I stumbled onto the Kipor brand of generator which appears to be the Chinese rival to Honda. The advert claims pure sine waves (2000 watt model) and quiet from 54 - 59 decibels. Its the decibels level I am curious about as it is the same level as Honda claims for their 2000 watt model. At half the price of the Honda generator, it has my attention. Any one use one of these puppies and how did you find it; especially in terms of loudness?
Kipor Generators - anyone use one?
- Thread starter rsn48
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Specs...
...don't appear to be the same. Honda EU2000 has an Econo feature which allows it to run 15 hours a gallon at 1/4 load and 4 hours at 100%. Nothing like this is mentioned for the Kipor. We have the Eu2000 and it has run flawlessly for three years and if it ever needs service all we have to do is find the nearest Honda motorcycle dealer. The Honda is worth the extra bucks.
...don't appear to be the same. Honda EU2000 has an Econo feature which allows it to run 15 hours a gallon at 1/4 load and 4 hours at 100%. Nothing like this is mentioned for the Kipor. We have the Eu2000 and it has run flawlessly for three years and if it ever needs service all we have to do is find the nearest Honda motorcycle dealer. The Honda is worth the extra bucks.
Not to hijack but ......
Monty , where do you place your generator when running , Im seriously considering adding one to the Bleheims list of additions , for long weekends when we're out and want comforts away from shore power .
Monty , where do you place your generator when running , Im seriously considering adding one to the Bleheims list of additions , for long weekends when we're out and want comforts away from shore power .
RoadTool
While on the hook we put it on the swim platform (Hunter) and the wind keeps the fumes away. We never run it while we are sleeping even though we have a CO2 detector. We stay up late until the cabin is ice cold, shut it off and go to sleep. I've noticed that some put it on the bow I guess because there would be less noise in the cockpit. Search the archives "Honda EU2000" and you'll find several discussions.
While on the hook we put it on the swim platform (Hunter) and the wind keeps the fumes away. We never run it while we are sleeping even though we have a CO2 detector. We stay up late until the cabin is ice cold, shut it off and go to sleep. I've noticed that some put it on the bow I guess because there would be less noise in the cockpit. Search the archives "Honda EU2000" and you'll find several discussions.
The way I will be using the generator
At full tilt the Honda and Kipor should run almost equal, though the Kipor motor is slightly larger - 102 CC versus 98 CC. The Honda has a 1.1 gallon tank and the Kipor 3.7 litres which is just shy of one gallon (3.8 litres). I have a multiple golf cart battery bank which I will use first. If I use the generator it will be to charge the battery bank so it will be running wide open - the most amps to charge - as would the Honda; thus the Honda 15 hour claim wouldn't hold true - it would run around 4 hours according to their claim, the same as the Kipor. Its just the noise I'm curious about, the Kipor claims the same level of noise as the Honda, which is impressively low.
At full tilt the Honda and Kipor should run almost equal, though the Kipor motor is slightly larger - 102 CC versus 98 CC. The Honda has a 1.1 gallon tank and the Kipor 3.7 litres which is just shy of one gallon (3.8 litres). I have a multiple golf cart battery bank which I will use first. If I use the generator it will be to charge the battery bank so it will be running wide open - the most amps to charge - as would the Honda; thus the Honda 15 hour claim wouldn't hold true - it would run around 4 hours according to their claim, the same as the Kipor. Its just the noise I'm curious about, the Kipor claims the same level of noise as the Honda, which is impressively low.
Re Swim Platform
Monty , I dont have quite so modern of s/v as you but Im adding a swim platform in the spring also , seemed like a good location to me , but I wanted to hear it from another .
Monty , I dont have quite so modern of s/v as you but Im adding a swim platform in the spring also , seemed like a good location to me , but I wanted to hear it from another .
I have a KIpor 100w generator
I like the generator... it about the same as the Honda in noise and the price was right, It's made in China and seem to be high quality. I use it to run my Christmas lights on my boat for our local boat parade. Bought it on ebay.
I like the generator... it about the same as the Honda in noise and the price was right, It's made in China and seem to be high quality. I use it to run my Christmas lights on my boat for our local boat parade. Bought it on ebay.
rsn48
Checkout the link below. I think you will find your answer there. Freezing rain here in central Texas today. Reminds me of living in West Van. Good luck.
Checkout the link below. I think you will find your answer there. Freezing rain here in central Texas today. Reminds me of living in West Van. Good luck.
