Generator

[shanker]

I've been out of touch with generators. it used to be that the Handa was the cream of the crop for performance and quietness. I'm in the market for a small portable generator for a 30' Hunter and I know I've heard of newer models that are quite quite and perform well. Any suggestions from you on what is a good model generator. Any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[JamesG161]

You need to define the Watts needed in your case, but here is a Duel Fuel one.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J5HD8L9?tag=geekdeck-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1

Propane or gasoline.
Jim...

 

[smokey73]

If you get a dual fuel make sure the power rating is sufficient for the fuel you intend to use. For Propane, the rated power is generally about 10% +/- less than with gasoline. May not make a difference for you but be sure you consider which fuel you plan on using.

 

[capta]

I'm not sure why, but even the other models of Honda gensets are considerably noisier than the 2kw model. I haven't found any quieter ones.

 

[dLj]

I'm not sure why, but even the other models of Honda gensets are considerably noisier than the 2kw model. I haven't found any quieter ones.

I have the new 2KW model and can say it is very quiet. I don't have the amount of experience as @capta has so I'd take his word for the comparisons.

It is very convenient, sips gasoline, can be pretty easily carried. I'm very happy with it.

dj

 

[capta]

I have the new 2KW model and can say it is very quiet. I don't have the amount of experience as @capta has so I'd take his word for the comparisons.

It is very convenient, sips gasoline, can be pretty easily carried. I'm very happy with it.

dj

Thanks for that, but I certainly haven't tried that many others, especially with the miriad of Chinese ones out there today. Suffice to say, I'd only by the Honda 2kw if I was buying one. Way too many years messing about with those difficult to keep running B&S motors, no matter what they were operating.

 

[Head Sail]

Any suggestions from you on what is a good model generator. Any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

I picked up a Yamaha 2000 at Costco. About $500, similar to Honda but 1/3 price. It has a 30amp prong that you plug right into.

 

[BigEasy]

Agree with Capta, Honda 2200 is the standard, by which others are compared. There are propane conversion kits available (Hutch Mountain). As Jim mentioned, first thing is to determine your energy requirements. Check for online prices & sales.

 

[kloudie1]

I think the Honda (new 2200I ) is still the quiet one in the group. I have a Honda and a Generac (both are inverter type; the Generac is a chinese generic made by Jiangsu Tiger Yacht Mfg, LTD !). Both are a lot less noisy than the old 3600 RPM open frameset ones but no question that the Honda is quieter. The Honda costs a good bit more than most, but if quietness is a priority, you won't go wrong with the Honda.

 

[dLj]

I think the Honda (new 2200I ) is still the quiet one in the group. I have a Honda and a Generac (both are inverter type; the Generac is a chinese generic made by Jiangsu Tiger Yacht Mfg, LTD !). Both are a lot less noisy than the old 3600 RPM open frameset ones but no question that the Honda is quieter. The Honda costs a good bit more than most, but if quietness is a priority, you won't go wrong with the Honda.

Look for sales - I found the Honda 2200i for almost half the price it normally runs at a one day sale in a specific Home Depot. I found it by accident one morning, The store having the sale was about an hour drive from my house, when I got there by about 11am, there were only a couple left - they flew out of the store... Of course, if you need it now, then you don't have much choice. The only thing I wish was that Honda made this same size in a Diesel.... Yanmar does make a small diesel generator I believe. They are not cheap.

dj

 

[tfox2069]

If you get a dual fuel make sure the power rating is sufficient for the fuel you intend to use. For Propane, the rated power is generally about 10% +/- less than with gasoline. May not make a difference for you but be sure you consider which fuel you plan on using.

If this is true, that the power output could be less, definitely look at what you're hoping to power from the generator if you'll do a propane conversion. To run my A/C unit I don't think I could run it on 10% less power from my Honda EU2200i.

I seriously considered a propane conversion, but I decided against it for two reasons:
1. It will take a lot of propane to run the generator for a long period - say, overnite if you're using it for A/C, or charging batteries for hours. You won't have enough propane on board to support that for more than a day or two, most likely.
2. When you run out of propane you'll have a VERY tough time finding a marina that can refill the propane cannister. If you use gasoline, almost any marina can refill that fuel source right at the dock.

 

[kloudie1]

Note that there is no real standard for the noise rating of the generators.. Many use a measurement from 20 feet and full load.. many don't.. Hard to compare noise levels because of no standard.

 

[Ken13559]

I got an Elemax 2KW Genset to run my Aircon when out anchoring. Switched to a Honda EU22i (2.2KW) was a little quieter and lighter. Then Fitted MicroAir EasyStart to the Aircon and now runs my 12000BTU Aircon on Eco Mode! BeauutiiiFUL.

Ken Y

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Note that there is no real standard for the noise rating of the generators.. Many use a measurement from 20 feet and full load.. many don't.. Hard to compare noise levels because of no standard.

that’s a good point.

if anyone interested in a new purchase and trying to compare noise levels, Consumer Report did a side-by-side a couple of years ago looking not only at noise but electric purity, RF generation, component quality and probably other factors I don’t recall. I’m sure their noise comparison was done under similar distance.

as I recall, they concluded others are quieter but still picked the Honda as best overall.

 

[tfox2069]

that’s a good point.

if anyone interested in a new purchase and trying to compare noise levels, Consumer Report did a side-by-side a couple of years ago looking not only at noise but electric purity, RF generation, component quality and probably other factors I don’t recall. I’m sure their noise comparison was done under similar distance.

as I recall, they concluded others are quieter but still picked the Honda as best overall.

I own the Honda EU2200i, and while its RELATIVELY quiet, its still too noisy to run for long in an anchorage with boats nearby and be a good neighbor, IMHO.

 

[Benny17441]

Honda is still the cream of the crop.

 

[shanker]

Thank you everyone for your responses. I'll be a weekend sailor for most of the time. Gunkholing around the west coast of Canada. I don't really have a good spot for a solor panel although that is my preference. I'm heading out next week for a three day sail so I'll see how much power I'll need. The Gen would be to keep the batteries topped up and I don't see much of a power draw other re charging cell phones and the auto pilot. lights are all LED. I have a Hunter 29.5.