There are plenty of other options that are cheaper, but nothing close to as good. I don't think any of them will allow you to run them while sailing, but at anchor should be fine.
The Honda 2000 is obviously the most popular choice these days... It might help to know what sort of boat we're talking about, what your power requirements are, and so forth... And, as this unfortunate subject arises frequently, you might want to have a look thru the "Similar Threads" listed below...I'm considering purchasing a portable generate for my sailboat. I'm considering a Honda EU2000i companion that I can plug my 30 amp cord into. I'd like the generator to charge my batteries when I'm sailing or at anchor, via my inverter/charger. Any thoughts on this option for keeping the batteries topped off? What options are others using for portable generators.
Jon, I agree with you most of the time, but some folks have to charge their batteries. So, should they sail with the engine running, or drop sails and motor, or sail and run a small generator. Actually, I would rather sail and run the small gen. I don't see the problem.Now, I realize these things are here to stay, and I'm no longer surprised to hear them being run in otherwise peaceful anchorages from the Bahamas, to Maine... But, seriously, running one of these freakin' things while UNDER SAIL ???
Damn, talk about Spoiling the Mood...
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Yeah, running that thing to charge via DC @ 8 amps, that's efficient, alright...Here ya go even has 12v built in for charging Inverter Generator - 4.7HP, 2500W Inverter Generator
Well, we don't know what sort of boat we have here, or the type of sailing/cruising being done, so... But I have to charge my batteries just like anyone else, just seems to me there are better options...Jon, I agree with you most of the time, but some folks have to charge their batteries. So, should they sail with the engine running, or drop sails and motor, or sail and run a small generator. Actually, I would rather sail and run the small gen. I don't see the problem.
Marc
I've delivered a couple of boats that used Honda generators for battery charging (AC to battery charger, not the DC output). It was a messy, smelly, unpleasant evolution while underway. I'd rather have used the space for extra diesel and run the main.But, seriously, running one of these freakin' things while UNDER SAIL ???
Probably depends on the boat. On my catamaran with outboards, with engines raised, and the gen. sitting on the aft quarter in the slipstream, it works quite well.I've delivered a couple of boats that used Honda generators for battery charging (AC to battery charger, not the DC output). It was a messy, smelly, unpleasant evolution while underway. I'd rather have used the space for extra diesel and run the main.
Definitely depends on the boat. On a Passport 40 with an enclosure it's just unpleasant.Probably depends on the boat. On my catamaran with outboards, with engines raised, and the gen. sitting on the aft quarter in the slipstream, it works quite well.
If I have to share the anchorage with that, I'd just as soon he run the generator while he's under sail so maybe I don't have to endure his generator whilst sharing the anchorage, yes?But, seriously, running one of these freakin' things while UNDER SAIL ???
Yup, that information could be useful...No indication as to the size of the charger. I can just barely run 2 40 amp chargers at full load. The honda is NOT 2000 watts, it is about 1400 if you get a good one.
Also puts out 25amps at 120 volts will run a 50 amp output battery charger still Iwould rather use solar for battery chargingYeah, running that thing to charge via DC @ 8 amps, that's efficient, alright...
Well, we don't know what sort of boat we have here, or the type of sailing/cruising being done, so... But I have to charge my batteries just like anyone else, just seems to me there are better options...
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??? You talkin' about the Honda EU2000i ???Also puts out 25amps at 120 volts will run a 50 amp output battery charger still Iwould rather use solar for battery charging
Actually bil I was referring to the 2500 watt unit from harbor freight Inverter Generator - 4.7HP, 2500W Inverter Generator rob??? You talkin' about the Honda EU2000i ???
It is rated at 2000 watts (16.7 amps @ 120VAC) and it will run a 75 amp battery charger just fine.
No argument about the preference for solar power....if you've got the real estate for the panels and a good MPPT controller, that's surely the way to go. No messy stuff, no additional cost, no noise, no maintenance and at least a 20-year service life. What's not to like about that?
Bill
Actually it is slightly less than 21 amps @ 120 volts.Actually bil I was referring to the 2500 watt unit from harbor freight Inverter Generator - 4.7HP, 2500W Inverter Generator rob