Aldi Generator

TBH, if someone would PAY ME for installing a petrol genset onboard, I'd rather decline the offer, in principle.
That said, for the type of usage which you have in mind, I think you'd struggle to find a more cost effective solution.
Just find a ventilated space to store it...
 
On a previous boat I had a Honda suitcase style generator for occasional use. I hardly ever used it because the noise was so irritating. I stored it on the bathing platform, to avoid any vapour leak issues.
 
markc said:
On a previous boat I had a Honda suitcase style generator for occasional use. I hardly ever used it because the noise was so irritating. I stored it on the bathing platform, to avoid any vapour leak issues.
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+1. Still have it, as it happens (EU2000i), and use it about once a year when the power goes out at the house. Installed a proper Onan 4kw generator in the boat instead. Couldn't bear to run the Honda on the boat, far too noisy.
 
If the Honda was considered noisy this Aldi job will make your ears ring if not bleed. You'd fast lose any neighbours and goodwill running it
Sound power level LWA: 95 dB(A)
 
I've got one very similar looking to the aldi generator above, I used it for power in a garage that was miles away from any mains electricity.

It'll do the job you want, but as everyone has said, it is v noisy, youd only want to use it in an emergency.
 
Portable petrol generators should not be run with the generator standing on the boat because of risk of carbon monoxide entering the boat. Therefore suitable only when tied up to the shore or perhaps on a pontoon and the generator can be placed well away from the boat.
 
MartynG said:
Portable petrol generators should not be run with the generator standing on the boat because of risk of carbon monoxide entering the boat. Therefore suitable only when tied up to the shore or perhaps on a pontoon and the generator can be placed well away from the boat.
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Why would exhaust fumes from a generator on the bathing platform be any worse than a twin petrol engined boat with (probably far more) exhaust fumes exiting directly beneath the bathing platform?

Genuine question, not trying to be difficult.
 
ari said:
Why would exhaust fumes from a generator on the bathing platform be any worse than a twin petrol engined boat with (probably far more) exhaust fumes exiting directly beneath the bathing platform?

Genuine question, not trying to be difficult.
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If your twin petrol boat had straight-throughs, and idled at 3000rpm, then yes you're right, that would of course make more noise. But your typical twin petrol boat has underwater exhausts, the engines are in a soundproofed engine compartment, and they are idling at a few hundred rpm. The suitcase generator on the other hand has no silencing, and is revving its little nuts while under any kind of load. So it's a louder, higher-frequency noise from the generator, in normal use.
 
CO is heavier than air, so I suppose that what MartynG meant is that it can find its way from the platform to the cockpit+cabins, if and when lower, as can happen with smallish boats.
I don't see it as a big risk in boats where the platform is lower than the cockpit, unless there is also a stern door open, going down from the platform to the lazarette.
Besides, when a boat is anchored, wind is obviously blowing away exhaust from the stern, rather than bringing it back inside...

PS: btw, also in normal marine genset properly installed, swimming around its exhaust is never a good idea, even if submerged.
In absence of wind, a layer of CO can build up just above the surface, and can be inhaled while swimming. :ambivalence:
 
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jimmy_the_builder said:
If your twin petrol boat had straight-throughs, and idled at 3000rpm, then yes you're right, that would of course make more noise. But your typical twin petrol boat has underwater exhausts, the engines are in a soundproofed engine compartment, and they are idling at a few hundred rpm. The suitcase generator on the other hand has no silencing, and is revving its little nuts while under any kind of load. So it's a louder, higher-frequency noise from the generator, in normal use.
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His query related to fumes not noise.
 
ari said:
Why would exhaust fumes from a generator on the bathing platform be any worse than a twin petrol engined boat with (probably far more) exhaust fumes exiting directly beneath the bathing platform?

Genuine question, not trying to be difficult.
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The main difference being the boat would not be moving while using the generator and you may well be in the boat interior and you may well have put your head down for a nap and be unaware that your tiredness is one from which you may note wake up.
There is, however , a risk with the main propulsion petrol engine running and leading to CO in the interior of the boat ...........people have died from CO poisoning due to running their petrol engines at a mooring. A mother and daughter died from running a petrol generator on the boat .
 
A couple of points

1). I have that generator and it works well but is very noisy would not be good on a boat

2) for what it is worth CO is slightly lighter than air not heavier
 
Bigplumbs said:
A couple of points

1). I have that generator and it works well but is very noisy would not be good on a boat

2) for what it is worth CO is slightly lighter than air not heavier
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I'm with MapisM, I've always thought CO2 was slightly heavier than air. I Googled it to check, seems it is heavier.
 
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