Gotcha I didn’t see you were looking for a generator for the boat. The convenience of the Honda or a Yamaha is unmatched . If you buy a Chinese unit buy the extended warranty as you will need it if you’re going to use it much. The Honda will outlive you and probably your kids.

I am not a fan of Chinese products but having bought several items from HF I have to say the (at least initial) quality is superb. The 3" trash pump I have sits for 364 days out of the year but never fails to start ON THE FIRST PULL when it is time to do pool work. A couple of years ago I got a 6500 watt Predator generator and have been very impressed with it as well, starts first pull, has a lot of nice features one wouldn't expect perhaps on a "Chinese" product. There are lots of YouTube videos comparing the smaller, portable generators with Honda as the benchmark and in many cases, the Predator out-performs the Honda. My experiences at least have given me a new respect for these products.

I have the same 3" trash pump and I added a 10 gallon auxiliary tank. I have run it 24/7 for weeks and it just keeps pumping. It was the best $1000 pump that I could have hoped for. On another note the Harbor Freight Icon series of tools are pretty damn good also.

getting a carbureted engine to start on the first pull has nothing to do with quality

it is only about how rich it can run given the emissions regulations

Really like our Predator 3500 instead if using the loud Onan onboard our Motorhome. The MC Metal works extended run fuel tank makes it's even better! I've used the Hondas in the past and they are great but just can't justify the cost, you can buy multiple predators for the money.

Just not sure how you will safely store and use a portable on your boat? There's a few cruisers in our area that use portable but they are all ghetto trash lol. The onboard generator on our cruiser is amazing, quiet and efficient. Why not install one permanently?

I used a Honda 2000 on my Formula 382 many years ago. Worked well. Stored it strapped down in the engine compartment but used it strapped on the swim-platform (only when anchored and swinging in the wind). It ran a 7,000 BTU AC unit easily but would surge hard at start-up. I wouldn't bother with the 1,000. 20 years ago the Predators weren't available but I'd seriously consider one of them today.

The cost .. on board are what $10k plus? .. my budget is $1000 lol

I could run it on the swim platform or cut one exhaust hole and run exhaust overboard like a onboard unit ..

Found these parts :
https://www.suremarineservice.com/He...hsdoXcNvRkWWL8

Exhaust kit :
add vibration pads this this mount
https://fittingdesignsco.com/product...nt-truck-mount

I think it would work .

Which one would be louder the Honda or the Predator?

Most if not all newer suitcase generators use a low oil quantity sensor and need to sit on a level surface to run (swim platform level??). Also newer portable generators have a CO sensor that cause headaches since they can trip easily (and shutdown generator), too easily in some instances. CO sensor is difficult to defeat by design. There may be a few left overs gensets w/o the CO sensor but they are getting hard to find. When using on the boat, need to have a stand-alone CO alarm in the cabin for sure.

If a china brand genset, most come with a crappy Torch brand spark plug. If so, replace with a NGK and throw the Torch brand plug in the trash. Honda and Yamaha are definitely the best brands. As far as the Chinese gensets go, I've had good luck with Champion 2500's (39 lbs), they also have pretty good lifetime tech support. WEN is made in the same factory as the Champion and pretty much the same thing. Predator seems to be OK and if you have a Harbor Freight around, they are a convenient option.

Start-up current may be an issue with A/C. Most inductive loads (like compressors) can draw 3 to 5 times the running wattage during start-up.They make clamp-on ammeters with a dedicated "inrush" feature that's designed to capture the peak current draw at start-up. A meter with just a "MAX" button won't capture the peak current since it's such a short duration event.. Another option would be to rent a genset you think is sufficient and try it out. Yet another option is installing a soft-start on the A/C which will drop the start-up current significantly, but they are ~$350.

I have a Honda 2000 in my Cat that is mounted/places between the engines. Using a ratchet tie down strap for quick takeouts. Using the through hull stainless tubing exhaust with a 12-14" tall loop to prevent any reversion with a stainless tubing connector if I want to take it to the beach or dock. EZ to start and silent when the engine hatch cover is closed. I don't have A/C but but it runs everything else with reserve. If 2000 watts is not enough There is the Companion 2000 unit to add for higher demand. It is a simple few wire hookup. Never had to use it though, got it on the other boat for the battery charger, it can work independently.


Got the Predator 4500 for the house backup and one for the race trailer. Was $750 each when purchased last year. Works great for the race trailer that has A/C it is louder than the Honda but not by much. It has electric remote start so would not even have to open the boat engine hatch. It is like 4 times the size of the 2000 Honda and weights 110# compared to 45# each for the Hondas.


My choice for the boat is the Honda. For everything else is the Predator. Honda $1000 each, Can get the Predator with the 25% coupon for $750.