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

 

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

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

 

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.

 

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:

 

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...

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

This is never really a good debate.

 

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.

 

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:

 

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.

 

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..

 

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.

 

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.

 

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"

 

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?

 

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.

 

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:

 

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:

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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....

 

....

 

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.