Portable Generator/inverter on 30' Marlin

J

JDMarlin300

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Had to pull my Kohler generator out of my 01 Marlin due to problems. I would rather not fix and reinstall it nor do I want another gas inboard generator as I hear of too many problems. The diesel option is pricey considering that I won't see heavy use. I was considering using a portable generator/inverter such as the Honda 2000 or one by Yamaha, etc for those few times that I may need it air conditioning, microwave, etc. The unit could be secured to the swim platform and then I could back feed the power to the shore power system, using a shorepower cable. (Under the right conditions of course). Not sure what the wattage demand is for the air conditioner, so having trouble sizing the generator. Has anyone tried this? If so, what wattage was the generator?

Thanks,

John
 
I am almost positive your Kohler was 5KW.
As far as the Honda 2000, i never used it on the boat, but are guys here that they used it on a sailfish and marlin, i hope they will chime in.
 
Correct, it was and I thought of simply matching, yet that would make for a pretty big generator. These inverters seem to maxout at 3500 watts and they get pretty heavy. Hoping to get away with smaller. I just learned that the ac will need 1000 watts and I won't run too many appliances at one time so a 2000 might work, perhaps someone has tried this. Anyway, thanks for the reply to my post.

John
 
Run a Forum search on Honda 2000.
There is a dramatic amount of good info available.
I've run a 2000 on my Sailfish since 2006.
It powers 6,000 btu ac, charger with no problem on eco mode.
I added a 6 gal duration remote tank and get 3-4 nights, 12 hrs or so (each night), off the fuel. In South FL.
At anchor it sits on my starboard euro platform. I added L shaped starboard on each side of the platfom surface to prevent walking and made a rudimentary fly cover to keep it out of rain.
Good solution to onboard gen.
The only reason to run your gen when operating the boat is for ac or refrigeration.
 
Sounds great, thanks for the input, I am going to give this a try before spending on the fisher panda diesel!

Thanks again,

John
 
I have the same exact setup as you, and the Honda 2000 will run the AC, but not when the generator is in economode. The startup power for the AC compressor slightly exceeds the Honda's capacity, which is OK when the generator is running at full speed. But when it's in economode, the generator RPM cannot speed up fast enough to power the AC during startup.

At a quiet anchorage, I find it really is too loud if anybody else is around.
 
Went ahead and bought the Honda 2000i companion model as it came with a 30 amp socket that made it easy to connect to my system through a short shore power cable. It runs the ac and hot water heater on Eco mode believe it or not. While the 30 amp socket only feeds about 16 amps, it is enough. The companion unit can be connected to another Honda 2000 and then you get the full 30 amps and 4000 watts. I dont see the need for 2 yet. One gen seems fine for my needs and is an excellent alternative at $1000.00. Unbelievably quiet, easy to secure on deck and to store. Enjoying the added storage compartment from the result of removing the 5kw LOUD kholer. Thanks to all for your input!

John D
"Living Water"
2001 Marlin 300
Atlantic Beach, NC
 
Well JD, being honest now, how loud is it compared to the Kohler? We know how noise travels on the water; especially at night in a crowded anchorage. I've had nothing but problems with on-board generators. On my old Regal I paid $800 to have the freakin' thing fixed. Those Honda's are pretty quiet and, you get to close off a thru-hull. Get to use it camping and for power outages at home too. I think you made the right move.
 
I am the third owner of this boat and did not have prior experience with an inboard generator, but right from the first day of ownership I felt the generator was an annoyance due to sound. When my mechanic was diagnosing some problems with it, he commented that it was louder than normal. So it may be the case of a louder than normal generator versus a high tech quieter than expected gnereator inverter. The bottom line is that under full load, you can stand next to the Honda and carry on a normal conversation. Tried it at the dock with gen on dock, plugged into boat. I think if it were running on the swin platform (behind the transom "wall" on the Marlin) I bet it would be hard to notice. We shall see, hope to "camp" at anchorage at beautiful Cape Lookout NC this year :D

Have a great summer.

John
 
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