Portable Inverter Generator

[jfrench]

Does anyone have any experience with these little inverter type generators that are becoming so prevalent? Honda's got a nice one for too much money (about $1000) and there are equivalents like Honeywell selling for as little as $311 delivered. With such a range of prices I'm wondering if the difference is marketing or if it's quality driven. Has anyone owned any of these and can comment?

 

[RECESS]

I have a Honda EU2000i. I got it for $750 and it is worth all of it. I have had it for two years and it starts on the first pull all the time. It also runs super quiet. I have heard of less than ideal performance from the knock off brands from China.

It is also very hady around the house. I never run over a hundred feet of extension cord. I live on 5 acres so it is nice when I have to do a job up by the horse barn.

 

[Terry in Naples]

I have the Honda 2000 and it is worth the money. Knock offs I have seen or read about have less power, are not reliable and frankly just a way to throw away your money. You can shop the internet and get them for less. Try mayberrys.com I think it is the least expensive. For what it is worth the only other real option is the Yamaha 2000 and it is similar in price. I think those Those KIPOR and B and G etc are cheap knock offs.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Terry's right. Here's a story from one of our skippers about the "lesser" brands.

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4394.0.html

 

[allantodd]

Been there done that.
Bought 2 cheap inverter generators. I'm using them boath as boat anchors.
I now own Honda 2000i. Best I've ever used. But the Honda 1000i is even cooler as is it so quite, if you don't need the extra wattage capability of 2000i.

I highly recommend Honda over any other. (Even the Yamahas)

Allan

 

[txtowman]

my honda

My EU2000I Honda has 3750 hours on it and runs like new.

I have seen others and there is no comparison.

Worth every penny!

 

[shipwreck66]

If it is not a Honda or Yamaha, it will sound like a $50 lawn mower running on your deck. I have a Coleman to use at house in emergency, my wife has stated if I ever carry it on the boat again she'll tie me to it and tell the police I fell overboard.

 

[saltygator]

For what it's worth, I have a Honda 2000i and would not go on a long cruise without it! It will run the A/C, charge the batteries, with frig on too! But carrying enough gas to run it and the dingy is a pain. So, we don't plan on the generator every night, just for the nights we didn't plan to well. If you are going to use a gas generator on deck, (mine sits on the dive platform), get CO monitors for the cabin. Cheap insurance against wind shifts, etc. All in all, understanding the needs vs. the use is the secret.