Best Sailboat Generator?

[LandoLeavesLand]

Hey guys, I'm about to purchase a new generator... do you guys have any recommendations? I know that the honda 2200i is a popular choice from past research, but I've also heard that they can possibly explode around salt water. Does anyone know about this and if Honda has fixed this issue in new models? If not, do you guys have any other alternatives for a solid generator? I'd like one that's quiet, with good fuel economy and has a decent size tank (can last through the night). Thanks in advance for any information !

[capt jgw]

Explode around seawater? That's a new one! Corrode, yes. Explode? I doubt it. They all run on gasoline, maybe that was the issue. Brand doesn't matter on that. Anyway, if corrosion or durability in the marine environment is your concern, I'd think any brand would be about the same. You can keep it covered or stowed to keep the rain off but not much you can do about salt air. On my old boat I ran a Predator 2000 inverter generator from Harbor Freight for a couple years. Seemed every bit as good as my friend's Honda at about half the cost. New boat has a built in generator so I sold the HF one with the old boat. One of the selling features was the extended warranty, the clerk told me I could bring the unit back after two years for exchange even if nothing was wrong with it, which I did. They didn't even ask why I was returning it, just have me a new one. I doubt you'd get that from Honda. If I was sailing where there weren't any HF stores, I'd probably spring for a Honda or Yamaha, but I'm not so I didn't. (The Yamaha is said to be quieter than the Honda.)

[akopac]

Had a Honda EU1000 aboard for 20+ years in salt and fresh air, always covered or downstairs. No issues, except there are times I needed extra watts.

[Chotu]

Northern Lights is the best generator for a sailboat.

But a lot of people seem to like the Hondas also.

[Adelie]

Originally Posted by Chotu

Northern Lights is the best generator for a sailboat.

But a lot of people seem to like the Hondas also.

I’m not sure that NL could be considered the best generator for a sailboat when their lightest models weighs 371lb which is more than the main engine on the largest boat I would consider buying.

https://www.northern-lights.com/wp-c...2-M673LD3G.pdf

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by Adelie

I’m not sure that NL could be considered the best generator for a sailboat when their lightest models weighs 371lb which is more than the main engine on the largest boat I would consider buying.

https://www.northern-lights.com/wp-c...2-M673LD3G.pdf

Depends on the boat, which is not listed at all in the original post.

Northern lights is the standard for reliability and ease of repair and maintenance in diesel generators however.

It runs at a nice 1800 RPMs and lasts forever.

That’s partly why it weighs so much. They don’t overtax the engine. They put a nice big engine in it and run at a low RPM to create an extremely reliable generator.

All those other ones that are lightweight that you see breaking down a lot use a different, high rpm design philosophy

[LandoLeavesLand]

Thanks ! ... here is what is said about the honda generators that had me concerned : Hazard: The portable generator's inverter assembly can short circuit with the presence of salt water. This causes the unit to smoke or catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers. ... so not exactly explode ... but fire !?!

[Adelie]

So it’s not the best for sailboats, it’s the best for boats above a certain size and for certain use cases maybe?

[capt jgw]

Of course the "best", disregarding any other factors, would be a built in, water cooled diesel genset and Northern Lights is arguably the best of those. But not everyone can do that which is why the portables exist in the first place. I went from a Columbia 36 with no room for a built in to a 41 for motor yacht with an Onan 7.5 kw diesel built in. The Predator on the Columbia worked well, but the Onan is better.

[capt jgw]

Originally Posted by LandoLeavesLand

Thanks ! ... here is what is said about the honda generators that had me concerned : Hazard: The portable generator's inverter assembly can short circuit with the presence of salt water. This causes the unit to smoke or catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers. ... so not exactly explode ... but fire !?!

Again I wonder if any brand might be as bad on that. None of them are actually spec'd by their makers for marine use. I ran mine on fresh water so no salt, but it did get left out in the rain a couple times with no problems. I'd think a good salt wave would take any of them out.

[SailRN]

We have a 13.5 kW diesel Onan aboard our sailboat. Marine rated.

[SailRN]

The OP said to run overnight. Might be a good time to bring up the subject of consideration of other people, anchorages, noises, quietness, odors / smell, etc...

[capt jgw]

Originally Posted by SailRN

The OP said to run overnight. Might be a good time to bring up the subject of consideration of other people, anchorages, noises, quietness, odors / smell, etc...

Along with slapping halyards, wind generators, etc.

Due to CO risk, it would have to be awfully damned cold (or hot) before I'd go to sleep with any kind of fuel burning generator running. And gasoline is worse than diesel in that respect. I use mine to run the battery charger, water heater, etc during the day but it's shut off before bed time.

[Letterkenny]

Definitely not the cheapest option but I’d consider an Ecoflow setup with the Delta Max or Delta Pro. Large batteries than can power a lot, get a spare, and then get their generator. It’s an electric start and can automatically see the battery levels to turn on when they need charging. Pretty convenient for overnight as when you run out of juice, it will handle itself and not run forever.

I have two batteries but went with a smaller AC so I can run all night without recharging. Then use the trusty Honda in the morning or evening to top off the batteries for the night.

[BMD21]

There has been a lot of discussion as to the best portable generator, Chinese or Honda. All I can say is that my Honda 1000i has served us for ~20 years. My brother buys Harbor Freight, your local Chinese distributor and replaces them every year. Your pick.


I've never heard of a generator exploding, including the alternator. When I'm on the boat, I store it in a heavy trash bag. When I'm at home I drain the carb. On any small engine, change the oil frequently.


And only buy an inverter model. They'll idle down under a small load and you can't hear them.


Boris