Using Portable Generator on C30 sedan

[aroos]

I'd like to buy a Honda or Yamaha 2000 watt generator for those times when we want to spend multiple days on the hook. They're both too tall to fit into a lazarette. Does anyone have suggestions re where to store it? And how susceptible are they to damage from salt air and spray? Thanks for any input.

 

[knotflying]

I carried mine for 3 years on my R-27. Never really used it and finally took it off. I was able to store it in the port lazzarette. With the solar panel I am good for three days on the hook as long as there is good sun. Salt air was not an issue.

 

[10PoundHammer]

If you decide to buy the Yamaha you will find it fits well between the stern flip seat and port gunwale. I have the generator front facing toward the stern on our C30. The generator handle is above the space and its rubber feet prevent it from sliding backward but I insert a piece of foam in front of the face as a precaution to protect the knobs and switches. So, most of it is tucked underneath the overhang.
I cover it with a very heavy water-resistant bag (and big hockey carryall) then secure it with a couple of straps hooked to eyebolts fixed to either side and across the back of the generator. That seems to do the trick keeping it dry and secured.
We bought it as a precaution travelling in the Broughtons when we were on the hook a lot, and where you can wind up a long way from anywhere useful if your battery goes dead. No easy access to the washdown faucet unfortunately but easily moved, and you can still raise the locker hatch cover if you tuck it right in.
We never store ours on the boat when we're not travelling. Aside from not knowing how the ocean air would affect it over long periods, I like minimum gas on the boat.
It's awkward and heavy to move it off and on, of course but we don't always take it. It's more for peace of mind than anything else. Yes, extra weight and all that. For extended trips I don't care. I sleep well!
I assume your model is the same as my 2014, one of the first built. Maybe measure before you buy if that's what you decide. Honda size specs would be quite similar I expect.

 

[aroos]

So I bought a Honda 2000. It's too tall (same dimensions as the equivalent Yamaha) to fit into the cockpits lazerettes. I can easily fit it on the raised platform at the stern end of the engine room but if it's fuelled up I'm concerned it could be a fire threat there - is my concern legitimate? My other option is to store it while travelling in a cooler on the swim grid and use the transom eyebolts to strap it to the transom. What do you think?

 

[knotflying]

I wouldn't put any gas equipment in the engine compartment.

 

[BradOwens]

I agree with Knotflying. I wouldn't store any flammables in the lazarettes either. Gas fumes are heavier than air, and will seep to the lowest point, which would be the bilges and spaces under the interior decks all the way up to the v-berth. Any spark would then be disastrous.

In my opinion, the only safe place to store gasoline or other flammables is on the swim step. Your idea of storing the generator in a cooler would work, but the gas fumes would still settle to the bottom of the cooler, so be aware of that.

 

[Irish Mist]

I keep mine on the front deck tied to the rail. In salt I would suggest a cover.. When I use it I run it there and run a cord to it as we are typically out in the cockpit. I have a built in generator but if entertaining at anchor I will let it idle as it is a lot quieter then the built in generator. It doesn't look pretty but it is out of the way.

 

[JamesTXSD]

Look up a Rubbermaid Action Packer - less money than a cooler. We carried our Honda 2000 in one for several years. The lid clamps down snug. Sorry, it has been a couple years now, so I don't remember if it was the 35 gallon model or the 48. Whichever, the lid is kind of "corrugated" on the inside, and the handle of the generator just fits in one of those recesses.

 

[rpmerrill]

The big question is... Does it run the A/C?

 

[knotflying]

The big question is... Does it run the A/C?

As a betting man I would say no. I tried it with my A/C on my R-27 without success. If the C-30 has two smaller units perhaps it may run one of them at a time. That's why after 3 years of carrying it on the boat I came to the conclusion that the reduction of weight and the additional storage was a better option, so I took it off the boat.

 

[Connerkip]

The c30 factory generator is a 5kw. The C30 has two a/c units. The generator feeds the charger/inverter, so if there are any battery charging requirements this also uses some of the KW from the generator. My generator trips with both a/c's running and any significant charging load. Once all is charged the generator does run both a/c' s, but without other 110v appliances on.


The wattage of the a/c is in the documentation. Compare that to the kW of the Honda generator. I'd say it's questionable it will run both a/c units.

 

[aroos]

JamesTXSD, thanks for the great suggestion about the Action Packer. It is in fact the 24 gallon (90.8 litre in Canada) version which works with the Honda 2000. It is slightly taller than its big brothers and is the only one of the 3 models with the corrugation on the underside of the lid running side to side rather than front to back. Fits like a glove!

 

[aroos]

Is there any safety risk in using a Honda 2000? I'm not talking about CO intoxication - I strap the generator on the bowsprit with the exhaust facing forward and only use it for 90 minutes or so at a time in order to recharge the batteries. I'm concerned about the lack of a ground. Does this present a risk of fire?

 

[Cessna172]

I use the Honda 2000 regularly on my C28. In calm conditions the generator sits on the swimstep with no issues. When it's a little rougher, I place it in the transom door with the exhaust facing out.

Regarding the lack of ground. When plugged in and running, the "reverse polarity" light will illuminate on the AC panel. I called the factory about the light coming on. I was told the "reverse polarity" light is coming on because there isn't a ground available when running on a portable generator as opposed to shore power. The Cutwater folks said this is not a problem.

 

[Red Raven]

The safety "ground" does not protect against fire. It is there to protect against electric shock in case of a fault. Your breakers and fuses are there to protect for fire. The ELCI in your boat will use the safety ground to protect against shock assuming the ground is tied to the neutral in the generator ( which I believe would be the case for all generators).