Portable generators on board?
 

Anyone keep a backup generator on board for emergency power? I was looking at the Honda 2000W portable one at only 50Lbs it seems like it would be a good thing to have onboard.

Are there any rules agianst having something like this onboard? I know installed generators need to be the marine type.

Go ahead Ray keep adding that weight:D you will be looking at my transom:p

Do you already have a generator, and want a backup, or will the Honda be your primary power source?

You're right - anything that goes inside the engine compartment where there could be gas fumes must be "ignition-protected", which means special alternators, starters and other electrical components. If you want to go this route, you can look at Kohler, Onan, Panda, Westerbeke and other marine units. (They also use water-cooling and wet exhausts.)

On the other hand, I've seen lots of the little Honda units purring away on swim platforms while the boat's at rest.

I meant to use it as a emergency supply like if the batteries went bad, but at 2000 Watts it would power my air conditioner. I do not have a generator on the boat now. I would not be mounting it permanently.

Scott, I think I have the extra HP to push the Extra 50Lbs

:D

Ray- I looked into the exact same scenario as you bout mounting the portable permanently in my 33 Donzi. I found: since permanent gennies are so popular in the cruiser market there are lots of used ones around for very reasonable prices in any kw size you can think of and companies that actually specialize in rebuilding them, they ARE the way to go and will keep the coast gaurd happy, call some cruiser marinas or do a web search

Even if you use it on the swim platform as a back-up, be EXTREMELY cautious about the fumes. Don't want to read about ya'll in the paper. Be safe to boat again :D .
Robert