Generator aboard R-23

[dwbettine]

I am wondering if other R-23 owners have decided to add a small gas generator to their boat? I am finding the house batteries don't last long when at anchor and running normal electrical systems aboard. In just one day and night without shore power, we were getting multiple low voltage alarms. The boat and batteries are brand new...two months old. I am now seriously considering something like a 2000 watt Honda gas generator.

 

[mcphersn]

Yep, I use a Honda for running the a/c. The blower is loud enough to make the generator relatively quiet. Haven't had any problems with exhaust yet, but it's early days. Only takes once, but i've had luck so far with it on the swim step. No smell at anchor, but watch the wind.

 

[Boris the Tug]

Yes Honda 2000, good call! It's on my wish list as well. I'm no expert but they seem to get a lot pricier (and bulkier) beyond that.

 

[Brian B]

Check out Harbor Freight Predator 2000 W generator. It gets great reviews, sells for around $429.00 with coupon. Comparable to the Honda 2000. 90 day trial/return. Definitely purchase the extended warranty, any problem return for a new one.

 

[Boris the Tug]

Dang that's a great price. Now I have to justify the Honda by saying I will never need the warranty or need to return it. The best thing about buying a gen for your boat is you can use it at home also when the power is out.

 

[mcphersn]

I love Harbor Freight for tools and stuff that I'm only going to use once. I'm old enough to pay extra for something that I know will work when I need it (I live on a hurricane prone barrier island). And I'm way too impatient to fiddle with something that works only sometimes. There may come a day when Chinese stuff is as good as Japanese (anybody remember the first Toyota to hit our shores?), but that time is not here yet.

 

[Boris the Tug]

Exactly my thoughts as well. I have a HF nail gun and circular saw I use a few times a year and they work great and totally worth the cost saving! The drill and multi tool used frequently, however, both busted.

 

[johnsnow2kornar]

Yep, I use a Honda for running the a/c. The blower is loud enough to make the generator relatively quiet. Haven't had any problems with exhaust yet, but it's early days. Only takes once, but i've had luck so far with it on the swim step. No smell at anchor, but watch the wind.

Do It has a wheel kit for portability??

 

[SgtAlf]

I run the Harbor Freight 2000w generator. I have had great service out of this generator all year. I have never had a reverse Polarity light either.
To CYA, I purchased the 2 yr. extended warranty.
It's a good idea to drain the fuel, and run the generator dry, for off season storage, or extended periods on non use.
Consumer Reports ran a review of the Honda 2000 and the Predator 2000. The only thing CR said that made the Honda better was the warranty.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

do you have the solar panel?

1 or better still 2 solar panels will significantly extend your time on the hook.

 

[OlygirlNav]

We have an R23 with 2 house batteries. With only the LED lights, radio and Refrigerator running the batteries last 2 nights. Since the limiter is the holding tank I see no need to stay on house batteries more than 2 nights/days.
My question:
What is "normal" stuff you operate?
Do you have solar panel/inverter?
Are you running the heater?
If you answer yes to heater, then that is what is drawing the power.
If you have an inverter and are running the electric stove, microwave, coffee pot or hair dryer those are BIG power draws and will use up battery power quickly.
The solar panel will not generate enough power to charge your batteries if you are using the items listed above.

You can reference a "load diagram" for R23's that I posted with the details to support what I am stating above. And yes, I am an Electrical Engineer.