www.iFourWinns.com

I had a couple of questions on how i set up my honda 2000. i used a couple of pop up cleats on the swimdeck and strap it down with a bow strap. then cover it. i have a double male ended extension that goes from the generator to an duplex outlet in the swim platform locker. this outlet is directly wired to the main breaker in the control panel with boat romex wire (12g) it is special wire because it is stranded. having a duplex outlet on the back also allows me to plug in the amplified antenna for my tv. (i also put in a cable jack).

http://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv25 ... G_2404.jpg

http://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv25 ... G_2407.jpg

http://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv25 ... G_2408.jpg

http://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv25 ... G_2409.jpg

http://i689.photobucket.com/albums/vv25 ... oatgen.jpg

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republicans, working hard so you dont have to.

Thanks Ryan. Nice boat and car.

Do u run your boat with the generator back there?

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Walter

2003 248 Vista - VP 5.0 GXi
2009 Toyota Tundra SR5 5.7L 4x4

i have not trailered it with the generator back there, but have boated with it attached. i keep looking back thinking i am going to see it in the water but actually its pretty secure

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republicans, working hard so you dont have to.

Sweet Ryan thanks. The 278 I'm considering does not have a gen, but we are going the Honda route if we get it. Will it run your AC just fine?

Setup looks great also....you'll be copied for sure!

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

i do not have ac, but did buy this http://kooleraireac.com/coleman_coolers.htm i did talk to a ac installer. they said th ehonda would run a ac unit if it had th enewer rotary compressor

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republicans, working hard so you dont have to.

firecat,

I do have A/C on mine and it will run it no problems! Only thing I can't run in parallel is the microwave.

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Walter

2003 248 Vista - VP 5.0 GXi
2009 Toyota Tundra SR5 5.7L 4x4

You didn't use a regular boat shore power connector? That means you won't be able to plug into a shore power connection at a marina. That and the shore power fittings are designed to screw into the socket. A regular 110vac plug is nowhere near as secure. Eventually time and corrosion will take it's toll on the sockets. Then you risk the connection not being tight and raising the risk of an electrical arc. This, suffice to say, is a REALLY BAD THING on gas boats. This is also why most shore power panels have breakers right there with the socket, so you can turn the circuit OFF before plugging/unplugging the cord.

I realize it's going to be more work and expense but I wouldn't take any shortcuts whatsoever when it comes to proper wiring installation of AC wiring in a boat. The risks are just far too great.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

the existing shore cable and connector is still there and functional. the double male is ran in parallel to the original shore connections and is outside the engine compartment in a water resistant box. and when the gen is on i can close the door to the storage locker so no splashing water can get to the duplex outlet. the only reason twistlocks are used is so that they cannot be accidently pulled out. your conncetion can still be in the same fashion by pluging in the double male and then starting the generator, then flipping the mains breaker.

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republicans, working hard so you dont have to.

That is the exact location of where I place my little Honda. I have ran the gen set while underway, works great!!


Bill, I have never seen a small portable gen set with a twist lock connection that would be the ideal set up that you want. I am with the others, for occasional use a standard 15 amp plug will work fabulously. If and when it shows any wear, we can replace for next to nothing vs. buying the marine cords.

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2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos

Ryan,
Thanks for posting this information and pics. Wuick question about the wiring. You ran boat Romex from the outlet all the way to the main panel in the cabin? Did you pull that out and simply attach the wires to the same place the shorepower wires are attached?

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2005 Vista 268 "ALTEAN"

yes, but it was not quite so simple. getting the romex up behind the cabinet was a b**ch. i ended up fishing a small wire first to use as a pull wire. its a little easier getting the romex from the engine compartment to where the garbage can is by using steel fish tape

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republicans, working hard so you dont have to.

The trouble with 'occasional' use is it often breeds being forgetful. I just prefer not to set up something that opens the possibility of greater risk than necessary. For the current owner, 'helpful' guests or the next owner. But I'm sure you'll do the right thing.

The cost of a shorty cable with the right marine connector and proper wiring, for me, just isn't high enough to make it worth the shortcut. But hey, when it comes to electric, sparks and fumes on boats I just prefer to stay as far away from risks as possible.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Cool ... thanks for sharing. We'll be doing a similar gen install at some point. Your notes are certainly helpful for install ideas.

And ... I see your trailer has the side bunks ... we'll be building these as well.

Annnnddd ...... You just happened to get your '70 GTO in the photo ..... We had one, back in the mid-80s, in Detroit area. Was the teal color, but not numbers matching. Had a BIG (big HP) 427 in it.

Here's an old photo, from the day we purchased it .... before all the driveline & suspension mods (looks blue in the photo, but was the teal green:

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Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

2003 268 Vista ..................................................................Prior: 97 245 Sundowner

i agree, as i am an electrician. but you also have to work with what you are given. and since honda does not make a generator with a marine connector, you are limited to options. as another safety,the duplex outlet i installed is a GFI.

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republicans, working hard so you dont have to.

Question for you guys who keep the generator back there while underway... When you come off plane too fast, what appens if the water backdrafts up onto your platform? Are you guys worried about soaking the generator at all?

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA