www.iFourWinns.com

Hello ,

I have a 2007 Vista 278 and and I am interested to buy a Honda Generator EU20, I came across this site http://www.generator-line.com/services.html , and I would like to ask if any one had purchased it. I think it is very good to install it in the engine compartment, any help and ideas please.

Thanks

I highly recommend the Yamaha EF2000iS over the Honda. At my father's marina many people have reliability issues with the Honda and the Yamaha's never break. The Yamaha's are also quieter. I was standing 2ft from one the other day and I didn't even notice it running.

It is a VERY BAD BAD BAD BAD idea to install it in the engine compartment. The exhaust (carbon monoxide) will kill you if the engine doesn't spark the gas fumes first. Store it away and when you need power strap it to the swim platform.

Buy direct from Yamaha on their website, they have a discount right now. $900.00 shipped.

_________________
1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

Thank you very much for the information, better to check before by anything:)

I really can't advise on brand. I've seen and heard the small Honda's and they are quiet. I owned a Yamaha motorcycle, and it was built like a fine instrument.

But if you search the web boating sites you will find religious wars on the dangers of using a portable generator on a boat. I won't take sides but here are the dangers usually listed:

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - CO is deadly, if you put the generator in a confined space with you or in the open but the exhaust finds its way into your space you can die.
Gas Fume Explosion - Gasoline fumes build up in the bilge because gas fumes are heavier than air. Marine engines are designed not to ignite these fumes. A portable can ignite these fumes causing an explosion.
Electric Shock - A common solution to the above problems is to put the portable on the swim platform. There it can get wet and possibly shock you.
Damage to the Generator - A wave or wake can soak a generator on the swim platform and ruin it.

Be Safe!

_________________
2008 V358 Two-tone Blue V/P Dual Prop 320 HP
Lake Winnipesaukee, NH

i own the Honda generator and use if often on my vista 298. Runs very quite and does a great job, very fuel efficient. I keep it on the swim platform when in use. I also keep a battery operated co2 detector on the boat along with the systems on the boat for added safety.

I usually only run it when staying out on a mooring for a few days and never run it overnight. I would not run it from the engine compartment for the previous mentioned issues.

Kitos,
Are you planning on running your A/C away from the dock? The only reason I ask is when we first bought our boat I was convinced I needed air conditioning to sleep out on the lake so I bought the Honda EU2000. After sleeping on the lake a handful of times and not needing the A/C I sold the generator and bought a Xantrex 1800 watt inverter/charger and 4 golf cart batteries(440aH bank). We run everything off that inverter-microwave,tv,electric stove top, the house fan,and yes even the A/C for short period of times to cool the cabin. Last year we stayed at the beach for 3 days straight running everything without a recharge.

The Honda generator is a fine unit, but I just didn't like the idea of dealing with CO2, carring cans of gas, and the amount of storage it took up. Of course inverters aren't for everyone either, but I thought I might share my experience. Good luck on whatever you decide!

_________________
Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

on my boat does not have a/c but the generator is need to charge batteries, thank you guys for the advice

Check the install of a Honda EU20 on this 268. It looks to be permanently mounted in the rear storage locker with some kind of exhaust kit installed. I've never seen this before has anyone else? It also states it's a water cooled Honda generator...interesting?
http://www.boatsonline.com.au/boats-for-sale/used/power-boats/four-winns-268-vista/58050

_________________
Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"