Propane generator recommendation

[PKFK]

I purchased a yamaha tri-fuel (propane/natural gas/gasoline) inverter-generator at the beginning of the season, and have been very pleased with it, so I thought I would share the info with you guys.

It is from :

http://www.yamaha-propane-natural-gas-generators.com

I have ZERO involvement with these guys other than being a happy customer. They sell the yamaha generators converted to run on tri-fuel and yamaha does not void the warranty - which is a big plus. Since SBO does not sell these I figured posting this should not be a problem.

I don't have gasoline on my H36, so having a genny that runs on propane (with no carbon monoxide emissions and no gasoline added on board) was a nice plus. The 2KW version weighs about 44lbs (20kg) and purrs like a kitten on propane. It also charges the batteries and makes hot water no problem !

I am in Canada but pick up my USA stuff in ogdensburg NY (free shipping) so I can't comment on their shipping to Canada - but the free shipping to ogdensburg was fast and extremely well packaged to prevent shipping damage (plywood base, straps, and airbags).

If you don't have a built in genset and are considering a honda vs yamaha choice - I suggest you take a look at this option.

// Paul

 

[kloudie1]

CO on these units is LESS than gasoline, but the propane powered units do put out carbon monoxide in amounts that can be deadly..

 

[PKFK]

I have multiple CO and smoke detectors in the boat - and would suggest everyone should always have working detectors if you burn any form of fuel on your boat !

 

[Benny17441]

My concern with LPG would be the inconvenience or refilling the tanks. When on a summer cruise we use our generator to power the air conditioner for around 10 hours in the evening. We could go through a few gallons of Propane in just a few days. Finding gasoline to refill our jerry-cans at a marina is usually not a problem but having to find and take a ride with the tanks to a Propane filling station would not be very convenient. We have hooked up a 3 1/2 gallon outboard gasoline tank to our generator to avoid the mid night feedings so the extended flow which the LPG would provide does nothing for us but might for others. As far as safety they are both in their gas form heavier than air and explosive in high concentrations. Propane has the added detriment that it is stored under pressure. Both when burned produce CO so precautions have to be taken to have the exhaust fumes blow away from the boat. Direction of wind and current have to be taken into consideration when placing the unit. As currents may oppose wind and change during generator use having a CO alarm is a must.

 

[PKFK]

The flexibility on fuel is just what I was trying to point out. It runs on propane, natural gas, and also plain old gasoline. So if you run out of any fuel - you can replace it with another fuel. This is a big plus - I can run on cleanly burning propane with no carb gum from gasoline - but if stuck, gas can be used with no mods. I think this is very
Convenient - you can burn really clean on propane - but if stuck just dump a gallon of gas in and you are good to go ! No extra mods or changes needed.

Paul

 

[Bob 04 H260]

Paul, looks like a smart solution with lots of flexibility. We have a built in diesel genny so not an option at this point for us.
Bob

 

[Benny17441]

I just cannot see a sailor burning his hard to find natural gas refills for running a generator so that tri-fuel claim is more marketing than real as far as boating is concerned. I do not have a problem with Propane fuel as it does burn cleaner than gas but I do have a problem with the fuel consumption of generators. I would not want to empty my propane tanks in just a couple of days when I rely on that fuel for cooking. I can see where it would be worthwhile for some sailors that may only need to run the generator a few hours a week and might get longer use out of their tank fills. They can avoid the gas gumming problems and safely store the generators in a lazarette.

 

[Bob 04 H260]

I just cannot see a sailor burning his hard to find natural gas refills for running a generator so that tri-fuel claim is more marketing than real as far as boating is concerned. I do not have a problem with Propane fuel as it does burn cleaner than gas but I do have a problem with the fuel consumption of generators. I would not want to empty my propane tanks in just a couple of days when I rely on that fuel for cooking. I can see where it would be worthwhile for some sailors that may only need to run the generator a few hours a week and might get longer use out of their tank fills. They can avoid the gas gumming problems and safely store the generators in a lazarette.

I don't think it is designed for cruisers. For those who use their boats for the weekend it makes sense. Easy to refill the propane tanks. Generator always starts easy, no gummed up carb, no stale gasoline. In fact with a propane outboard no need for gasoline on the boat at all or any carb cleaner either.

I think this could appeal to a lot of cruisers that just use the boat for short cruises. On a one month cruise maybe switch to gasoline for the generator.
Bob

 

[PKFK]

Bingo ! Bob you hit it exactly. Many folks are not long term cruisers and use our boats on weekends or a week at a time. (Unlike you lucky so-and-so's who might be retired !!)

If I was living aboard or longer term cruising, I would spring the 5-6 grand to install a diesel genset (the H36 has a spot for it already in the lazarette !).

But for now - this multi fuel solution - with no carb gumming and stale gas to worry about - works very well, and I think it might be a good option for those who still have to return to the office every week but enjoy sailing as well !

Paul