Honda Generators - running on boat

[Hermit Scott]

You have to click the specification tab for the generators and then go to the engines and the specification for the engine. Alernators have a speed limit above 10,000 rpm.

I disagree. IC engines have different HP for different RPMs.I think you have to check the rated HP for the generator it's self. Because it could very well be running at a different rpm than what the stand alone engine was rated at. Look at the power curve for this engine as a stand alone.

 

[Ross]

The coupling is direct drive. The engine is specified as GX100 for the EU2000. the system runs at a factory set governed speed to provide the power needed to maintain the rpm numbers needed to meet the power demand. It would be poor economics to install an oversize engine and the GX100 meets the KW needs for the EU2000 unit.

 

[Bob 04 H260]

I have an EU2000 and am very pleased with it.

I have a pressure washer with a Honda 5 hp motor, there is a huge difference in volume of these two motors. I don't know how much of this is due to the case design on the EU2000 as it also has a much bigger muffler with a smaller tail pipe

If I run my generator in my cockpit at the dock I can not hear it running 25 ft away. This is in a marina with some background noise, would not be the same in a remote quiet anchorage. I have used it many times on the hook and have asked near by boats if our generator bothered them after we used it and they claimed they never heard it running. Then they asked " did you hear our Honda running at breakfast ?"

One big advantage of going the 110 v route with your generator instead of a high output 12 v alternator is that you can use a proper battery charger. More important if you use expensive AGM or gel cells. And unless you have a large battery bank you can not use 60 Amps for very long if you want your deep cycle batteries to last at all. To fully charge deep cycle batteries fully takes a long time if done properly so the noise level of the generator is important.

I think the reason the EU2000 is able to output more electrical power with less horse power is because it is designed to operate more efficiently. It does not use an automotive alternator and a 12/110 volt inverter. It generates a high frequency voltage, then rectifies this to operate an inverter.

Bob

 

[RECESS]

One of the features I am most impressed with is the ECO mode. I thought before I bought it that it would ramp up to speed when a load was sensed. Much more advanced than that. It matches the load with just enough rpm to supply the needed amps. I know all governors are supposed to do this to a degree, but the Honda Eu series takes it to a whole new level. It gets the best use of the fuel you put in it, it only sips instead of drinking whenever possible.

 

[Stu Jackson]

You might be interested in this, too: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,1474.0.html

 

[marty1000]

What happens when using it in torrential rain or say a big wave comes over the top and onto the generator / alternator electrics?

 

[Ross]

Stu, My charger uses a 120 volt input and a 12-14.5 volt output at 10 amps out. Isn't that only one amp in?

 

[RECESS]

What happens when using it in torrential rain or say a big wave comes over the top and onto the generator / alternator electrics?

I look at my Honda as an asset. It is nice when the conditions are right for it's use. If it is pouring rain, it is usually not stiffling hot, so I do not need it. Have not got into a situation where the waves were big enough to come into play while on the hook. I figure if they are big enough to come crashing over the side of my high freeboard O'Day 25, I got bigger problems with my anchorage choice.

 

[kenn]

Stu, My charger uses a 120 volt input and a 12-14.5 volt output at 10 amps out. Isn't that only one amp in?

I can't wait for Stu to answer... what is the input current on your charger when the output is 10A @ 14.5vDC?

(... and we hope you feel better soon)

 

[flynfol]

The offgrid guys have been using briggs/honda(better)/alternator gennys for sometime. I myself am one(10 years at my offgrid cabin). I get 45 amps(12-15 VDC) out of a 63 amp externally excited alternator running at 2200rpm..6 inch pulley. I did build one of the regulators from homepower.com(although the 723 chip might be hard to find...I still have a couple) and it works great. You can adjust amp output (PWM)to match battery size(very important for flooded lead acid batteries) and voltage to accommodate equilization....again very important for capacity and battery life. It was our primary source initially. Granted this system is now the 3rd backup for power(solar and propane powered ONAN RV type genny are now primary). The biggest limitation is alternator cooling......it WILL get hot. Don't ever disconnect the alternator from the battery while running.....you WILL have to buy another I plan on getting an EU1000i and charging my battery through my Iota charger(3 stage smart IQ4 switching type charger 80plus % efficient). With the eco setting, it will just spin along at a required level to give me 30 amps output from the Iota. I think this will be the most quiet, most efficient, big picture IC engine powered electric alternative for me.....boy does that sound like legal speak..and at 29 lbs, I can even schlep it to the lazz....fuel spill /fumes would be the biggest hurdle.

 

[RECESS]

fuel spill /fumes would be the biggest hurdle.

I have seen mods using the vent area of the fuel cap on the eu to draw fuel from your main tank. The great thing about the mod is you are just modifying a fuel cap. Buy an extra so you can use it as a stand alone, or hook it to the main tank with the modded cap.

Edit to add link of the modification. Pictures further down on the thread.

http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1750042/Extended_run_modification_for_