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portable gen in bilge or storage compartment?
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Author:  fourwinnskiwi [ Sun Jul 24, 2011 12:21 am ]
Post subject:  portable gen in bilge or storage compartment?
Im thinking about buying a honda 2000 generator(portable type) and was wondering if it would be ok to mount in my bilge/engine compartment or may be in the rear storage compartment on the transom,would it be possible or dangerous? would it overheat or be ok? this would be for my 268 vista , and was also wondering what a 2000w generator will be able to power,I realise i wont be able to run e3verything at once ,but will it run my heater? I have the cruiseair 5000btu a/c reverse heat type,microwave??how about hot water? sorry for all the dumb questions ,but Ive never owner a cruiser before only day boats ,so its all new thing for me,any thoughts welcomed ,thanks :?:
Author:  230 Mike [ Sun Jul 24, 2011 2:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: portable gen in bilge or storage compartment?
I can't answer your questions, but do be aware the Honda 2000 - although an outstanding generator - is actually rated for 1,500W continuous (unless it has changed in the last year or so).
Author:  fourwinnskiwi [ Sun Jul 24, 2011 4:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: portable gen in bilge or storage compartment?
Thanks ,good to know ,would the generator be powerful enough to operate the ac/reverse cycle heater(5000btu) Im quite keen to have a heater operating if possible? thanks ,Mike
Author:  aguyindallas [ Sun Jul 24, 2011 6:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: portable gen in bilge or storage compartment?
No, this shouldn't be mounted in the bilge. First, it will not be able to properly cool. Second, it will not allow exhaust gasses out of the boat properly and could pose a major CO problem. Third, you don't want to have to fill a hot generator with fuel if it runs out, especially in the bilge or storage compartment.
Author:  acguy [ Sun Jul 24, 2011 6:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: portable gen in bilge or storage compartment?
fourwinnskiwi wrote:
Thanks ,good to know ,would the generator be powerful enough to operate the ac/reverse cycle heater(5000btu) Im quite keen to have a heater operating if possible? thanks ,Mike


This unit will run your A/C if my calculation is right it should only take 700 Watts . I wouldn't think it will run your microwave they are usually around 1500 Watts but if you can find your manual it will give you the specs in there.
As for hot water can you not get that when you run the engine?
Author:  fourwinnskiwi [ Sun Jul 24, 2011 7:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: portable gen in bilge or storage compartment?
thanks,so hot water will be available when the engine is running?I didnt realise that,I thought It would need a genset or shorepower to run hot water :oops:
Author:  captwalt [ Sun Jul 24, 2011 8:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: portable gen in bilge or storage compartment?
I own the eu2000 and it runs everything including the air just fine on my 248. As for hot water your water heater should have a heat exchanger that would warm up the water from running your engine.

I would not store the generator in the bilge for the various reasons already posted. Also starting it up would be a major PITA if it were in bilge.
Author:  Partycove2 [ Sun Jul 24, 2011 8:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: portable gen in bilge or storage compartment?
To put it frankly, it would be a death wish to mount and run that generator inside the engine compartment, DO NOT do it!
Author:  kp47 [ Sun Jul 24, 2011 12:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: portable gen in bilge or storage compartment?
FWIW my little Eu1000 will run the 5,000btu AC, sometimes it will take a couple tries to get it to start (PITA because you have to shut off and restart the generator to reset it) but it will run it all day.

I just tried it on the dock to see if it would work, honestly I wouldnt use it on the water. I was going to install a couple popup hooks and lash it to the swim platform like some do until I heard how loud it was in the marina, and the 1000 is about as quiet as you can get. Plus during transport in the back of a pickup it will leak fuel out of the vent, I'm sure a boat rocking around would be even worse.

I would never put in the bilge or storage area period.
Author:  powellcrazy [ Sun Jul 24, 2011 10:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: portable gen in bilge or storage compartment?
We have a Honda EU2000, awesome little gen set. NO, can not, do not, store in bilge. Swim deck, yes.

Here is how we use ours on our 248
Image

This set up has served us well for 3 seasons now.
Author:  Paul I. [ Mon Jul 25, 2011 1:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: portable gen in bilge or storage compartment?
Partycove2 wrote:
To put it frankly, it would be a death wish to mount and run that generator inside the engine compartment, DO NOT do it!


