Best Generator

[prroots]

I would appreciate recommendations for the best air-cooled, gasoline powered generator for the price these days. Quietness, efficiency, compactness, and reliability are important. Thanks
Pete

[skipmac]

Several previous threads on this question. Bottom line, you can get plenty of cheaper generators but in the long run the Honda EU2000 is better, quieter, more reliable, lasts longer. A lot more money up front but pays off in the long run.

Wise sales has them for $900 with free shipping.

[Lancerbye]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Several previous threads on this question. Bottom line, you can get plenty of cheaper generators but in the long run the Honda EU2000 is better, quieter, more reliable, lasts longer. A lot more money up front but pays off in the long run.

Wise sales has them for $900 with free shipping.

+1

[msponer]

Originally Posted by Lancerbye

+1

Yes, and also take a look at the Honda EU1000 -- if you are just going to be using it to charge batteries, and your battery charger is not ginormous (maybe less than 60 amps). The EU1000 would put out plenty of power for that, and is a little smaller and lighter.

The Yamaha's are equally awesome. In some ways better in a few details (easier to check the oil, and etc).

[bob_77903]

I have the Honda 2000i companion, and recommend it highly. The companion model has a 30A plug which you can use to plug your shore power cord into and and electrify the whole boat....I bought mine from Wise as said above.

[David M]

What amount of power do you need?

The Honda is good for 13.3 amps continuous at 120 volts.

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/p...lid=EU2000IKN1

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Several previous threads on this question. Bottom line, you can get plenty of cheaper generators but in the long run the Honda EU2000 is better, quieter, more reliable, lasts longer. A lot more money up front but pays off in the long run.

Wise sales has them for $900 with free shipping.

Originally Posted by msponer

Yes, and also take a look at the Honda EU1000 -- if you are just going to be using it to charge batteries, and your battery charger is not ginormous (maybe less than 60 amps). The EU1000 would put out plenty of power for that, and is a little smaller and lighter.

The Yamaha's are equally awesome. In some ways better in a few details (easier to check the oil, and etc).

I had the Honda 1000 and it was more than adequate for what I needed. Sipped fuel, was whisper quiet, no real vibration, and could be stored almost anywhere. Highly recommended.

[Cotemar]

Honda EU2000 has been great for us. Have had one for 8 years now. The Best

[Mike OReilly]

We've had a Yamaha 1000 watt for the past six-seven years. I chose it over the Honda only b/c it was rated slightly less for noise than the Honda. I doubt whether the two are really much different.

We use ours almost exclusively as a backup battery charger so it has had pretty light use, but it has never failed to work. Sips gas, light and small. I wouldn't hesitate to go with either the Yamaha or the Honda.

[Tripod]

+1 on the Yamaha Plenty of power and very quiet. Runs the air conditioner all night on 1 gallon of gas and can't be heard from nearby boats

[prroots]

Thanks for the great feedback. I've decided to go with the Honda EU2000i. I now have another question that concerns charging time. Unfortunately, my new battery charger is only 40 Amps which suggests a quite long charging period. Has anyone used the DC output of this generator to achieve a faster charge? Is it possible to set the DC output voltage for this purpose. The specs say it's only 8 Amps so maybe it's not enough to make it worthwhile. I have 4 golf cart batteries.
Pete

[skipmac]

As noted, the DC output of the Honda is low, only 8 amps. You will do a lot better just using your battery charger.

[cfarrar]

Unfortunately, my new battery charger is only 40 Amps which suggests a quite long charging period.

If you look at the 3-stage charging profile for a battery bank of 4 golf cart batteries (~200 amp-hrs?), recovering from an average discharge of 60-80 amp-hrs, I think you'll find that most of your charging will be done at a rate below 40 amps, anyway. So it's probably not a big deal.

[Lancerbye]

I have several friends that have these. When we go buddy cruising together they run theirs. an average of 2 to three hours a day to maintain their batteries. The PO had installed a 10kw diesel genset in my boat or I would have gone the same route. The amount of charge time needed depends on your electrical usage.

[SailFastTri]

Using a Yamaha 2000is for two years. I chose it over the Honda because it was slightly cheaper, lighter, has a fuel gage, and is better looking. (Hey, style counts).

Specs for noise are about the same. I love it, and would buy another.