recharging batteries with external generator (Honda?)

[syoun10]

I'm thinking of buying a stand alone gasoline generator to avoid having to run my diesel engine at low power to charge the batteries.

I'm considering a Honda 1000 (1 Kw). This low size because of price (~$1000 I think), quietness and limited storage space on my 33 ft Hunter.

I have 3 Costco group 27 deep discharge batteries - (about 115 KwHrs each I think). Is there any problem recharging a bank that could take 150 amps with a source that can only put out 40 amps? Will it do the batteries, or the generator any harm?

Should I connect the batteries to the 12 volt DC output of the generator, or connect the 120 volt AC output of the generator to the shore power connector, and let the boat's battery charger do the charging for me?

Anybody got any other recommendations for generator model rather that Honda? (I know Hondas are rather expensive, but I've heard comments that they are worth the extra $).

Comments welcome.

 

[Stu Jackson]

The 12V output of the Honda will NOT charge your batteries. Batteries need more than 12V to charge them. What size is your battery charger on the boat? The Honda 1000 output is about 13.8 Amps @ 120V A.C.

 

[MrBill_FLL]

you'll still need a good (3 phase) 110v charger. but that combo will work.

also look at the eu2000. that will run an a/c unit... the 1000 won't, and not that much smaller.

 

[RECESS]

I would get the EU2000. It is about the same size and not much more weight. Remember that the continous output is not the same as what they call it. We have a EU2000 and it has been great.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

You can buy a H2000e delivered for less than $900. There are cheaper brands but not that much of a savings to sacrifice the quality. Your battery bank cannot accept anywhere close to 150 amps - more like 20 to 40 amps depending on their actual capacity. As Stu said, you cannot direct charge batteries from a generator with 12V output; you have to use the generator to power a charger and the H2000e will power the biggest charger you could ever want given your battery bank.

 

[Ron20324]

All, it is the Honda 2000 you probably want- with the connector that mates to your shore power cord. Skip the one with the 12-volt charger. Unless someone has a better source, I suggest WiseSales.com 800-916-9473. You'll probably have to call them to get the price, but I had it delivered in 3 days at less than 900$.

It puts out 13.3 amps AC, which is the best way to charge your batteries thru the shore power cord and battery charger.

The output is not "12 volts". I know Stu always comments as in post#2, but the 12-volt output says it is for battery charging (at 8 amps), and one of these days when I have gas and my volt meter, I'll take a reading and set everyone straight. Perhaps someone can do that soooner? I did once before, and the open-circuit voltage was maybe 19 IIRC?

 

[Stu Jackson]

Yup, I do that all the time!

Here's why:

http://powerequipment.honda.com/Generators/models/eu1000i

DC Output: 12 V 8A

I was also wrong about the 1000 putting out 13.+ A, that's the 2000 model.

 

[Sumner]

Yup, I do that all the time!

Here's why:

http://powerequipment.honda.com/Generators/models/eu1000i

DC Output: 12 V 8A

I was also wrong about the 1000 putting out 13.+ A, that's the 2000 model.

I think they say 12 v 8 A as if they put down 14 volts most people would think that it wouldn't work, but further down that page they do say...

12v - 8.0A DC output

The EU1000 has a DC outlet for use when charging 12-volt automotive type batteries. (Requires an optional charging cord.)

From that I'd say it is more than 12 volts....but not positive and it is confusing. We have the 2000 but I've never used the 12 volt output but have charged batteries with it on the 110 hooked to a charger,

Sum

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Our Endeavour 37

Our MacGregor 26-S Pages

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[heritage]

My experience charging house batteries with a 1000 watt Yamaha generator hooked to the onboard charger was not good. I called Yamaha and they said that I need a 2000 to make it work. If you do the arithmetic it appears that the smaller unit should have plenty of power but something was falling short. Could have something to do with the modified sinewave ac output.

 

[Ross]

I would drive a regulated 12 volt alternator with a small Honda engine in a purpose built system.

 

[SEMPERAVANTI41]

Just a couple of questions?

Would Honda or any portable generator manufacturer recommend the use of a portable gasoline generator on the deck of a boat?

Would boat insurance cover a loss caused by a portable generator?

How do you prevent shock hazard if generator is operating when it starts to rain?

