Honda Generator I want to purchase a generator to recharge batteries vs use of the engine. Last season, my first with the boat, I had to use the diesel a lot. The boat is on a mooring all summer long with little or no access to shorepower. I want to eliminate the diesel asthe primary sourse for recharging the batteries. I have been told that the Honda EU 1000 or EU 2000 is excellent solution for this application. However, I get a lot of conflicting advice. Since I am very weak in my knowledge of electrical systems, I am confused as to whether this is a good solution and, if so, what I need. 1. Is the 1000 W sufficient or is the 2000 W recommended? 2. Is it possible to plug the generator directly into the receptrical for connecting to show-power or do I have to connect directly to the batteries? 3. If I can connect directly to the receptrical, what special wiring do I need? 4. Are there any precautions I have to take to avoid damaging the battery charger or inverter? 5. A reliable sourse said that some modification has to be made to the grounding system of the Honda but was not able to specify. Isthere anything special anyone knows of other than making sure that the generator is gounded. 6. Is there any other information I should be seeking before purchasing this equipment. If anyone can help me find the correct solution to my problem, I would appreciate it. If you are able, I request that you be as technical aspossible. Thank you. You can reply to me at pfarrlaw@aol.com
Honda Generator
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Generator options
The Honda eu2000 is a very good generator. The Kipor ei2000 is a very good generator... for the money. You can pay more if you like. On a side note, you might consider some solar power to help top off batteries on the can. But to give you a take on your questions. 1. Is the 1000 W sufficient or is the 2000 W recommended? If you have an inverter/battery charger you can use either but keep in mind, the 2000w can handle more loads and have leftover power for ac applications. The admiral's hair dryer perhaps
2. Is it possible to plug the generator directly into the receptrical for connecting to show-power or do I have to connect directly to the batteries? Absolutely, you can get a "pigtail" from your local chandlery that will plug right into the shore power outlet. The other end plugs into generator and extension chord if needed. 3. If I can connect directly to the receptrical, what special wiring do I need? Just the pigtail if you want to keep it simple. 4. Are there any precautions I have to take to avoid damaging the battery charger or inverter? 95% of the time.. no. If your wiring has been "magivered", then perhaps. If in doubt, get it checked out. When I plug mine is it just says A/C present on my charging panel. How neat. 5. A reliable sourse said that some modification has to be made to the grounding system of the Honda but was not able to specify. Isthere anything special anyone knows of other than making sure that the generator is gounded? NO, none is needed. You will get a reverse polarity light when your system see A/C present. For simplicity, it is because the generator is not grounded to you boats system. The reverse polarity light is "normal". You are not damaging your system. If you want more discussion, check the archives. This has been discussed at length by people who are electrically smart. 6. Is there any other information I should be seeking before purchasing this equipment? The Honda and Kipor are 1 and 2 for the money. Check craigslist, ebay. You might get a good buy on a slightly used one. I bought the Kipor almost new (650$). And since it is just painted yellow instead of red, its easy to get parts for. I got a replacement rubber foot from the local RV dealer. It just runs and runs. Beware of the knockoff! Also, noise is the bottom line. Honda and Kipor are quiiieeet! Oh and the "smart throttle" switch on both of them... rocks! Cheers
The Honda eu2000 is a very good generator. The Kipor ei2000 is a very good generator... for the money. You can pay more if you like. On a side note, you might consider some solar power to help top off batteries on the can. But to give you a take on your questions. 1. Is the 1000 W sufficient or is the 2000 W recommended? If you have an inverter/battery charger you can use either but keep in mind, the 2000w can handle more loads and have leftover power for ac applications. The admiral's hair dryer perhaps
2. Is it possible to plug the generator directly into the receptrical for connecting to show-power or do I have to connect directly to the batteries? Absolutely, you can get a "pigtail" from your local chandlery that will plug right into the shore power outlet. The other end plugs into generator and extension chord if needed. 3. If I can connect directly to the receptrical, what special wiring do I need? Just the pigtail if you want to keep it simple. 4. Are there any precautions I have to take to avoid damaging the battery charger or inverter? 95% of the time.. no. If your wiring has been "magivered", then perhaps. If in doubt, get it checked out. When I plug mine is it just says A/C present on my charging panel. How neat. 5. A reliable sourse said that some modification has to be made to the grounding system of the Honda but was not able to specify. Isthere anything special anyone knows of other than making sure that the generator is gounded? NO, none is needed. You will get a reverse polarity light when your system see A/C present. For simplicity, it is because the generator is not grounded to you boats system. The reverse polarity light is "normal". You are not damaging your system. If you want more discussion, check the archives. This has been discussed at length by people who are electrically smart. 6. Is there any other information I should be seeking before purchasing this equipment? The Honda and Kipor are 1 and 2 for the money. Check craigslist, ebay. You might get a good buy on a slightly used one. I bought the Kipor almost new (650$). And since it is just painted yellow instead of red, its easy to get parts for. I got a replacement rubber foot from the local RV dealer. It just runs and runs. Beware of the knockoff! Also, noise is the bottom line. Honda and Kipor are quiiieeet! Oh and the "smart throttle" switch on both of them... rocks! Cheers
generator rating - read it carefully
The 1000 and 2000 are model numbers, not capacity indicators. I don't recall the duty cycle or max rating of the Honda 1000 but the 2000 is rated for 1600 W continuous duty I believe - my manual is at home and I'm not. Regardless of the exact specs, make sure you read carefull to ensure whatever generator you choose can handle you max continuous load, e.g., microwave, hair dryer, A/C or whatever you typically use. The price difference isn't significant between both Honda models and the larger can be found on the internet for $870 delivered, no tax.
