Honda 2000i on 22' sailboat

lans0012 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-05-2008

Hey gang,

I've been running most of my stupid questions through here to get so perspective. I have another one.

There is a guy in my neighborhood that wants to trade a Honda 2000i generator for my mountain bike. The trade looks fair based on prices I've seen for the Hondas. I don't ride the bike anymore so I've been looking to get rid of it.

Anyhow I'd like to use the generator once in a blue moon on weekend trips to run an Home Depot AC unit in the hatch. I figure the generator and AC will add another 100 pounds to the boat when I have it in there. Is this a bad idea or a good idea?

PBzeer · #2 (**permalink**) 11-05-2008

The distribution of the weight could be a concern (all at one end of the boat while underweigh), but other than that it shouldn't be a problem.

Watermelon · #3 (**permalink**) 11-05-2008

The biggest concern would be CO and CO₂. So, if you do get the generator, it would be a good idea to get a CO detector alarm. And, keep it far away (preferably downwind).

Otherwise, it sounds quite comfy.

Perithead · #4 (**permalink**) 11-05-2008

Sounds like a great trade, I dont know much about mountain bikes or how expensive yours is but I know the Honda 2k generators are expensive but are well worth the money.

I dont think the weight matters that much unless you are racing. If you plan on racing or outrunning your friends then you might take it out. Other than that just keep the wieght balanced on your boat and try to store it as low as possible.

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 11-06-2008

CO is the biggest danger of running a genny aboard a small boat. I hope you have a CO detector installed. IF not, get one.

lans0012 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-06-2008

Thanks for the replies guys. I think I'll give it a go. Worst case I just have it for some back up power for hurricane season. The CO detector is a definite thing. Coastal/Bay sailing is supposed to be fun, not deadly.

camaraderie · #7 (**permalink**) 11-06-2008

Lans...I think it is a great deal. Having a gen...means you can also add a house battery and keep it charged up so you can run other stuff on the boat as well as letting you use power tools & other AC devices to fix. Have fun!

sailaway21 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-06-2008

Just got done running my little Yamaha ($700) to charge up my battery on my 21' Cal while at the mooring last weekend. I even kept it charging while I swung ship to adjust my new compass. The Honda 2000 is larger than mine but both are quiet and easy to use. Make sure that the gas cap and it's vent seal well. You'll want to actually close them and tip the gen-set over to verify this. Much better than finding gas all over within the boat!

Also, pick up a plug in GFI to go on the gen-set output. It might save your life in a moment of terminal stupidity.

Faster · #9 (**permalink**) 11-06-2008

If you use a dinghy/tender consider running the gen in that, tied astern. (Use a proper extension cord) Gets fumes and noise away from the boat, and they're light enough to easily transfer in and out for storage/travel.

sailingdog · #10 (**permalink**) 11-06-2008

Go ahead... ask SWAY how he knows about the GFI...

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailaway21

Just got done running my little Yamaha ($700) to charge up my battery on my 21' Cal while at the mooring last weekend. I even kept it charging while I swung ship to adjust my new compass. The Honda 2000 is larger than mine but both are quiet and easy to use. Make sure that the gas cap and it's vent seal well. You'll want to actually close them and tip the gen-set over to verify this. Much better than finding gas all over within the boat!

Also, pick up a plug in GFI to go on the gen-set output. It might save your life in a moment of terminal stupidity.