Putting a Honda Generator inverter in my bilge

[chris0061]

We have a 25 foot Sea Ray Weekender and I bought a Honda generator inverter that we are going to power the elec with this summer, I was thinking about welding a exhaust on the flame arrestor and run it threw the hull so I could set the gen in the bilge. I have the room and can easily fab up the exhaust to run out of the hull. The gen is one of those 2000 models. any thoughts out there?

 

[NYBo]

Re: Putting a Honda Generator inverter in my bilge

any thoughts out there?

Yes:

Unless you are running Diesels, DO NOT DO THIS!

 

[chris0061]

Re: Putting a Honda Generator inverter in my bilge

No, running gas engine. OK better to find out this way than the BOOM way. Thanks.

 

[DaNinja]

Re: Putting a Honda Generator inverter in my bilge

Hehe...go to Club SeaRay and start the same thread.
The last one started a small board war.

You've addressed the exhaust issue, but the CO2 hazard still scares me. That and the whole KABOOM! thing.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Putting a Honda Generator inverter in my bilge

I'd have to imagine that a generator poses no more risk than your engine that already happens to be mounted in there! Take the same precautions before starting, and keep the bilge blowers running 100% of the time the gen is on.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Putting a Honda Generator inverter in my bilge

I'd have to imagine that a generator poses no more risk than your engine that already happens to be mounted in there!

The generator itself is NOT ignition-protected, unlike a proper marne alternator and starter.

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: Putting a Honda Generator inverter in my bilge

I put mine either on the swim platform or the bow pulpit.

Make sure your hatches are closed if you put it on the bow pulpit !!!.

Just WATCH OUT for what way the wind is blowing and go from there.

I've Been doing it that way for 4yrs and I'm still alive.

 

[chris0061]

Re: Putting a Honda Generator inverter in my bilge

Yeah, when we are beached I'll put it on the beach, make a aluminum plate to set it on and like you say keep mind of the wind.

 

[chris0061]

Re: Putting a Honda Generator inverter in my bilge

I'm just trying to think of a way so you don't have to move it all the time.

 

[cribber]

Re: Putting a Honda Generator inverter in my bilge

I keep a 1000 watt DC to AC inverter tucked up in a cooler back in my bilge. If I need AC power I can run the engine idled up with the inverter outside of the bilge. If it's just to pump up the tube we do it when we shut off the engine so whoever is tubing is ready to jump in the water.

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: Putting a Honda Generator inverter in my bilge

I'm just trying to think of a way so you don't have to move it all the time.

Thats not going to happen !!

You'll never know what way the wind is blowing.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Putting a Honda Generator inverter in my bilge

I have a small 3K ginny that has a special enclosed spark plug boot and a special exhuast.

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: Putting a Honda Generator inverter in my bilge

Got any pics or specs sheet on this special genny ??.

There is NO Honda genny that is made for marine use.

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

Re: Putting a Honda Generator inverter in my bilge

Put it on your bow or swim platform. As stated, there is no such thing as a Honda for marine use... IE. In the bilge with the gas tanks and no flame arrestor or sparkless plug in outlets... You've already seen the "Boom" response... Its a good way to get fined big time if the USCG finds it in the engine bay.
Run a power cord to the shore power inlet:

 

[mudslinging79]

Re: Putting a Honda Generator inverter in my bilge

i know a few people who live onm their boat, and when they are camping out away from the shore power, they chain the honda to the rail at the front of the boat when its running. otherwise it is in a storage locker till used.

 

[RGrew176]

Re: Putting a Honda Generator inverter in my bilge

Unbelievable...

 

[NYBo]

Re: Putting a Honda Generator inverter in my bilge

Unbelievable...

Remind you of a heated discussion or two on the topic on another forum, Rick?

 

[JoLin]

Re: Putting a Honda Generator inverter in my bilge

This almosat ALWAYS results in a heated discussion, no matter what boating forum you're on.

A portable genny just can't operate safely as a marine-rated, below deck built-in. That's what the marine-rated, below-deck built-in is for.

Given proper precautions and common sense, however, there's no reason they can't be used safely from the foredeck or swim platform. One needs to understand and appreciate the risks of spark, gasoline vapor and carbon monoxide.

My .02

 

[sasto]

Re: Putting a Honda Generator inverter in my bilge

Hi Chris, Your boat would be out of compliance of many regulations with that gen-set in the bilge. I really wouldn't want you around me with a bomb tucked in your bilge. I understand your thinking and appreciate the fact you are doing research before attempting to do someting on your boat your not sure about.

If you do decide to place your gen-set somewhere above deck I would recommend a CO alarm in the cabin....and the bilge. A sniffer that can smell something you can't.

Good Luck!

 

[themaniam1]

Re: Putting a Honda Generator inverter in my bilge

CO2 alarm is a must in your cabin. Place it as low as you can like on the rise where your table sits but you won't kick it. That gen works great and is quiet. We have strap loops on our swim deck that we strap it to and on the bow like Go Aweigh2452 shows. Our next cruiser will have a built in gen. I am not sure on storing it in the bilge, it has a fuel tank which needs to be vented out doors. It would be like storing a can of gas in there. We just haul ours on the swim deck.