The 1000 and 2000 are model numbers, not capacity indicators. I don't recall the duty cycle or max rating of the Honda 1000 but the 2000 is rated for 1600 W continuous duty I believe - my manual is at home and I'm not. Regardless of the exact specs, make sure you read carefull to ensure whatever generator you choose can handle you max continuous load, e.g., microwave, hair dryer, A/C or whatever you typically use. The price difference isn't significant between both Honda models and the larger can be found on the internet for $870 delivered, no tax.
We use the Honda 2000
It was a Xmas present for my wife on our 40.5. Since we go to Catalina fairly often, we are without power. She gets to dry her hair, run the hot water heater, and all other kinds of things we don't need that make cruising more comfortable. We use out shore power cord (with a 30 to 15 amp adapter) plugged into the generator. Since purchasing it 3 years ago, I never run the engine when we are moored to charge the batteries. Hard to imagine how we got along without it. It works great. Just make sure that you keep the gasoline fresh. The generator doesn't like old fuel.
It was a Xmas present for my wife on our 40.5. Since we go to Catalina fairly often, we are without power. She gets to dry her hair, run the hot water heater, and all other kinds of things we don't need that make cruising more comfortable. We use out shore power cord (with a 30 to 15 amp adapter) plugged into the generator. Since purchasing it 3 years ago, I never run the engine when we are moored to charge the batteries. Hard to imagine how we got along without it. It works great. Just make sure that you keep the gasoline fresh. The generator doesn't like old fuel.
Would not trade my little Hondas for anything
I've got a half-dozen of the little buggers, ranging from EU 1000 to EU 3000. The smaller two have DC and AC outputs, so you can either charge the battery directly (using optional pigtail) or plug your charger into one of the AC outlet. As has been mentioned, extremely quiet. However, I might disagree with Tim about them not liking old fuel. I had 2 EU 3000's at remote jobsites that, for reasons too complex to list, were left with full tanks of untreated gasoline for 18 months. When I finally rescued them, one started on the first pull, the second needed 3 pulls. I was sold. I also don't tempt fate anymore, and pretreat all the gas that goes into them. I would never recommend abuse of a piece of machinery, but I was pleasantly surprised by how rugged these things are.
I've got a half-dozen of the little buggers, ranging from EU 1000 to EU 3000. The smaller two have DC and AC outputs, so you can either charge the battery directly (using optional pigtail) or plug your charger into one of the AC outlet. As has been mentioned, extremely quiet. However, I might disagree with Tim about them not liking old fuel. I had 2 EU 3000's at remote jobsites that, for reasons too complex to list, were left with full tanks of untreated gasoline for 18 months. When I finally rescued them, one started on the first pull, the second needed 3 pulls. I was sold. I also don't tempt fate anymore, and pretreat all the gas that goes into them. I would never recommend abuse of a piece of machinery, but I was pleasantly surprised by how rugged these things are.
inverter gensets
I do believe that the wierd part about the honda gensets is that for their output, rather than having one "hot" side and one "ground" side, they have "positive" and "negative", where 12 volts is the result of +6 and -6 with respect to the generator ground. It then generates the AC current from this using an inverter, and you end up with two alternating legs with the total RMS potential being 120V, rather than one powered leg with 120 volts and one neutral leg (which is what you get from shorepower) Does the boat care? probably not, unless you have some more complex things on on (galvanic isolator, microchips in your breaker box, who knows). Just make SURE that you can't have the generator plugged in while your shorepower is plugged in. The pigtail setup eliminates this, but if you direct-wire you need some kind of switch, one question i have for someone who may have tested it: the 12 volt DC output: is it 12 volts, or is elevated (14-15). Because if it truly is 12 volts, wiring that up to a battery would probably do bad things.
