portable generator question

B

bill j

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 7, 2012
Messages
75
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
Non-Fluid Motion Model
CUTWATER 26
Vessel Name
OVERDUE
I just purchased a Honda EU2200i portable generator to use when on the hook to charge my batteries. Do I just connect with my shore power extension cord and start up? Any advice or tips how to use safely would be appreciated. Thanks! Bill
 
I have the same generator.
My procedure , open the vent, turn fuel valve on and generator to on position, start engine eco mode off. Let the engine warm up then switch to eco mode. The engine will idle down. Plug the 20 amp adapter into the generator and plug shore power cord into adapter. I then check for proper polarity and proper voltage at panel panel by switching rotary switch to shore power (with 30 amp panel breaker in the off position) When voltage is stabilized at 120 to 125 Volts I then switch the 30 amp panel breaker to on then switch the battery charger breaker on and outlet breakers to charge portable devises. If I plan on using the Microwave/convection oven Only battery charger and Microwave breakers will be on. We have had the battery charger on and used the toaster and coffee maker the generator is operating at max. I have had the battery charger and hot water heater on the generator is running at Max. If I use the marine air unit the only breaker that is on is air unit. The generator must taken off the eco mode and it will operate the unit without issue.

When I shut down the generator. I turn all breakers off then turn the shore power rotary switch to off. I then turn the fuel valve to off and allow the engines carburetor and fuel line to run fuel dry. When the engine dies I turn the fuel valve off. let the engine cool and then store.

I have one Co detector mounted in the cockpit, the standard factory is in the cave and I have one mounted in the forward berth area. I also a a meter that reads CO PPM.

This works but recommend no complacency when using a portable generator on a boat.
 
Bill. I have the same generator and yes that’s about all you have to do. First turn off the shore power switch in the boat, Crank the generator, connect the shore power cord to the generator then turn on the shore power switch. One point of caution. Because the generator has a floating neutral the GFI outlets in the boat WILL NOT TRIP so you do need to be aware of this. Just be careful. I would suggest you get an additional CO monitor as well for the cabin. I run my AC with mine. It will power everything in the boat but not the stove and AC at the same time.
Cheers,
Karl
 
After watching this video posted by Jeff Cote (marine electrical guru), I resolved not to use my Honda portable generator on the boat again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoZfU1X-saU&t=6s

I may reconsider in light of Brian’s post. The neutral grounding plug at least solves the electrical half of the issue. The CO issue remains, but that seems manageable with an abundance of precaution. Thanks Brian.

Gini
 
You may be interested in my post Sat Feb 13, 2021 3:02, describing the setup on our Cutwater 24 for the Honda generator, used on the cockpit and exhausting through a port cut through the gate between the cockpit and th swim platform.

Slade Cargill
Longboat Key, FL
Sojourner 2016 Cutwater 24
 
you guys dont put the generator on the swim step?
 
If mine is running, it is on the swim step. And my canvas cockpit surround is on too (my use for the generator has been in the winter).
 
I made a cradle out of starboard to keep the generator elevated by 4” and strap that down on the swim platform. The additional hight insures that water doesn’t hit the generator if a wake comes in while at anchor. I have a full enclosure so I must operate the generator out the swim platform. I do keep it close to the transom door so I can monitor it. The Honda that I purchased has a CO monitor built in. If it senses elevated CO around the generator it will shut down. This was a prerequisite for me to use it on board. Along with three other CO detectors onboard.
 
I only run the generator when it is on the swim platform and the cabin is secured. I have a generator box (see photo album) that is attached to the port swim platform. The generator exhaust exits to the port side as well. CO gas is slightly lighter than air so proper monitoring is essential. We have multiple functioning CO monitors inside the boat and one monitor on the outside by the door. We operate the generator many times for 8-10 hours at a time and we’ve never had any alarms go off. We make sure safety is our highest priority and feel comfortable using the generator in this fashion.
 
