Generator advice

[kwaltersmi]

I'm looking for an inexspensive generator to give us some power options while on the hook. Mainly I'd like to power our Norcold TEK II Refrigerator (conversion kit) rated at 40W, a 10 amp 12 volt battery charger, and one or two cabin lights.

Menards currently has the Eastern Tools & Equipment (TQ) IN800i 4-stroke 800 watt generator for $199. Do you think this model would meet my power needs? Based on my math and research, I think it would, but I'm seeking other opinions!

[hellosailor]

See Eastern Tools & Equipment IN800I 800-Watt 4-Cycle OHV Gas Portab Product Reviews

It sounds like a "use once and throw away" piece of junk from China.

I'm not rich, I might even be accused of being parsimonious, but when it comes to tools and especially engines, I want to know that when I want it to work--it is going to WORK with no arguments.

If I want cheap, I'll bolt up a junkyard alternator to an old lawn mower and apply for a federal nergy efficiency grant.

But Chinese stuff with lots of moving parts, combustible fuel, and "no really, this thing needs to WORK. NOW."....

Nuh-uh, couldn't interest me in one unless I found it on the side of the road.

[k1vsk]

Refrigeration which draws 40W?
Regardless, although Menards is one of my favorite stores, I'd look at opening up the wallet and get one that is both quiet and dependable, i.e., a Honda.
These clones are generally poorly made and impossible to obtain parts or service for.

[BubbleheadMd]

I cannot speak well enough of the little Honda generators. They are compact, whisper quiet, simple and durable. They're so good that we use them in my reserve unit for a few things.

[poopdeckpappy]

http://www.generatordepot.us/gentron...rnia-model.asp

Sam's Club - ETQ 3500 WT Portable / Camping Generator

Sam's Club - ETQ 2250 WT Portable / Camping Generator

I had a Honda EU3000si, it fell off a tailgate and roll 200' down a valley

I'm looking at one of these, the dbs are good and I hear they're working well in the marine enviro

[TractorJohn]

I brought a Honda 2000 on board and couldn't find a good place to store it while underway. It missed the anchor locker by one inch, the head door was too small. After a week on board in our way we wished it wasn't around. I suggest measuring before you buy. For the microwave I now use a inverter with two big batterys all built in and out of the way. The Honda stays home. (we use ice)
TJ

[scottyt]

well john sense you dont need the genny i will politely take it off your hands for 200 bucks shipped

back to the thread, i had one of those genny, it worked fine, for 3 years. it lived outside under a small roof, then it moved to the boat. it lasted about 6 months on the boat, it still ran but did not put out any juice. they are not very quiet, esp when sitting on the boat, the whole boat turned into a drum.

if needed for occasional use i would say go for it, if you want to use it every weekend get a honda or a yamaha

[mitiempo]

Kevin
I just looked at your blog. I see you have an inboard engine. Isn't one engine aboard enough? And if your engine is diesel you will be adding a second type of fuel as well. Your refrigeration is about 3 1/2 amps and lights aren't much if used judiciously - a few led lights could help a lot. Your charger is 10 amps - meaning it will only put out 10 amps in bulk charge - after the batteries reach 80% charge it puts out a lot less. With your current charger you will listen to the generator for hours to do much good. I would add a second battery and maybe a small solar panel. Actually i'd do anything to avoid a generator on a 25' boat. My thoughts anyway.

[TractorJohn]

[QUOTE=scottyt;546444]well john sense you dont need the genny i will politely take it off your hands for 200 bucks shipped.
The pre paid shipping is a deal breaker, sorry. Besides it starts first time everytime and we may lose power here someday and I'll need it to run the computor.

kwaltersmi: Unless you run your new gen set alot you wont get much out of it. Say you run it for an hour in the morning for breakfast and same at dinner, thats only two hours of (40w)fridge cooling and batt charging. Maybe take a look at solar panels! they run all day.
Portable generators are a prime target for thieves and Pirates

[JiffyLube]

Originally Posted by poopdeckpappy

http://www.generatordepot.us/gentron...rnia-model.asp

Sam's Club - ETQ 3500 WT Portable / Camping Generator

Sam's Club - ETQ 2250 WT Portable / Camping Generator

I had a Honda EU3000si, it fell off a tailgate and roll 200' down a valley

I'm looking at one of these, the dbs are good and I hear they're working well in the marine enviro

Those a big ass generators to be carrying on a boat...got anything a little lighter?