On the hard, no power outlet access

seadaddler · Nov 13, 2015

A gen could be used on the boat when out cruising for charging up batteries
and also run many 110 things on your boat when away from the dock
Nick

woodster · Nov 13, 2015

honda e 2000 if you buy a gen set...they make 2 models the regular one and the companion one ...i have the companion one because you can plug your shower power cord in it and plug the other end to you 30 amp boat receptacle

njlarry · Nov 13, 2015

Your other option is to use cordless tools when ever you can. Even 12v tools have all the power you will likely need. I use a 12v Bosch drill and also 12v impact driver for 80 percent of the jobs. Oscillating tool and dremel tool in 120v cover the rest of the repair jobs. Sanding and compounding also are 120v. A portable generator is nice but also noisy, heavy and one more thing to load up.

centerline · Nov 13, 2015

You can definitly get a small inverter cheaper, but the cheap ones that are big enough to run a 120v 9 to 15amp power tool at 75-100% duty cycle will be hard on the tool... it will slowly fry the motor while the tool is working.... in time you will start to get a smell from the tool shortly before it stops working completely.

Its my opinion, to save your tools, You would be money ahead getting the honda 2000.... it will give much better performance than any sized inverter you buy, and is not dependent on a fully charged battery to keep working, but only a full fuel tank.
or another option is... if you have a way to handle it, is a harbor freight generator.. they make them up to 7000 working watts and the everyday cost is about $650. The smaller ones are cheaper, but i would stay above the 2500watt models for what you are going to be using it for.
they are heavy, but will run anything you have and will last a long time. I bought a 6500watt about 6yrs ago and am impressed with its dependability, but then I am NOT running it up against its limit like so many people do when they buy a cheaper undersized unit...
the rechargable tool option is a good choice also because the batteries last a good while in these newer tools... you can carry spare batteries, and the tools can be used anywhere without dragging a cord along..
But Using a gen-set will allow you to have good lighting while doing your projects

DougM · Nov 14, 2015

In my opinion, despite the cost, a generator would be the better choice. The little Honda e2000 is a really good option. The advantages are its fairly light weight and compact size and it actually is not that noisy.

The next option would be to buy a bunch of new cordless tools just to keep on the boat and a quantity of spare batteries. You should be able to find power somewhere around the yard to recharge the tool,batteries. This would be less costly than purchasing a generator.

Anonymous 121765 · Nov 14, 2015

NJ,

I only have one question pal.

Why would you want to hard-storage your boat where there was NO electricity in the first place.

Wanna do it right, move it to one that has electricity.

CR

woodster · Nov 14, 2015

captnron said:
NJ,

I only have one question pal.

Why would you want to hard-storage your boat where there was NO electricity in the first place.

Wanna do it right, move it to one that has electricity.

CR

my guess is you have to follow the money ...if the rate is low enough the savings may very well pay for the honda e 2000

Stu Jackson · Nov 14, 2015

Most people by the eu2000 to be able to BOTH charge their batteries AND heat hot water (1500 watt elements on most heaters). The eu1000 is just fine for charging batteries ONLY, not big enough for the heater. The 2000 is physically bigger, so if you're thinking of going that route AND taking it with you when sailing, make sure you can find a place to store it.

Also analyze what tools you want/need to use during this period. There is great merit in cordless tools for limited boat work.

Also consider solar to charge the bank if you choose an inverter. We have no idea what your house bank size is and how it would handle the use of an inverter, nor for what tools and duration, so we can deal with concepts but not specifics.

Good luck.

Brian D · Nov 14, 2015

captnron said:
NJ,

I only have one question pal.

Why would you want to hard-storage your boat where there was NO electricity in the first place.

Wanna do it right, move it to one that has electricity.

CR

Maybe that was the only space available. Sometimes we do not get all the great spots and have to use what is available to us. Instead of criticizing help the guy out by suggesting a good answer to his original question. Thanks

To the OP, this location modifies the E2000 to run on natural gas. That might be an alternative for you.

Meriachee · Nov 14, 2015

Maybe the boat is under a tarp, along with a few others, in the back 40 at the acreage where it'll soon be under a foot of snow and unseen till March.
Unseen, but not unmissed.

25yearslater · Nov 14, 2015

This looks like a job for Mainesail. I am curious about the generator use myself with regard to power tools. Watching the amperage go through the roof when starting and waiting for the genset to load up in response seems like a great way to burn the insulation off the windings. I get that enough at work so I don't care for it during my fun time.

Bill Roosa · Nov 14, 2015

extension cords are quite inexpensive. How far is the nearest outlet? If mamory serves a 50' cord went for $30. The cost of a genset would buy quite a long cord. Be sure to get the biggest guage wire they offer to reduce the voltage drop on a long run.

centerline · Nov 14, 2015

Bill Roosa said:
extension cords are quite inexpensive. How far is the nearest outlet? If mamory serves a 50' cord went for $30. The cost of a genset would buy quite a long cord. Be sure to get the biggest guage wire they offer to reduce the voltage drop on a long run.

Yes... a 14-16ga cord at more than a 50ft run is pushing it if you are doing a lot of work or really working the tool hard.

Peggie Hall HeadMistress · Nov 14, 2015

Have you looked into renting a Honda E2000 or similar? Most places that also rent things like pressure washers should have 'em. Depending on how long you'd need it, the cost may or not be cheaper than buying one, but worth checking out IMO.

kito · Nov 14, 2015

Go to Harbor Freight and pick up their Predator 2500 watt portable generator for $499. I know......cheap china junk. Still going strong after 3 years though. It can handle all my portable tools and my portable ac unit on the boat. If I get only 10 years from it.....who cares?

GorillaToast · Nov 14, 2015

kito said:
Go to Harbor Freight and pick up their Predator 2500 watt portable generator for $499. I know......cheap china junk. Still going strong after 3 years though. It can handle all my portable tools and my portable ac unit on the boat. If I get only 10 years from it.....who cares?

Costco has a generator similar to the Honda, and it's driven by a Yamaha engine. A couple of hundred bucks more, but much higher quality.

centerline · Nov 14, 2015

GorillaToast said:
Costco has a generator similar to the Honda, and it's driven by a Yamaha engine. A couple of hundred bucks more, but much higher quality.

Maybe not so much.... of the 4 people In my circle of friends (RVers) that bought these, 2 had to be returned....
it is a nice looking unit abd maybe that particular lot had problems, but it put me off from buying one.
I currently own 3 different sizes of the harbor freight ones and have never had a problem.

The one thing harbor freight does is, when you purchase one of theirs, you can return it at ANYTIME for any reason, for the life of the unit for a FULL purchase price credit towards the purchase of a bigger unit.
So if you decide in a couple years you want a bigger one, take it down and trade it in without any loss or depreciation, and just pay the difference for a bigger one.