1/2 of what price ?
are you all referring to sugg retail or actual selling price and no Im not referring to e bay . currently there are new 2000's available at $785.00 , with free shipping and no tax for residents out side the state of California .
are you all referring to sugg retail or actual selling price and no Im not referring to e bay . currently there are new 2000's available at $785.00 , with free shipping and no tax for residents out side the state of California .
The Kipor looks like a keeper
Monty, thanks for the link; it appears the Kipor is a keeper. To the other thread that asks about price, I don't want to get into a pi..... contest over pricing as amounts here in Canada are different that in the states (dollar exchange, etc). So for example, a Honda 2000 at the local Honda motor cycle shop costs around $2000; I'm sure I can get that cheaper in the States. Here is a link to a longer thread about the Kipor generators; over all people seem to be happy with them and they do seem quiet - an important consideration for me. I took this thread from the link Monty provided. For those following this thread, the Kipor generator maybe the saviour to the loose link in your battery plans, when you sail longer than the batter back up was planned for (easy to do). I am planning to place the generator forward, with the forward hatch closed and some how securing it to the mast so it won't go over in an unexpected chop when at anchor; I am thinking carbon monoxide issues here. I don't like relying on marina's and often when I sail, I prefer not to go to any marina's for as long as possible and a short as possible when I do use one. I can anchor somewhere, turn the generator on, grab the dingy and go ashore for a 4 hour picnic and hike, then come back to a somewhat charged battery bank (they won't be full). The charge over 4 hours will be around 53 amps. I think I would prefer the kipor 3000 which charges 19 amps per hour, but the 57 pounds bothers me - I'm 58 and don't want to be struggling with something heavier when I am an older fart. So for those on a budget check this generator out and ignore the "if it ain't a Honda, it ain't worth much threads." When I was a young bunny in 1970, when I drove and owned one of the first Toyota Corolla's out there, I often heard "if it isn't American built it ain't worth diddly." You can imagine where I filed this information.
Monty, thanks for the link; it appears the Kipor is a keeper. To the other thread that asks about price, I don't want to get into a pi..... contest over pricing as amounts here in Canada are different that in the states (dollar exchange, etc). So for example, a Honda 2000 at the local Honda motor cycle shop costs around $2000; I'm sure I can get that cheaper in the States. Here is a link to a longer thread about the Kipor generators; over all people seem to be happy with them and they do seem quiet - an important consideration for me. I took this thread from the link Monty provided. For those following this thread, the Kipor generator maybe the saviour to the loose link in your battery plans, when you sail longer than the batter back up was planned for (easy to do). I am planning to place the generator forward, with the forward hatch closed and some how securing it to the mast so it won't go over in an unexpected chop when at anchor; I am thinking carbon monoxide issues here. I don't like relying on marina's and often when I sail, I prefer not to go to any marina's for as long as possible and a short as possible when I do use one. I can anchor somewhere, turn the generator on, grab the dingy and go ashore for a 4 hour picnic and hike, then come back to a somewhat charged battery bank (they won't be full). The charge over 4 hours will be around 53 amps. I think I would prefer the kipor 3000 which charges 19 amps per hour, but the 57 pounds bothers me - I'm 58 and don't want to be struggling with something heavier when I am an older fart. So for those on a budget check this generator out and ignore the "if it ain't a Honda, it ain't worth much threads." When I was a young bunny in 1970, when I drove and owned one of the first Toyota Corolla's out there, I often heard "if it isn't American built it ain't worth diddly." You can imagine where I filed this information.
I definately wouldn't
run a generator on the foredeck at anchor. It pretty much guarantees that the CO will be wafting back through the cockpit all the time. Even with hatches, ports, dorades and companionway closed up it sure seems to be flirting with CO poisoning problems. Also, you don't say, but if you're basing your charging estimates on the AC output specs for the models cited in link you provided, that won't actually be the case. I imagine you'd want to plug in the AC output to your shorecharger so that the actual DC charge will instead be whatever your onboard charger provides. If you'll be using the DC output of the 2000 you'll be limited to a paltry 8.3 amps. I know you say you don't want to get into it over price comparisons but I'd say it's a pretty important component to consider given that it's apparently why you're considering the chinese model in the first place. I'll admit I don't know squat about exchange rates with internet purchases (not the local cycle shop) but it seems to me that a difference of less than $200 between comparable units (the 2000's) is certainly worth considering for the more available manufacturer support. I mean, a good warantee is important but think where you'll have to take it/ship it should you have problems. As for me, I much prefer getting 60 - 80 amps per day of clean, silent, odor-free power from my solar panels. Nearly every day. No gas. No fumes. No maintenance.