ONLY mount things in the engine compartment that are ignition proof!!!!!!! These generators are not igniton protected so if any volatile fumes are present, boom! Even on your platform, as in the above post. Install a genset, is the SAFEST way to go. With these small generators, you need to carry fuel and refuel them too. Not the safest thing to do as the boat is anchored! A genset comes off same fuel tank as your engine.

Pouring fuel, hot generator, boat rocking, not a good thing to be doing. PLUS, with a genset, flip a switch from shore to genset power. No cables to run or carry.

AND, these generators does not meet USCG Regulations, so you need to ask your self "Do I what to use them?" Another thought, if something were to happen, would your insurance pay off??
Author:  powellcrazy [ Mon Jul 25, 2011 7:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: portable gen in bilge or storage compartment?
I should also have mentioned that we do use gen set on occasion with it sitting on swim deck, but mostly for transportation to camp spot. When beach camping the plus side of a portable gen set, is to get the noise and vibration away from the boat. We place up the hill and try to find a rock to hide it behind and can not hear it on the boat.
The EU2000 will run everything on the boat except the water heater. The baby microwave is only a 900 watt. May not run everything at once, you must understand consumption and use devices accordingly.

This photo show gen set sitting on beach next to boat, but with 50' cord it would be on other side of rock. We carry 200' of cord and have rigged up a 5 gallon gas can to feed the gen set. Info for mod can be found on any RV site. Tank on the EU is only 1 gallon, that will run 8-12 hrs, but with another 5 gallons, 2-3 days... That beats any built in gen set for economy, and can use with camptrailer, around the house, ect... something a built in genny can not do. Along with a built in costing upwards of 8-10k installed. With using a little common sense, to protect yourself from shock, it will be very easy to decide what the 'right' thing to do is.
Image

This little EU2000 powers our 35' 5th wheel RV when dry camping in the mountains as well. Powers entire trailer except the A/C (13,500 btu), just can not start it up. You can get 2 EU's and hook together and double your power, this can only be done with the inverter type gen sets. DO NOT try with just any gen set.
Author:  Paul I. [ Mon Jul 25, 2011 8:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: portable gen in bilge or storage compartment?
Please understand that I am not directing this at “powerllcrazy” but at the group for an understanding to the situation. I am sure too that I am leaving are NOT knowing other thing that could happen here.

As to powellcrazy’s setup. I see water, power cord going over it, generator and fuel. Just don’t like the set up. I hope the gen is GFI protected.

Yes, a genset is at lest $8000.00!! Not cheap. My boat is a 15 years loan, to add 8K to it would be $45 per month and still is a tax right off. (I know the IRS is trying to change that.) It should be less if you buy the boat as a package with it included, not just adding it on. The flip side is to a genset, is safety, no cords, no fuel to carry, no gen to carry. Just turn switch to start the genset and it will have its own battery too. Yes it is noise!! Also, I know my Ins Co. will pay off is something happens, I don’t want to lose my $70,000 investment.

To each their own, if it works for you, THAT’S GREAT!!
Author:  Paul I. [ Mon Jul 25, 2011 11:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: portable gen in bilge or storage compartment?
Please understand that I am not directing this at “powerllcrazy” but at the group.

As to powellcrazy’s setup. I see water, power cord going over it, generator and fuel. Just don’t like the set up. I hope the gen is GFI protected.

Yes, a genset is at lest $8000.00!! Not cheap. My boat is a 15 years loan, to add 8K to it would be $45 per month and still is a tax right off. (I know the IRS is trying to change that.) It should be less if you buy the boat as a package with it included, not just adding it on. The flip side is to a genset, is safety, no cords, no fuel to carry, no gen to carry. Just turn switch to start the genset and it will have its own battery too. Yes it is noise!! Also, I know my Ins Co. will pay off is something happens, I don’t want to lose my $70,000 investment.

To each their own, if it works for you, THAT’S GREAT!!
Author:  mcraigchr [ Mon Jul 25, 2011 12:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: portable gen in bilge or storage compartment?
powellcrazy wrote:
We have a Honda EU2000, awesome little gen set. NO, can not, do not, store in bilge. Swim deck, yes.

Here is how we use ours on our 248
Image

This set up has served us well for 3 seasons now.


This is almost the exact same setup I have. Works fine. Can be a bit noisey when the A/C kicks on. Honestly, I don't sleep when anchored anyway. I dream of anchors breaking loose ... even though mine never has. When I get the windlass put in next year, I am going to make sure to have an anchoring setup that puts my mind at ease.

Craig C.
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