Portable generator.

Ljeffery22

I have a 2005 250 fiesta vee with no on board generator.  What size do I need to run the a/c with only and what will run all the electric options on my boat. Not for sure if 2000 will do all my needs or just the A/C only, or if I need the bulky 3500 for the whole show.  Thanks for any advise.

bella-vita

The  2000 will run the ac and some electrical, but if u turn on coffee or microwave or any other high amp draw at same time it will pop the breaker. The 3500 will take up to much room. 

aero3113

I agree, the 3500 will be tough to maneuver also.

Willhound

Most of us using a portable are using 2000. As long as you manage your expectations it would be fine. 

Ljeffery22

Thanks for the feedback. The predator 2000 and 3500 are the ones I'm looking at.

bella-vita

i think the Honda would out last it , I have seen them go through a beating the Honda 2200 also has a bit more power.

PickleRick

Generac, Briggs and Stratton as well as ryobi all have $500 to $700 range 2200 to 2300 watt quiet inverter generators that are much better than the predator.
My generac runs my ac just fine.

Aqua_Aura

Getting the predator with the warranty still may be cheaper than those others. Not sure how HF is with warranty but it's easier to take it to HF than contact some customer service help line and deal with all that on the other brands. HF products have definitely come along way the last few years. 

PickleRick

Ryobi generally uses TTi for their warranty through either independent dealers or their own facilities.

Briggs and generac use local dealers for warranty.  If you buy locally from independent dealer youll get great warranty service. Buy from big box store or online and you wont be a top priority repair.


Predator will not have parts support.  Their warranty is am exchange at store with copy of receipt and warranty.  Dont expect any repairs to be done.  Once warranty is out you have a throw away piece of equipment.


Most issues with these are fuel related and will not be covered by warranty, this includes Honda.  Habor freight doesn't care what the issue is.

I charge 75 bucks for the paper work it takes to submit/file warranties purchased at big box stores, competitors or online retailers.    I don't charge anyting for warranties filed for equipment purchased from my shop.

Aqua_Aura

I forgot pickle Rick that your in the industry. The swapping out does seem much easier than dealing with repair however like you said if it's from an independent dealer it's much easier to get service. All of my Stihl and John Deere equipment I have is a very simple process at the dealer. 

PickleRick

The indy dealer takes care of their preferred customers.  

Most warranty issues are known in about 10 hrs of use.  Aka your first weekend running the ac all night.

Northern tool was running an in house warranty program on their sold equipment, this also meant Honda generators.  

I had a customer knock one off a pontoon while running.  They fished her up and exchanged her.  

Aqua_Aura

Slightly off subject but when I was researching tractors and I was looking on message boards most people said choose the tractor brand with the nearest dealer for warranty and parts and service. Generator not as big of a deal but choose something that you can actually get warranty,parts or service for nearby and easily. Wouldn't make sense to buy predator if HF is nowhere close. 

Cableguy Greg

I have the Ryobi 2200 and it runs the air conditioner just fine. If it is in eco mode, it sometimes has an issue restarting due to the power surge. I will also run the microwave, but not at the same time as the air. 

LaRea

//begin PSA// Using a portable genny on a boat is risky, and can end badly.  If you choose to use one, do your homework and pay attention.  //end PSA//

Ian

Cableguy Greg said:

I have the Ryobi 2200 and it runs the air conditioner just fine. If it is in eco mode, it sometimes has an issue restarting due to the power surge. I will also run the microwave, but not at the same time as the air. 

Me too, great little unit and have found that its best to turn off to idle when powering a larger load as the surge trips it up. I like the BT model in to see remotely the load, fuel level and ability to shutoff.

Ian

LaRea said:

//begin PSA// Using a portable genny on a boat is risky, and can end badly.  If you choose to use one, do your homework and pay attention.  //end PSA//

I agree and have only used with on the wall top.

Aqua_Aura

I like to keep one running in the cabin so it keeps me warm and boy do I sleep really well. It is hard to wake up in the morning though. 

reneechris14

??PSA ???

raybo3

reneechris14 said:

??PSA ???

My guess "Personal Service Announcement"

PickleRick

Yes.  Portable gensets are not marine approved.  While they can be stowed in the boat when not in use it is dangerous.  Most have fuel caps where the vent can be closed off and the fuel line has a cut off.  There is however some fuel still left in the carb that can produce fumes or leak if tipped over or bounced too much. They have a float style carburetor.

Theres also the grounding issue and being knocked off in the lake issue.

Last but not least is the co2 issue.  While any geneator run boat or any boat being run while people are riding in the cabin needs to have a c02 and smoke detector installed(multiples preferably)  many don't.  A geneator on the bow can create dangerous levels of co2, same with swim platfrom mounted generators if there is not enough wind to push the fumes aft.  

Im sure there are insurance coverage issues too but when are there not?  Man has debated the existence of God or a god since the dawn of time yet a limb falling on a car in my yard is "an act of God" per my insurance company.   

LaRea

PSA = public service announcement.  Cmon you guys.

Ian

I knew what you meant.

FYI my little Ryobi ran great today (on land) charging the batteries for the first time and powering the power washer seeing as where I am on the hard would need 300’ of extension cord and good shake to get voltage from it. Purred away and self cycled RPM’s to match load and a check of the app on my phone now and then keeping an eye on fuel leve.