Using a Honda petrol generator offshore

[GrahamM376]

One last question - is a Honda EU 10i (or similar, 1kW generator) adequate for ocassional / emergency battery charging or should I go for the EU 20i model ?

If we're on anchor with no sun for 2-3 days, our 2.0i handles 60 amps of chargers fine. You would have to look at your charger to see what the current draw would be, maybe the 10I would be sufficient. I wouldn't bother using the 12v output as too low voltage to be much use as a charger.

 

[tommydortez]

i wouldnt bother buying honda in the first place, they're seriously over priced... if your looking at suitcase gens then i'd go korean, they're cheap and have the reliability factors, thats what i did with my 2kw

 

[Heckler]

I don't think that there is any question as to whether or not a petrol generator will charge a battery at sea. The question is whether or not it is practical taking into account the conditions likely to be experienced on the passage to the Azores under race conditions to use a free standing genset in the cockpit

Mine has an oil level switch to protect the engine. If the boat is moving about the genny cuts out on the switch!
Stu

 

[tommydortez]

Mine has an oil level switch to protect the engine. If the boat is moving about the genny cuts out on the switch!
Stu

is that basically a low oil shut down? sorry im not so technical

 

[Heckler]

is that basically a low oil shut down? sorry im not so technical

Yes, lo oil shutdown
Stu