Being an owner of a small boat, you can go for a portable generator on a boat and get a proper amount of energy for your boat that does not have a Genset. You may call the invention of a generator a blessing for the owners of smaller boats that are not having enough capacity to install marine gen-sets for additional electrical supply.
Yes, you can use a portable generator on boats since it acts as an onboard electric power supply to the marine boating equipment. However, the only thing you’ve to take care of is never installing a portable generator on the boat, which the manufacturer doesn’t suggest. Regardless of this, portable generators, if used with proper instructions and safety, they cause no inconvenience for the boat owners.
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What a Generator Does On a Boat?
A portable generator that is mainly built to be used on a boat is called a marine generator. These generators are the beasts of energy to both small and big. If you pave them well with proper fuel and accurate maintenance, they will give you the desired results.
No matter if you want to run heaters, gadgets, or sound systems on your boat, rather than getting energy from the main engines, you can get flowing electrical power from a portable marine generator.
Essential Parts of a Marine Generator
Getting a premium quality marine generator for your boat isn’t enough. Along with this, you will also need to have profound knowledge about all of the parts of your marine generator. Plus, having complete know-how about how to keep them maintained is pretty important for the boat owners.
Following are the important parts of a marine generator:
- The engine
- Fuel tank
- Fuel supply system
- Engine speed regulator
- Cooling and exhaust mechanism
- The lubrication system
Ways to Keep Your Generator Maintained
Some of the most useful ways for maintaining portable generators for boats are given as under:
- You have to keep an eye on the optimum levels of the fuel and the coolant
- Make sure that you are changing the seawater pump every year
- If you own a zinc generator, try to keep a check on the parts after every 90 days
- Service the heat exchanger when you feel there is a need or the generator is overheating
- Always try to clean the dust that may clog your generator
- Always carry the spare parts when you head out
Things to Look For in a Marine Generator
When you’re buying a portable marine generator, it simply means that you are investing your bucks over a luxury box with all the basic needs ranging from power generation to compatibility. Still, if you want to get money-worth with your generator, try to buy the product wisely.
Following are some of the essential points to keep under consideration.
Fuel Type
Look for the fuel compatibility of the generator you’re deciding to purchase. Make sure about the compliance of the fuel with the engine so that you don’t have to carry a separate tank for fuel.
Running RPM
Different companies produce different portable marine generators with varied running RPM. Among all the choices, 1800-rpm models are the best ones to use in marine boats. Besides this, the 3600-rpm generator will also be a wise choice.
Engine Type
Try to buy the marine generators, which are equipped with a hydraulic pump on the main engine. A hydraulic pump in marine generators makes them less expensive and more compatible with the power needs.
Estimated Load
Another important factor in measuring in the marine boat is the wattage requirement of the appliances you’ll use on the boat. Note that the starting wattage of the marine generator should meet the wattage requirements of your boat.
Honda eu2200i, WEN 56200i, and Yamaha EF2000iS V2 are top-rated products by the masses. These products are designed while keeping all of the essential points in mind to make your experience worthwhile.
So without any further ado, let’s discuss each of these options in detail below:
Honda eu2200i (Best for Price)
With a signature outlook of red and black coloring, Honda eu2200i comes up in the market with never-ending running time and durability. The overall structure is made user-friendly with a wise integration of lightweight handling features.
Key Features:
Honda eu2200i is powered with parallel compatibility, which increases the power output twofold. These power compatibility features make it even better than its predecessor model named Honda eu2000i. The eco-throttle system in it generates negligible noise during its operation. The maximum run time of 8.1 hours supports the mariners to go long in the sea without the breakdown of any power supply.
However, the small tank has a storage capacity of one-gallon fuel, but it perfectly suits small-sized boats. The manual recoil system in it increases the durability of the Honda eu2200i. The wattage generation of this model ranges up to 2000 watts. Thus, it’s considered a reasonable portable marine generator with all demanded features in a single package.
Pros:
- Efficient power generation
- Parallel-compatibility
- Longer running time
Cons:
- Low fuel storage
WEN 56200i (Best Overall)
Here is another portable marine generator that comes with a low total harmonic distortion (THD). That’s why it is majorly designed for meeting the power needs of small to large-sized boats. The production of steady sine waves of AC makes it better among all the other portable marine generators.
Key Features:
It supports the power supply to personal devices like mobile phones, laptops, and cameras. It falls in the 2000 watts category power output, which is perfect for running the basic power needs of a marine boat. However, this power production is greatly increased by the parallel combination with WEN 56421 Parallel Kit. The easy handling and lightweight features make it easy for the users to carry it everywhere.
The availability of a small fuel tank causes no problem for recreational use in boats. WEN 56200i is regarded as one of the silent portable marine generators since it runs at a noise level of only 51 dB. The eco-mode feature in it increases the fuel efficiency for longer usage. The engine is quiet to operate as well.
Pros:
- Produces negligible noise levels
- Comfortable to use in all sized-boats
- Made with the highest quality of materials
Cons:
- Some users find the outlook not much appealing
Yamaha EF2000iS V2 (Best for Power Outputs)
Yamaha is one of the most trusted companies when it comes to the availability of portable marine generators. Unlike all other Yamaha generators, Yamaha EF2000Is V2 portable generator is introduced to meet the power needs of marine boats. The availability of all basic features ranging from parallel compatibility to wattage production gives a strong competition to other portable generators.
Key Features:
With a slightly unusual outlook, Yamaha EF2000isV2 catches the attention of the buyers at the first sight. It comes with a round-edged and slimmer design which makes it easy to transport from one place to another. It offers ease of operation because of the presence of an informative control panel in it. It’s also included in the 2000 wattage category, but it generates 1600 running watts. It only weighs about 44 lbs. Thus it suits perfectly to use on small devices without any fear of drowning.
Not only this, but it also supports a 25% load with a noise level of 51.5 dB. This off-grid running time increases its run time up to 10.5 hours. Thus you can use it for longer durations without any break. The surge and running power by Yamaha EF2000isV2 support the power needs of all devices on boats. It delivers clean electricity with steady sine waves to save the appliances from any damage.
Pros:
- Production of steady electricity
- Very easy to transport
- Longer off-grid running time
Cons:
- Price is a bit high
What’s the Best Pick?
No doubt, all models discussed stand rightly on all the requirements present in a portable marine generator. But WEN 56200i is regarded as the best portable generator for boats overall. From all aspects ranging from the power production to the noise level, it comes with all basic features to satisfy the users.
Not only this, but it also comes with a handy budget to offer the boat owners. Thus you can buy it without disturbing your savings. You’ll never be regretting adding this generator as essentials to your boat’s requirements.
Read More: Where Are Pulsar Generators Made? Best Model To Buy
Conclusion:
The use of portable generators on boats comes up with a strong yes if they’re operated with great care and instructions. We’ve tried to deliver all the required information in the content above. Some options of portable marine generators are enlisted as well in the content. Read it till the end and figure out which option suits your needs.
