Backup Gas Generator

[Freestyle]

I saw a 1300kw portable gas generator for $1k that sits on wheels and would store easily in my boat's garage under the cockpit. Plan was to use it on the deck of the cockpit as an emergency backup to charge the inverters in the event the Onan takes a break and wants me to learn more diesel repair.

Portable generator operating instructions call for a grounding strap to be tied to a lead rod buried 2 feet deep. Neither the strap nor rod come with the unit. It doesn't sound like this would be safe to operate on a boat.

One forum member suggested it would be okay.

I would like to hear from others before I return the unit.

THanks

Bruce

Freestyle
1986 62 CPMY (54 with ext)
Tampa

 

[rsmith]

If you carry gas for the tender it’s probably not a bad idea. I’d look for a propane dual fuel one though. Everything I have that uses gas that I don’t use on a regular basis’ even with stabil 360 in it seems to have carb problems

 

[Jims43DC]

If you carry gas for the tender it’s probably not a bad idea. I’d look for a propane dual fuel one though. Everything I have that uses gas that I don’t use on a regular basis’ even with stabil 360 in it seems to have carb problems

I have found that if I turn a carbureted engine off with the switch then it will gum up over time, I have been turning off the gas and letting them run out and shutdown and I haven't had an issue in years, genset, lawn mower, snowblower, ect.

 

[Boatsb]

1300 watt or kw?
1300 watts is nothing.
Also the ground issue could be worked around but I'd bet the unit would be useless after 6 months in sea air.

 

[Captain Ralph]

Portable generator operating instructions call for a grounding strap to be tied to a lead rod buried 2 feet deep. Neither the strap nor rod come with the unit. It doesn't sound like this would be safe to operate on a boat.

One of those fish zinc kits clamped the the lil gen-set will make your fault current path.
It is the CO that scares me around every boat with a gas gen-set.

 

[Freestyle]

The fish kit zinc is a new idea to me and seems like it would do the trick.

I fear the CO from a gas generator as well. My op plan is to run it on deck wherever the wind will blow the exhaust away. I plan to charge the inverters and not run the gen while anyone is asleep.

Thanks for the fish zinc idea.

Bruce

Freestyle
1986 62 CPMY (54MY with ext)
Tampa

 

[Captain Ralph]

The fish kit zinc is a new idea to me and seems like it would do the trick.

I fear the CO from a gas generator as well. My op plan is to run it on deck wherever the wind will blow the exhaust away. I plan to charge the inverters and not run the gen while anyone is asleep.


Thanks for the fish zinc idea.

Bruce

Freestyle
1986 62 CPMY (54MY with ext)
Tampa

Could you run the gasser on the swim platform?
CO gasses are just a lil heavier than air. On top of the boat, CO can still seep in, On the swim platform (as long as nobody is swimming) helps ensure the exhaust gas does not seep in.
Keep in mind, Station Wagon Effect may apply here anyway.

I have been around some end results (BAD endings), so I'm a lil Polly about CO.

 

[jmooney]

If you carry gas for the tender it’s probably not a bad idea. I’d look for a propane dual fuel one though. Everything I have that uses gas that I don’t use on a regular basis’ even with stabil 360 in it seems to have carb problems

I don’t use my lawn tractor very much so I use high octane racing fuel ( racin gas - here in NC ) Lasts longer and smells great!

 

[Boatsb]

one of those fish zinc kits clamped the the lil gen-set will make your fault current path.
It is the co that scares me around every boat with a gas gen-set.

noooooooo!!!!!

Thats not a ground.

 

[bostonhatteras]

I have found that if I turn a carbureted engine off with the switch then it will gum up over time, I have been turning off the gas and letting them run out and shutdown and I haven't had an issue in years, genset, lawn mower, snowblower, ect.

Apparently, the current wisdom for what passes for gasoline now is if the engine will sit longer than one week then the carb/gas line should be run dry. We do that with my sons little Tiara 2000/Johnson 175 and never have carb issues.

 

[madhatter1]

I get the not needing much KW power but I would find the smallest 1800 RPM 3 cylinder diesel and use it as a backup. No fuel issues, just need a plan to exercise it. Permanent installation that would compliment the full main generator and the inverter setup you have now.

 

[whoover]

If you decide to safely use a portable gasoline generator do yourself a favor and buy a Honda. That will eliminate all carb issues. I used a small inverter type generator a few years ago while on a trip, I could put it on shore, enough for battery charging, lights and microwave.

Walt Hoover

 

[Briankinley2004]

If you decide to safely use a portable gasoline generator do yourself a favor and buy a Honda. That will eliminate all carb issues. I used a small inverter type generator a few years ago while on a trip, I could put it on shore, enough for battery charging, lights and microwave.

Walt Hoover

I second this. I had a power catamaran with outboards. We had a Honda EU3000 we would use for overnight trips to run the one a/c unit and a couple of lights. Took multiple salt sprays and the plastic housing kept it dry. Thing would run all night on a tank of fuel and was quiet. We used it for about 4 years and I think the guy that has the boat now still uses it.

 

[yachtsmanbill]

1300 KW?? You gonna sell back on the grid?