Honda's new eu2000i companion generator ?

[AirbusDriver]

I have thinking of getting a generator for my boat. I want to use it for charging my batteries (I have a Guest 20A two battery charger) and running a hatch style A/C occasionly while at anchor. Honda has a new eu2000i series that has a built in 30 Amp twist lock receptical. I have a few questions.
#1 Can I plug my shore power cord into this 30A outlet while underway and power my boat just like i'm back at the dock plugged in?
#2 Should I get the normal eu2000i and use a Marinco shore power adapter(30A twist lock to 3 prong household type) to power the boat?
The companion model is $999 and normal one is $899. It is begenning to get hot in Florida and SWMBO (she who must be obeyed) needs some cool air to stay happy Thanks.

[faisond]

I used one for several seasons before installing a diesel genset. It should run your drop-in A/C unit just fine. Mine would start and run my 12,000 Btu permanently installed unit but it was a strain. I made my own 115v household plug to 30 amp marine cable and then plugged into the shore power connection just as you envision (though I never operated it while underway). I can't say whether the plug on the more expensive model you are considering would fit your standard shorepower cord without seeing it.

Be aware of and manage the risks of carbon monoxide generation and having gasoline on board.

[Vasco]

To get the most out of the Honda you should have a bigger charger. Don't know the size of your battery bank but a 20 amp charger will take a lot of running time. Get the cheaper Honda and use a 15/30 amp adapter and a short extension corrd much easier than using the 30 amp power cord.

[LWinters]

I am cruising now and carry the older eu200i on board. When I was freezing my butt off in Texas in December just before I left it saved me big time by running my boats permanently installed heater. I like having the extra AC power if I need should the battery back unexpectedly go dead and I need charging power to get the diesel running again.

Either approach will work just fine regarding the 30 amp receptacle or modifying an old extension cord. I have an old 30 amp cord I modified with a 3 prong adapter to fit the basic honda model.

The max output is around 16 amps so depending on how much your AC unit pulls there may not be a lot of charging power left over to run the charger. But, if you are running the honda anyways for AC you might as well flip on the charger. As a charging method alone your alternator on the old diesel will be as or more efficient depending on it's output and diesel consumption

As Vasco mentioned, seriously pay attention to the CO2 output. If the exhaust gets pulled into a window or even worse, the air intake for the AC unit anyone below is going to have real problems.

Random aside, my unit showed up on my dock the Thursday before the eye of Hurricane IKE passed over my boat and the house we were sheltering in. It kept us in power flawlessly for two weeks during the clean up. It was then loaned to friends who kept it in service another two weeks. I love the unit from that experience alone.