To be a bit more precise, I run the Honda on the swimstep but mounted on top of the propane locker with two webbing straps. One runs under the propane locker to hold the generator down. The second goes around a rail on the back of the R31 cockpit rear seat, which further stabilizes the Honda fore and aft). Keeps it high and dry underway. The exhaust is still below the cockpit. I’ve always thought CO was heavier than air. But quick research confirms that it is slightly lighter (not that I doubted the info — just wanted to read more). Good to know. No, excellent to know!

Gini
 
I run my Honda 2000 on my swim platform. I made an aluminum tray that raises up the generator 3 inches and it has 2 inch side for 5 inches of protection. The tray also has the same rubber feet that the generator has so their is no vibration felt in the boat. I made an aluminum exhaust pipe that is bent 75 degrees that clamps on easily. It lets me direct the exhaust in the direction that I feel is best at a given time. I installed SS inch worms in the swim platform and use a small SS ratchet strap to secure the generator. I can cruise with it back there in calm water but move it to the rear of the boat when rough. It’s mounted on the port side and I also cover it with the Honda cover when not using the generator.
KKRCRACE
 
It is great to read all the different solutions that Tug and Cut owners have come up with. The theme is safety and understanding the hazards and addressing them. Cudo's to all.
 
KKRCRACE":17co11t3 said:
I run my Honda 2000 on my swim platform. I made an aluminum tray that raises up the generator 3 inches and it has 2 inch side for 5 inches of protection. The tray also has the same rubber feet that the generator has so their is no vibration felt in the boat. I made an aluminum exhaust pipe that is bent 75 degrees that clamps on easily. It lets me direct the exhaust in the direction that I feel is best at a given time. I installed SS inch worms in the swim platform and use a small SS ratchet strap to secure the generator. I can cruise with it back there in calm water but move it to the rear of the boat when rough. It’s mounted on the port side and I also cover it with the Honda cover when not using the generator.
KKRCRACE
Click to expand...


Do you happen to have a photo of how it is secured?
 
Great replies! Thanks to all - Bill
 
pdo
Yes I do but do not know how to post them. If you send me an email at kenkeir@gmail.com I can send some photos.
Ken
KKRCRACE
 
There are two ways to embed images in your posts.

If the picture you want to include is in one of your gallery folders (on Tugnuts), click on the g2Imgbutton. That will open another window which will allow you to browse your galleries and select a picture. Be patient, it can take a while for the new window to populate. It should default to your album when it opens.

Click the box in the upper left of the picture you want to post. Scroll (way) down to the bottom of the window and click Submit. That will attach the picture to your post.

If the picture isn't in your gallery, perhaps something you've seen elsewhere on the web, or in another personal web collection (i.e. flickr, iCloud, google, etc.) then you click the Img button. The image/collection must be open to the public.

This will create the following string in your posting window - then you copy and paste the URL (http://whatever...jpg) of the desired image in the middle, between the ][ brackets. The trick here is to determine the direct URL of the image. Various image hosting sites show it in different ways. Sometimes it's right up in the address bar. Other times it's listed under "Share This Image", etc.

You can determine if you have the correct URL by hitting the Preview button. If it displays, you're good to go. If it's not correct, the form will give you some kind of clue so you can go back and dig around. You'll only have to figure it out once for each host.

Getting a User Photo Album is easy but it requires submitting a request from within the site structure.

1. Sign on to the site. You’re probably already signed in if you’re reading this.

2. Select the User Control Panel link from the upper left corner of any page. Note: On the home page, this link is in your user menu in the upper right.

3. Click the Usergroups tab, then select the radio button next to the User Albums group.
Scroll down, choose "Join selected" in the drop-down menu, and click the Submit button.

Once you do this, an email is automatically sent to the administrator (me). That message will trigger my ability to approve your request, and you'll receive an email indicating your membership in the User Albums group has been activated.

I'll watch for the message, and look forward to seeing your pictures.


Cheers,

Bruce
 
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