Suitcase generator suggestions?

Tried the cheap 2 stroke ones and they didn't last. Have had a Honda 20i for several years now and it starts easily, is quiet on low output when battery charging. Runs microwave, heats water, hairdryer, power tools and computers run/charge OK as well. Other advantage is service and parts available internationally.
 
The Honda is no doubt the best ... but expensive.
Last year I bought an 'Impax 1500' from Screwfix at much lower cost compared to the Honda. Used it last season occasionally. It started easily when I used it a few weeks ago. I would not want one any bigger as its as heavy as I wish to carry on and off the boat.
Hair dryer remains something the wife uses only when shore power is available.
 
yachtailsa said:
I own a non-inverter generator built in the UK by these folks - http://www.sgs-engineering.com/generators - with a Honda 4 stroke engine. I can attest to it being a brilliant bit of kit and their backup / support is good too.

They're also relatively cheap!
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I think you may be confusing SGS Engineering with Stephill Generators in Wellingborough. the former are merchants, the latter actually design and produce generators.
Their 1500 rpm diesel ones are recognised as being market-leaders, but start @ 710 kg, so cannot be referred to as a suitcase generator.

www.stephill-generators.co.uk
 
Andy61 said:
I spotted a Honda 10i EU in Andy Seedhouse's shed a couple of days ago. If it's powerful enough it might be worth a phone call - it looked to be in good nick.
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The EU10i is, apparently, not Honda's best genny. Of current models, the EU20i is supposedly a lot better.

http://www.petepower.co.uk/choosing-generators.html#a16a

For charging, but perhaps not for a hairdryer, it might be worth considering the 650 or 1000 for c £100 secondhand. I hear they're very quiet.
 
I'm surprised at the enthusiasm for Honda - their outboards usually get slagged off on here although I've never had any problems with their products. (Steve has now changed the plated bolts on my 2.3)
 
charles_reed said:
I think you may be confusing SGS Engineering with Stephill Generators in Wellingborough. the former are merchants, the latter actually design and produce generators.
Their 1500 rpm diesel ones are recognised as being market-leaders, but start @ 710 kg, so cannot be referred to as a suitcase generator.

www.stephill-generators.co.uk
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Entirely possible, though the generator is branded SGS and was listed as their own and uk built (old model now) it could have course have been built bu someone else!
 
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MengWalton said:
The EX 650?
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Yes, from the page I linked:

Honda EX650

If quiet running is what you need then the Honda EX650 trumps all comers but quiet running is not the only thing that made the Honda EX650 a true design triumph. The Honda EX650 is the most durable and repairable machine I have come across. The engines are bullet proof and even after many thousands of hours service the most that is usually required to bring them back to as new condition is new piston rings. The controls are fantastic with everything done by one simple knob. It’s a doddle in the dark.

Honda EM650

is just an EX650- with a long run tank. The Honda EM650 is a smidgen louder than the Honda EX650 but if you need to run all night without a top up then the 7.5 hour tank is just the ticket, making the Honda EM650 a winner for campers.​

I think the Honda EX1000 and Kawasaki GA1400A he mentions are both pretty cheap secondhand, too.

I have a bias against cheap chinese gennies of unknown quality, and would tend to prefer these recommendations - the bloke has clearly worked on loads of them.

Having said that, I was impressed by what Powerslapper had to say about her Kipor.
 
Steve_N said:
The Aldi generator:

View attachment 58811
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I bought this Aldi generator recently (£270) and I had the opportunity to use it on the boat a bit more over the weekend. It appears to be as loud/silent as the Honda EU2.0, perhaps more up to date technology, equally as heavy/light and well made (german spec, chinese engine). Being 2,000 watt, will kick-start microwaves and it will produce 1,600 watt, continuous; so, its good for hair dryers and for fan heaters. Pretty good value for money, provided it lasts for a few years. Anyone else got one??
 
I went through this purchase analysis in the spring and ended up buying the Honda 10i. Weight was the main factor, the relative difference between it and the Honda 20 is equivalent to a light weekend suitcase and a fully loaded suitcase nudging a longhaul flight weigh restriction. I get the logic that a 1.6kw continuous model can power more watt hungry equipment but I reasoned the compact size of the 10i is simpler to stow and I am more inclined to hoik it out of my deep cockpit locker.

It is currently humming on the foredeck and putting 23 amps into the domestic battery, the rate of charge is limited by my 25 amp shore power charger.
 
We have had the Honda EU 2kw for two years now and before that a swisscraft 2kw .The swisscraft was quite dreadful and we only ran it a couple of times before getting rid.The Honda on the other hand although Considerably more expensive is just perfect .Powers wife's hair drier and everything else required through shire power socket . Love having the ability for shore power whilst at anchor although always careful to be well away from other boats if we fire it up .
 
ostra4 said:
We have had the Honda EU 2kw for two years now and before that a swisscraft 2kw .The swisscraft was quite dreadful and we only ran it a couple of times before getting rid.The Honda on the other hand although Considerably more expensive is just perfect .Powers wife's hair drier and everything else required through shire power socket . Love having the ability for shore power whilst at anchor although always careful to be well away from other boats if we fire it up .
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5 years here - runs everything I throw at it... charges batteries at 80A, runs lawn mower, hoover, strimmer, drills, sander, etc., and hardly misses a beat.

Definitely heavy at 21kg, and there is no way SWMBO could manoeuvre it, unless something had given her a shot of adrenalin and, if that was happening, she would be hopping onto the nicely mown mooring, rather than messing about with a generator.
 
Richard10002 said:
5 years here - runs everything I throw at it... charges batteries at 80A, runs lawn mower, hoover, strimmer, drills, sander, etc., and hardly misses a beat.

Definitely heavy at 21kg, and there is no way SWMBO could manoeuvre it, unless something had given her a shot of adrenalin and, if that was happening, she would be hopping onto the nicely mown mooring, rather than messing about with a generator.
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You have a lawn on your boat - that's a first.
 
Has anyone used or seen any reviews on this generator Senci SC2000i ?
It has a Yamaha engine, 2 yr guarantee, 58db and is half the price of the Honda.
 
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