 

[sdfox]

Why not use a portable gas powered battery charger? It would save
on losses in the conversion process. Something like this.

http://www.alten-dc.com/gasoline-powered-dc-generators.html

The diesel units are a bit heavy but the 55a Honda powered unit comes
in at 26lbs. I have seen cheepee units around for $80 or so. Thought about
trying one as an experiment.

scotty

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Would Honda or any portable generator manufacturer recommend the use of a portable gasoline generator on the deck of a boat?

They recommend the same precautions as using it in or near a house.


Would boat insurance cover a loss caused by a portable generator?

Yes unless the loss was caused by negligence or as a result of a specific exclusion


How do you prevent shock hazard if generator is operating when it starts to rain?

Have another beer and enjoy the pitter-patter. I know from experience this works.

 

[Hannah Quinn]

I use a Honda EU2000 on my 2005 Hunter 306. Fits in the rear seat locker perfect. Set on rear transom, hook to shore power cable.... Super easy, quiet and charges nicely.

 

[Sumner]

Why not use a portable gas powered battery charger? It would save
on losses in the conversion process. Something like this.

http://www.alten-dc.com/gasoline-powered-dc-generators.html...scotty

I would drive a regulated 12 volt alternator with a small Honda engine in a purpose built system.

Basically what I did with ....

....a Honda engine and a ....

GM alternator...

...it lives on the stern rail of the Mac and works great. I also added a second muffler I made since that picture. Not quite as quiet as the Honda 2000 we have, but close and I don't think anyone within anchor range would hear it or maybe barely. If we are near anyone, seldom, we try not to run it before 7 am or after 7 pm. The only downside is noise in the cabin from vibration coming from how it is mounted. I might work on the mounts some, but now we hardly ever run it.

Now with 200 watts....

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor2/outside-33.html

...of solar on the Mac we ran it less than 3-4 hours total on a 7+ week trip...

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/FL-spring-2011/Florida-2011-Spring-index.html

...and with almost 500 watts on the Endeavour we hope to not use the Honda 2000 and the Heart onboard charger at all.

I could of made the gen-set with a less expensive engine than the Honda, but it is pretty quiet stock, starts on 1st/2nd pull, runs a long time on gas, and they last forever. More info on the build here....

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor/outside-13.html

If we didn't have so much solar on the Endeavour I'd make another gen-set and would prefer it to storing and running the Honda 2000 as it would be another permanent mount ready to go at any time, but the solar is so nice,

Sum

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]============================[/FONT]

Our Endeavour 37

Our MacGregor 26-S Pages

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Mac-Venture Links

 

[Benny17441]

12v - 8.0A DC output

The EU1000 has a DC outlet for use when charging 12-volt automotive type batteries. (Requires an optional charging cord.)


Honda in their manual indicates the 12V outlet is capable of charging an automotive type battery. That must mean the output voltage is higher than 12V and the description in the manual is not a spec to be taken litterally. Having said that my only attempt to to charge a battery directly from the generator was inconclusive as I ran out of patience and went and got portable 20A charger. It is a good idea to run a Honda generator for charging batteries through the inboard charger as it can avoid wear and tear on the main diesel engine.

 

[Tree]

I just came across this thread..... don't have a lot of time to write a long response. But! I have a 240 AH battery bank and a Victron battery monitor. I have the exact Honda EU1000 that you talk about. I use a smart charger (~ $100 type unit) on the AC side of my Honda and when I'm down into 70% range on my battery bank, it takes a couple of hours or so to get back to full charge in my battery bank. It's the last couple of % that takes a long time. I suspect I'm not getting absolute recharge, but I'm pumping back in a lot of juice. I can put the full charge on when I'm hooked up to shore power...... and let the last little bit trickle in. I really like the EU1000. It runs my vacume, my power tools, even my small bass amp for outdoor gigs. It hardly bogs down when I run my weed wacker! Great little unit! .... and it fits in my cockpit locker!

Just my opinion. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Ron20324]

The 12V output of the Honda will NOT charge your batteries. Batteries need more than 12V to charge them...

Okay, the open-circuit voltage on my 2000 is a bit above 24 with the Fluke meter. I couldn't find the charger cord or i would have hooked on a battery.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Okay, the open-circuit voltage on my 2000 is a bit above 24 with the Fluke meter. I couldn't find the charger cord or i would have hooked on a battery.

Just did the same thing and measured 24.2 VDC - no load
With a 10 amp resistive load - 12.1 VDC.

 

[Gunni]

The triumph of empirical science over belief, and blind faith! Thanks Ron and Don.