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Honda generator(s) in lieu of running auxiliary

14K views 66 replies 30 participants last post by  stevensuf 
#1 ·
OK, I did some looking and couldn't really find a thread directly addressing this question, so here goes:

What are the limitations to using 1 (or 2, linked) Honda EU2000i generators to not only run AC items like tools or AC units (yes, I read all the hi-cap starting mods), but to also recharge house batteries?

Should it be done via DC (can it?) or should I be using a 120V battery charger matched to my bank's acceptance limits?

Could it be used to directly power a water maker?

I know these can be run in series (is this serial, as watts increase, not voltage?), so would this be the way to go, with 2? I understand the limitations in running these exposed in the cockpit or off the swim step to prevent fumes from entering cabin and the issues of gas vs diesel. I am really looking for whether this is a viable option to maintain my batteries AND run a watermaker, vice running the engine.

Caveat: not an electrical engineer (and just not that smart yet on boat electrical systems), but looking at whether this would be a valid option vice a very small diesel generator (3.5kW) in a permanent installation.

A lot of questions, I know. Thanks for any comments.

Steve
 
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#35 · (Edited)
Honda Generators are Good design for their purpose.

Your need for a generator or etiquette on when or where you run it aside, the Honda Generators like the E2000i and the E2000i Companion are good generators and some of the more quiet of their kind. I am not familiar with any marine generators that use diesel or water cooling, but for a basic gas generator they are very good. They can be connected in parallel to double their output power. This allows for good output power with two 47 lb generators. Many prefer two light ones to lift and transport rather than one large heavy one. They do synchronize when connected this way, and are actually designed to be clean power for electronics. They have economy throttle also called eco throttle where they idle down and use much less fuel. They are designed to be much more quiet than your average generator of this kind, and are preferred by RV campers who also want a quiet environment. You basic home depot generators also have dirty power that you would not want to hook up to electronics. Many pay the extra money for the Honda type generators to keep a quieter environment for themselves and their neighbors. The larger EU3000iS is quieter due to an insulated cabinet around it, but it is much heavier to lift.

I am new to sailing. If they offer a superior marine type generator that has water cooling, runs off the main fuel tank, and heats my water I would be all for that. This is one of the many topics I too will research when putting my boat together. I welcome any suggestions on type, brand, or performance parameters.
 
#43 ·
I am a complete newbie. I know very little about boats or sailing, but I believe I would like to give it a try. I am a very considerate person in a camp site, and would be so on the water. It is a resource we all share and I would definitely put out a little extra cash and effort to get a quiet generator. If the diesel water cooled generator is the norm on the water, then that is what I would get. I do have knowledge of the Honda 2000 gens on land, and compared to many others it is quiet, but it may not be quiet compared to the diesel gens on the water. Looks like I have a lot more to learn about sailing than working the canvas.
 
#38 ·
creedence623 might think his comment about running a generator in an anchorage while blasting "I'm on a Boat" was intended to be a joke. Those of us at anchor who have suffered from late night power boat raft-up parties know that there are folks who turn up the volume to drown out their portable generators. This is funny?
 
#42 ·
creedence,i did read your last post yesterday and decided to take some time to carefully word my response[not my usual style] that subject is particurlly sensitive to me because i have spent more than a few sleepless nights anchored near that very scenerio,its not always easy to haul anchor and move in the middle of the night especially when in unfamilar waters,so you just grit your teeth and wait for daylight,homicide is not a good solution,if your post was intended to be humerous i didn't [still don't] get it!
 
#49 · (Edited)
I can respect that. Like I said we are on the same side of the argument. Now, not getting my humor????:eek:

Incidentally, I recommend anyone considering one look at the "eu2000i Companion". It has the 30 amp outlet so you can use your regular shore power cable to plug it into your a/c receptical. Wise sales is listing them for $899 for the regular, and $999 for the companion with free shipping. (No affiliation, just where I bought mine).
 
#45 ·
The primary advantage of an inboard, built-in genset is that it is acoustically baffled--if only by being enclosed--and is much less obnoxious than a portable generator on a swim platform or on deck. The other factor is that you would invariably have a diesel genset inboard and would not have to carry extra gas. It isn't the gas exhaust fumes that are flammable, after all, it is the liquid gas. The raw gasoline fumes are worse and pose an explosion hazard.
 
#46 ·
I'm amazed to hear people still comparing portable Honda's the size of a bowling nag with any kind of diesel genset and ask again: Has anyone actually ever seen or heard of a diesel genset COMPARABLE to the portable Hondas? Not a 10kW Onan that needs a machine space of it's own, but a *portable* that can be stashed away and brough out when or as needed. Say, after the main engine has failed or the solar panels smashed by hail, and you just need *some* power for the short term.

