Gas Generators

[Paul and Judy]

Anyone installed a Inverter Generator on their Sailboat? Please talk about where you installed it. I am thinking of getting a Honda EU3000is generator for use on the hook. They come with a 30amp twist lock that your shore power cord can plug directly into.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Lots of us using the Honda 2000. Not aware that we have discussed the 3000. Mine lived on the deck lashed to the toerail between Lake Erie and Tampa Bay. I made my own sunbrella cover. I run it on the anchor locker since I have a shorepower connection in that locker. I would like more amps but not sure about the size and weight of the 3000.

 

[Bill1565]

Because of Ed and others on this forum, we bought a 2000. Misleading, that is peak, continuing is 1600w. Still it is 13+amps. I put in a 100 amp charger to cut down run time. Have not yet run 16,500 btu A/C off it, but they say it is possible. We don't see a need for a 3000. In fact, we sold our 6500 watt hurricane generator, as the Honda will run a 5000 btu room ac and a refrigerator and supply the neighbors with fans, just like the 6500 did after Hurricane Charlie .

 

[Ed Schenck]

I can run my 12K A/C Bill but I doubt it will run a 16.5K. If you can get past the startup it will work but that is a tall order. I know they make those start capacitors which is basically what my Freedom 20, 2000 watt, inverter does for me.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Your question implies you are going to permanently install it someplace; probably I infer wrongly but just in case that is what you intend, be careful to comply with CG regs and ABYC recommendations, both of which dictate safety precautions because of the CO emissions. As a temp setup, anyplace common sense dictates should do well such as off the transom, downwind and away from vents and windows.

 

[Benny]

The Honda 3000 eu is a battery electric start generator and the weight and size of it just does not make it practical to load and store on a small boat. We had the opportunity of trying a borrowed Honda 3000 before settilng for our current Honda 2000 eu. We found both had pros and cons and the 2000 just offered the best compromise for us. The 3000 had ample power to run our 12,500 btu a/c unit effortlessly with a gas tank large enough for it to run all night. The unit was too large to store anywhere but on our swim deck exposed to the elements. It would require two men to load on and off the boat. On a trip we had a strong thunderstorm and the generator failed to start after that (water had gotten on the fuel). By contrast the 2000 can be manhandled by a single person and is small enough to fit in a cockpit locker or under the chart table for storage. We still set it up on the swim platform to connect to the shorepower inlet but deploy it once we get to our destination. I think the weather proofing on the 2000 is superior as we have ran the little thing under heavy rain storms without it missing a beat. On the downside although it still can run our a/c unit it does it producing more RPM and hence more noise and increased fuel consumption. Out of the smaller gas tank we only get about 5 hours off running time. We solved the early morning feedings by adding an external 3.5 gallon tank. It also requires some power planning on your part like you know you have to turn off the a/c before starting the coffee maker or toaster. Hope this helps. Oh, by the way, you can also get the Honda 2000 eu with a 30 Amp lock connector.

 

[Bill1565]

I can run my 12K A/C Bill but I doubt it will run a 16.5K. If you can get past the startup it will work but that is a tall order. I know they make those start capacitors which is basically what my Freedom 20, 2000 watt, inverter does for me.

Snowbird here with a Gemini Cat alledgedly runs his 16,5 with a 2000. Won't actually see that till November. Master electrician, land tells me he installs capacitors all the time on older a/cunits. Tell me more about using your inverter, I have a new 2000sw and 4 group 31's, but my reading of the manual leads me to believe the unit will not invert while 110 is present.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Bill, I wish I could get to my boat to test my theory. But I think I have to use the Link 2000 to switch to inverter use even with the generator providing the 110. Before I had a Link was it a dip switch on the monitor or a button on the Freedom 20? I think yours works the same way. My Mermaid 12K draws about 8 amps when running and is no problem for the Honda 2000. But startup will easily go above 13 amps. Some have built in delays so that the compressor and the waterpump do not start at the same time.

 

[Bill1565]

OK. Thanks. Will work it out when the time comes. Capacitors on e-bay from $10. Currently not boating. Rewiring outlets, water heater, later gonna pull the mast, rewire it and add stuff on top. Plan to start cruising mid October, may need air then.

 

[Ed Schenck]

If like last year you will need heat, not air. Is yours a reverse-cycle? I am surprised how well mine heats the boat. I have never tried to heat the boat running on the generator. I wonder if the amps are the same?

 

[Bill1565]

Yes, ours is reverse cycle. Ran the one on our O/I 41 for several months. got caught in a freeze on the Tenn-Tom. Worked great. as I recal heating draws more not less amperage. Had a 5kw diesel gen on that boat, so amps didn't matter.

 

[Steve Walsh]

There was a 1988 Hunter 35 with a walk-thru transom in our marina that had a Honda 3000 mounted in the cockpit under the helm seat. Looked like a nice fit and was out of the way, except for interfering with getting to the small swim platform and ladder. The owner said he ran it in that location and had no problems with the exhaust fumes, etc. Boat had A/C with heat and a refer.