run a generator on the foredeck at anchor. It pretty much guarantees that the CO will be wafting back through the cockpit all the time. Even with hatches, ports, dorades and companionway closed up it sure seems to be flirting with CO poisoning problems. Also, you don't say, but if you're basing your charging estimates on the AC output specs for the models cited in link you provided, that won't actually be the case. I imagine you'd want to plug in the AC output to your shorecharger so that the actual DC charge will instead be whatever your onboard charger provides. If you'll be using the DC output of the 2000 you'll be limited to a paltry 8.3 amps. I know you say you don't want to get into it over price comparisons but I'd say it's a pretty important component to consider given that it's apparently why you're considering the chinese model in the first place. I'll admit I don't know squat about exchange rates with internet purchases (not the local cycle shop) but it seems to me that a difference of less than $200 between comparable units (the 2000's) is certainly worth considering for the more available manufacturer support. I mean, a good warantee is important but think where you'll have to take it/ship it should you have problems. As for me, I much prefer getting 60 - 80 amps per day of clean, silent, odor-free power from my solar panels. Nearly every day. No gas. No fumes. No maintenance.
rsn, the only thing I was going to mention is the
ad you quoted. All generators have a pure sine wave. They have to. They're generators. That's only a marketing tool with inverters. I know nothing of what they're selling though. But Chinese ads are fun to read.
ad you quoted. All generators have a pure sine wave. They have to. They're generators. That's only a marketing tool with inverters. I know nothing of what they're selling though. But Chinese ads are fun to read.
In Canada
In Canada the difference in price is $2000 for Honda versus $780 for the Kipor generator, definitely a cost savings. I am linking the electrical power of the generator through my shore power 120 AC outlet. This probably means I will have to purchase a shore power power cord (another one from the one I own) and change out the plug for one that will fit in the generator. I have fitted in 3 electrical outlets on one circuit (120 AC) in the Catalina along the port side.I am in the process of installing another two on the starboard side on another circuit. You have inspired me to add a third one very low and purchase a carbon monoxide detector and take the guessing out of the whole thing. My older Catalina (75) had just the one traditional battery; Catalina added nothing more so I have been upgrading the entire electrical for shore power and ship's power. While on the water, the electrical outlets will be run from the inverter. Like everyone else I looked for some method of charging the batteries while under way; there are only two methods. I could use solar power but in the Pacific North West with a boat that can't handle many solar panels, solar power is not really a viable option. A wind vane could be used, but I know vibration noise could be an issue and in the summer in the Pacific North West often times there isn't much of a wind. The only solution that makes any sense to me is the generator. I notice the Kipor claims their units are pure sine waves, so quality of electricity won't be an issue. I have installed only a 1000 watt inverter to force me to keep the amps down. The microwave I am installing is only 700 watts and I figure it will be only used for about 20 minutes a day.
In Canada the difference in price is $2000 for Honda versus $780 for the Kipor generator, definitely a cost savings. I am linking the electrical power of the generator through my shore power 120 AC outlet. This probably means I will have to purchase a shore power power cord (another one from the one I own) and change out the plug for one that will fit in the generator. I have fitted in 3 electrical outlets on one circuit (120 AC) in the Catalina along the port side.I am in the process of installing another two on the starboard side on another circuit. You have inspired me to add a third one very low and purchase a carbon monoxide detector and take the guessing out of the whole thing. My older Catalina (75) had just the one traditional battery; Catalina added nothing more so I have been upgrading the entire electrical for shore power and ship's power. While on the water, the electrical outlets will be run from the inverter. Like everyone else I looked for some method of charging the batteries while under way; there are only two methods. I could use solar power but in the Pacific North West with a boat that can't handle many solar panels, solar power is not really a viable option. A wind vane could be used, but I know vibration noise could be an issue and in the summer in the Pacific North West often times there isn't much of a wind. The only solution that makes any sense to me is the generator. I notice the Kipor claims their units are pure sine waves, so quality of electricity won't be an issue. I have installed only a 1000 watt inverter to force me to keep the amps down. The microwave I am installing is only 700 watts and I figure it will be only used for about 20 minutes a day.
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