Generator

[07RINKER250]

Hey everyone.....

I am looking for a portable generator to buy for my 250.  It has the 7000 BTU A/C, so I would need something that could power that.  Anyone have any suggestions???

Phil

[SweetTooth]

I've heard nothing but good things about the Honda portables

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/gensup.asp

[nwaring]

I agree the little Honda's are the best.  Beaware of all the CO concerns and add a second detector.  Go to other boating sites and read a 1000 reasons why you shouldn't do it then make your mind up and use common sense.

Good luck
Niles

[rdlegacy]

SweetTooth hit....the little Honda marine unit is the most popular in the marine market.  I see a lot of sail boats with that unit.  

Make sure you keep it on the swim platform!  They do come in handy!

[Hank]

and turn off before going to sleep ...... much better chance of waking up ....

[07RINKER250]

Thank you for your replies!     Do you guys know how much power in the generator I should get??  I've been seeing 1000watts, 2000watts, 3000watts, etc....   I just don't know which one to get.

[Hank]

I think merwin is the resident electrical wizzard, he really does know his stuff.... I'm sure when he reads your question he will respond w/ the right formula....

[Dream 'Inn]

I would say the Honda EU2000i (2kw) would suit your needs just fine.  My father runs the same thing for his 28' and is extremely happy with it.  You will have a bit of a start-up surge with the AC, therefore the 1kw wouldn't be recommended.  Once you have the AC started up on the genny, then you could also still power up other items.  Also, most microwaves have a pretty good surge while they are running, so you may or may not be able to run the two together .  You'd have to look at the current draw for each of them, multiply that by 115VAC to get your power.  Then add up exactly what you want to run at one time.

[07RINKER250]

I would say the Honda EU2000i (2kw) would suit your needs just fine.  My father runs the same thing for his 28' and is extremely happy with it.  You will have a bit of a start-up surge with the AC, therefore the 1kw wouldn't be recommended.  Once you have the AC started up on the genny, then you could also still power up other items.  Also, most microwaves have a pretty good surge while they are running, so you may or may not be able to run the two together .  You'd have to look at the current draw for each of them, multiply that by 115VAC to get your power.  Then add up exactly what you want to run at one time.

I was thinking a 2000watt would do.  Thank you for the info.  Do you know how quiet it is??

[devilrays]

I've heard different stories about these generators and that their not really safe.  I'm not sure which way to go about this and there are more options on finding a boat without a generator and adding the honda to run stuff during the day and maybe run it for a bit before going to sleep and then turning it off.  I would like to know everyone's opinions on this

Thanks,

Don

[07RINKER250]

I've heard different stories about these generators and that their not really safe.  I'm not sure which way to go about this and there are more options on finding a boat without a generator and adding the honda to run stuff during the day and maybe run it for a bit before going to sleep and then turning it off.  I would like to know everyone's opinions on this

Thanks,

Don

Hey Don,

I have heard the same things.  I think I would really only use it during the day.  That way I can have something to run the A/C and escape the Florida sun/heat for a bit.  If i go anywhere overnight, I am certainly going to look for someplace that has shore power, such as Caladesi Island.  

[Dream 'Inn]

They are pretty quite...actually, to me, surprisingly quite.  I think you can look on their website and get a decibel rating, then compare that to other typical things.

As far as danger, yes, you need to be cautious.  Never run it anywhere except on the swim platform.  Make sure to have operational CO detectors, that you check routinely (actually, one with a digital reading, like what they have at Lowes, is a good option).  Just an extra thought, when my father came up, and saw me hit a button, and bam, there was power....he said, he will not look back and definitely go that route next time.  Nothing beats the convenience and ease of use.  (so, on your next bigger boat, get it with a genny in it, then you can just take that portable home for hurricane use )

[devilrays]

Yea I have been debating this issue for a while now, because I find more boats in the 26' - 27' range without generators and if were out at Caladesi Island anchored then we can use the portable generator.  So do you have CO detectors in the cabin as well as on the deck?  I just want to be prepared when the boat I'm looking for comes in and I can jump on it.

Thanks,

Don

[Dan&Darci]

If you find a boat without CO detectors you can buy units identical to what Rinker installs (Kidde) at any home center for about $30 - $35 each.  I added a second detector to my boat just for redundancy.

[nwaring]

Also...no rear anchor while running the genny.  You need to be able to swing with wind so the exhaust blow away from the boat.  This is true for built in genny's also.

Good luck
Niles