I made sure to shut it off before I got too far into the scotch, and made sure my buddies were all off before I went to bed.

 

[dpmulvey]

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

Plug adapter for me. Other than the red reversed polarity light (not an issue if you follow the electric flow (or lack thereof!)) it was not an issue.

 

[fc3]

Plug adapter for me. Other than the red reversed polarity light (not an issue if you follow the electric flow (or lack thereof!)) it was not an issue.

Actually, that's an interesting issue that I forgot, having not thought about these thing for several years. These things use inverters. Now an inverter drives both line and neutral so it is possible to have potential between neutral and ground. With ground bonded the the boat's bonding system, which mean to the water, this implies a shock hazard may exist that normally should not. Since I don't have one of these generators, all users should use a very good, sensitive multi-meter to throughly prove out the electrical system. That the reverse polarity light is lit is clear indication of a potential problem.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[comsnark]

Yeah. Do the paid professionals get extra stupid points because they do something stupid but should know better? OR does the guy who paid the professional who did something stupid get extra points because he didn't do his due diligence?

Indeed. Gotta watch out for professionals.

As Gary said. . I have no dog in this fight. I don't have a genny, I don't have a portable generator. It's not even on my wish list.

 

[fc3]

Indeed. Gotta watch out for professionals.

As Gary said. . I have no dog in this fight. I don't have a genny, I don't have a portable generator. It's not even on my wish list.

I don't have a dog in this fight either. Actually I have a golden retriever. Goldens aren't much for fighting. They're more swimmers. But mine doesn't swim. He does like to wander around outside while sniffing around and peeing on things. Sniffing around and peeing on things... That's kind of like being on CSR. No?

Best regards,
Frank

 

[sbw1]

I'm cool with that. Don't see the point of playing God. Most people are not Darwin candidtates and most b-board consultants are not God like.

 

[fc3]

I'm cool with that. Don't see the point of playing God. Most people are not Darwin candidtates and most b-board consultants are not God like.

Right. And free advice is often worth exactly what one paid for it.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[chuck1]

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:

I tried to warn you:huh:

 

[sbw1]

A good ending. El fin?

 

[Hampton]

Get a canary - if the canary goes to sleep, time to turn off the genny.

 

[Bridog]

IF someone was to use this wouldn't it be better mounted on the swim platform than on the bow? Especially while anchored?

 

[Woody]

Saw this on the Honda Generator site, red highlight by me.

How will you use the generator?
Typically, applications fall into one of 3 categories
Home back up (i.e. emergency power)
Honda's EU and EM series generators are designed to work well with a transfer switch, enabling you to quickly and easily power essential home appliances.
Recreational use (RV, camping, tailgating, boating)
Our Super Quiet EU generators are quiet and easily portable, perfect for most recreational applications.
Industrial use (construction and rental)
Designed with the construction worker in mind, our durable EB generators meet OSHA requirements.
Honda makes generators geared towards each of these applications. However, since each customer has unique needs, you should consider other factors while making a choice
Recreational applications
RVers:
The primary factor you need to consider is the size of your AC unit(s).
An EU3000is will power most 13,500 BTU AC units.
Larger AC units may need two EU2000i’s paralleled together.
The EU6500is works well for fifth wheels and RVs with dual AC units.
The AC’s needs may vary based on many factors, including the ambient temperature and the efficiency of your model. Your dealer can help you to select the best generator for your individual situation.
Campers, Tailgaters, and Boaters:
Usually 1000-2000 watts will handle most needs.
Check the power requirement of your blender, coffee pot or other appliances you want to use.

 

[fc3]

Saw this on the Honda Generator site, red highlight by me.

How will you use the generator?
Typically, applications fall into one of 3 categories
Home back up (i.e. emergency power)
Honda's EU and EM series generators are designed to work well with a transfer switch, enabling you to quickly and easily power essential home appliances.
Recreational use (RV, camping, tailgating, boating)
Our Super Quiet EU generators are quiet and easily portable, perfect for most recreational applications.
Industrial use (construction and rental)
Designed with the construction worker in mind, our durable EB generators meet OSHA requirements.
Honda makes generators geared towards each of these applications. However, since each customer has unique needs, you should consider other factors while making a choice
Recreational applications
RVers:
The primary factor you need to consider is the size of your AC unit(s).
An EU3000is will power most 13,500 BTU AC units.
Larger AC units may need two EU2000i’s paralleled together.
The EU6500is works well for fifth wheels and RVs with dual AC units.
The AC’s needs may vary based on many factors, including the ambient temperature and the efficiency of your model. Your dealer can help you to select the best generator for your individual situation.
Campers, Tailgaters, and Boaters:
Usually 1000-2000 watts will handle most needs.
Check the power requirement of your blender, coffee pot or other appliances you want to use.

Perfect! Now if someone kills himself or has a bad accident, the lawyers will have this as exhibit A. "Members of the jury, despite not building and providing a means to install this device according to NMMA and ABYC specifications, the defendant advertised it as being suitable for boaters."