Noticed a couple boats on ebay that have household generators in the bilge. Is this legal? Safe? Or it it just asking for trouble? I assume a genny made for a boat is much different then one made for dry land and a household or jobsite.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/COMPL...item43aea9ffe7

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2004-...item1e6cc22da9

Not USCG legal and is EXTREMELY stupid.

just to name a few

exhaust not water jacketed
fuel tank vents into bilge
could never take the pounding

I can however see carrying one that can be placed on the beach or something. I just bought a AC system for my Scarab and also have a small generator that can be stowed. I may give it a try but i cant think of ever staying anywhere that did not have shore power.

It's been discussed on here a few times. Some agree with it, and some don't. I've run the Honda EU2000i on the swim platform overnight many times; so they do work pending your AC & accessories load.

However, they are not USCG legal as far as flame arrestors and such go. And you know they were not made to take the pounding that our boats go through at times.

Personally, I think I'd be fine with storing the generator in the engine compartment when going out for runs on smooth waters. But I wouldn't run it in there, even with proper ventilation, alarms, and other needed items.

of your two choices I wouldn't go anywhere near the first boat, but the second being a DCB I would call them and ask if they installed the generator from the factory and if it is designed to be run where it sits, DCB attention to detail is second to none, so if they installed it I would be comfortable using it. I do agree though with the other posters that it really isn't the correct way to do it and running it off the platform would be a safer choice. If you are running in calm water and not offshore would also be a consideration for me.

That yellow boat actually is a pretty decent looking boat.

I just wonder at what point that genius thought: 'Hmmm, lets put a generator bigger than the actual boat engine back here in the bilge....yep, that will work great'

No and No. Even that Honda doesn't have the spark protection needed to run in there.

I have a Honda for the swim platform but wouldn't even think of running it in the boat. Makes too much heat.

Also your insurance company may void the coverage for the non-marine generator. Don't do it!

Uh no. That 1st pic made my butt checks pucker!

That exhaust on that DCB is pretty slick to prevent water ingestion though, but.....exhaust is still not water cooled. Highly doubt that came from DCB.

On the DCB.....I wonder if they add that much Armor All to the tires in hopes of the tires sliding off the curb so they don't end up like that one close up pic.

It is pretty obvious the guy like to run the stereo long and loud with four batteries in the bilge. Gotta keep the tunes up with the genset!

Priorities!