Attn:Outdoorsmen ⚓🚤

Autumn Bolan's Avatar
I'm looking to purchase a companion Generator. It will be supplying Offshore Power for the cabin of my Sea Ray. I am looking at getting a minimum of 2000w. It will need to power fridge, two small tvs, Xbox, DVD, microwave, Keurig, and outlets. Not all the time, but occasionally, a few of these will be running simultaneously. The fridge will always run. I do shut everything down when the boat is not being used.
Brands I'm considering:
Generac
Honda
Yamaha
Noise level is definitely important. I cannot be annoying myself, or my fellow boaters.
I'm looking for Feedback from genie owners. Reviews only tell so much, and the honesty of them is questionable.
Thank you in advance.
CJ7's Avatar
  • CJ7
  • 05-27-2013, 08:30 PM
call a sea ray dealer, or any other dealer that sells boats with a fridge, a/c, etc and see what they suggest ... IMO, a generator used for a camp site isn't as suitable for boats as a true marine generator, theres a difference..

just sayin'

Westerbeak comes to mind ...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57kywpWBdMQ
Autumn Bolan's Avatar
Marine generators used start at $5K. This alternative has been suggested by several boat owners. I've seen another Sea Ray owner who had a Honda 2000eu. Never had any issues using it for offshore power. If you go into online boat owner forums, most of them are using companion generators as an alternative to the very expensive marine generator. It's not being used to power anything other then household appliances/electronics.
I checked out Westerbeke. The lowest priced model was $8k. I have an '86 Sundancer. I'm not looking to put in a generator that costs almost as much as the boat.
CJ7's Avatar
  • CJ7
  • 05-27-2013, 11:44 PM
in that case HONDA







duct tape it to the bow and give it plenty room to breathe
snick
Autumn Bolan's Avatar
Lol TY!
CJ7's Avatar
  • CJ7
  • 05-27-2013, 11:55 PM
YW

seriously , marine generators that have thru stern exhaust ports are under a coast guard warning against running while people are swimming and using the swim platform .. just be careful
Seedy's Avatar
  • Seedy
  • 05-28-2013, 12:31 AM
Honda, would be my first choice, yamaha second. No others would be considered
LexusLover's Avatar
I'm familiar with Generac and it is my understanding that they may have solar capacity for powering their generators. Also, there are some solar powered mobile generators ... I guess that depends on the meaning of "off shore" ... and some of those mobile generators have available alternative wind power converter so one can switch between solar and wind.

http://www.wholesalesolar.com/RV.html

A little pricey, but they advertise a marine package.
Guest123018-4's Avatar
Stay away from the Generac, Honda is a good reliable brand but more expensive.

If You were ME; you would do some extensive research onthe differences between Marine generators and land use generators.There could be any number of things that make the marine generators cost mor3e including the ability to withstand the rigors of being on a boat. Land based generators typically are not jostled around like a ride on a boat.

What brand of generator are y0ou replacing?
Can you compare that brand's marine generator to their land based one?
How does the fuel get from the tank to the generator?
Lot of things to look at, INMHO
Autumn Bolan's Avatar
Presently there is no generator. I will NOT be using while the boat is operating. It will only be in use while docked/anchored, in a lake. A small lake. When anchored I am in a secure windless cove. I do not plan on keeping it plugged in overnight, ect... I've seen people place them on the swim deck. That makes me slightly uncomfortable with the kids. So maybe the sun deck. It will mostly be operating in the evening/morning. Not through-out the day.
I would definitely not run a line from boat tank to genie. I imagine that pre- filling with gas before leaving would be enough. We usually only go out for the weekend. Two days on a boat with two kids, is quite enough.
I do go out everyday, but I don't use those items for day trips. The fridge is replaced with a cooler. I also have a battery powered inverter that I use for the fridge, and other small appliances. It plugs into the cigarette lighter.