I do believe that the wierd part about the honda gensets is that for their output, rather than having one "hot" side and one "ground" side, they have "positive" and "negative", where 12 volts is the result of +6 and -6 with respect to the generator ground. It then generates the AC current from this using an inverter, and you end up with two alternating legs with the total RMS potential being 120V, rather than one powered leg with 120 volts and one neutral leg (which is what you get from shorepower) Does the boat care? probably not, unless you have some more complex things on on (galvanic isolator, microchips in your breaker box, who knows). Just make SURE that you can't have the generator plugged in while your shorepower is plugged in. The pigtail setup eliminates this, but if you direct-wire you need some kind of switch, one question i have for someone who may have tested it: the 12 volt DC output: is it 12 volts, or is elevated (14-15). Because if it truly is 12 volts, wiring that up to a battery would probably do bad things.
Brian, just went out and checked one
Started on first pull. Did I mention how much I love those things? DC output is 14 V, rated (according to the label) as 8 Amps. As far as sensitive electronics connected to the AC side, Honda advertizes the EU series as having pure sine-wave output suitable for microprocessors, etc. I know folks who have used them for years to power their laptops with no problems whatsoever.
Started on first pull. Did I mention how much I love those things? DC output is 14 V, rated (according to the label) as 8 Amps. As far as sensitive electronics connected to the AC side, Honda advertizes the EU series as having pure sine-wave output suitable for microprocessors, etc. I know folks who have used them for years to power their laptops with no problems whatsoever.
If all you are going to do is hook up a 120V
battery charger the Honda eu1000 should be ok. Now if you intend to run A/C or refrigeration get the eu2000.
battery charger the Honda eu1000 should be ok. Now if you intend to run A/C or refrigeration get the eu2000.
Oh, Yah....
...don't stand downwind of Fred after he's had a rich dinner and beer Of course, he has a serious side, and he's absolutely right. I would recommend you install a detector below decks. Make sure the wind is carrying the exhaust off the boat rather than into it and open hatches for cross-ventilation. If you have a full cockpit enclosure, also open some panels to get some air in it and finally, don't nap when it's on. At least that's the precautions I take. Rick D.
...don't stand downwind of Fred after he's had a rich dinner and beer
Of course, he has a serious side, and he's absolutely right. I would recommend you install a detector below decks. Make sure the wind is carrying the exhaust off the boat rather than into it and open hatches for cross-ventilation. If you have a full cockpit enclosure, also open some panels to get some air in it and finally, don't nap when it's on. At least that's the precautions I take. Rick D.I just put the thing in the dinghy
when on the boat and either on a hook or mooring. Run an extension cord to the shore power outlet. Eliminates the fumes AND what little noise the generator produces. However, depending on your anchorage, you may want to reel it in before going to bed. Too easy for the generator to find another dinghy to ride in.
when on the boat and either on a hook or mooring. Run an extension cord to the shore power outlet. Eliminates the fumes AND what little noise the generator produces. However, depending on your anchorage, you may want to reel it in before going to bed. Too easy for the generator to find another dinghy to ride in.
Where to store it
I have the kipor 3000 and it does great to recharge the batteries, run the hot water heater and other 120volt items but not strong enough when the AC compressor kicks in. I typically lash it to the deck but where do most of you store your generators while underway? I carry gasoline for the dink's motor anyway, but storing the generator full of gas has always been an issue/concern.
I have the kipor 3000 and it does great to recharge the batteries, run the hot water heater and other 120volt items but not strong enough when the AC compressor kicks in. I typically lash it to the deck but where do most of you store your generators while underway? I carry gasoline for the dink's motor anyway, but storing the generator full of gas has always been an issue/concern.
dangerous thing to do.
I would not concider running a generator at night to cool my boat, People go out to get away from the noise. Running a generator all night is way up on the things not to do in a Florida anchorage! One guy i heard about found himself on a sandbar 3 or 4 miles from where someone cut his anchor line.
I would not concider running a generator at night to cool my boat, People go out to get away from the noise. Running a generator all night is way up on the things not to do in a Florida anchorage! One guy i heard about found himself on a sandbar 3 or 4 miles from where someone cut his anchor line.
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