This is like arguing that a spare tire has no place on a car (as BMW, Corvette, and others insist) because they now use run-flat tires. Sure, veyr good, you can go 50 miles and then hope you are at a dealship that actually has your tires available. Otherwise, you're down for 48 hours or longer. As opposed to 15 minutes to put on a real spare.
 
#48 ·
"most diesels are far superior."
Remind me of that, next time you need to casually grab your genset, carry it to the dink, and bring it a mile away for some reason.
The Honda's are designed for easy portability, i don't see any diesel genset competing with them in that area.
Diesel, like an army 4x6, is absolutely great for some jobs. Totally unsuitable at others. Of course if you need the 4x6, the Honda ain't gonna do it.
 
#50 ·
I still don't get Creed's humor. Advocating a portable genset that would be used in an anchorage after hours? Advertising where to buy one? That's what this string is about, the "me generation" not considering that their noise is in other people's space.

To hellosailor, if you need a "spare", sign up for SeaTow or TowBoatUS. They cover situations your genset won't.

If you need to charge your batteries, use your auxiliary. It is probably faster and more fuel efficient and you can get the added advantage of hot water. If you want to minimize your charging time, get one or another of the gel technology batteries and a smart regulator--could be cheaper than a Honda generator. You could run your wife's hair dryer off an inverter.
 
#51 · (Edited)
Fallard, I invite you to come on down here to Afghanistan (where I've spent 4 of the past 10 years of my life by the way) so I can sit in rapture while you extole the virtues of a life outside the "me generation."

Until then I will responsibly run a generator when I deem it apropriate, taking into account those around me as I do with all things. Now, I cordially invite you to shift your focus and critique any of the other hundred+ Sailnet members who have advocated and use Honda eu2000i's for backup power when needed/appropriate;

As you can see, Sawingknots and I discussed this earlier and came to the conclusion that we are on the same side of the consideration at anchor issue.

I come to this forum to have some fun and share/receive information about my favorite hobby. I will not get drawn into an online pissing match about sailboats. Life's too short and there are far better things to stress out.

Fair winds.
 
#53 ·
One word of caution: Honda Companion ( and other Hondas as I understand it) split the voltage between the hot and neutral and you don't "see" 115 volts as "0" and "115" across the two. They actually put 62.5 volts, in different phases, across the two instead. That means it does not work with my Xantrex inverter/charger. Just food for thought.
 
#58 ·
How much does it cost to add a proper water cooled inboard marine generator? $5,000.00? $6,000.00 or more?
The Hondas are attractive to a lot of boaters because of the cost savings.
In addition, I purchased mine because it is portable and can be used as a back up power at the house.
(we had a recent storm and lost power for about 3 days.) The Honda was a great choice. Price point, portability and the ability to use it at the house and boat made it very attractive for us.
And I will repeat what others have said, just because we carry a portable generator does not automatically make us jack asses. I run it at appropriate times and I am respectful to all others around me. I will even ask others around me if they mind me running it; Usually in the mid morning and off by noon.
 
#59 ·
I run it at appropriate times and I am respectful to all others around me. I will even ask others around me if they mind me running it; Usually in the mid morning and off by noon.
Not me, I like to cruise thru quiet anchorages all night running the generator, with the Karaoke machine blaring full volume while taking potshots at otters with a high power rifle using bullets made of spent uranium.
Chew on that for awhile.
 
#66 ·
I don't want to argue with anyone. My experience is different that most of the comments I've read here. Maybe it's because I have a small boat. My battery bank is only 230 amps. I cruise in an area where shore power availability is rare. I bought a
Honda eu1000i a couple of years ago. Wow! I love it! I use a "smart" charger that steps down through several stages of power starting at 20amps. I don't use a lot of power but after a week cruising, I'm starting to draw down the bank. I can top off my battery bank by running my set up for three to four hours. The last hour or so it's charging at less than one amp. I have a Victron battery monitor that helps me know close to the state of charge. I find it best to do the re-charging mid day when sitting on the hook. Never at night or evening. My rule is, if I can see another boat, I don't run the honda. Well, yeah, if you drop the hook early, you might be by yourself! Even though I'm trying hard not to ofend anyone, I don't find the Honda all that loud. It helps if there is a little breeze. I set the generator on the rear (on my lazaret) of my boat and I put a folded up towel under it to absorb vibrations. It's great. I've been out for as long as 16 days and not have to worry about running out of power. My experience only..... yours may vary.
 
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