Generac generator

[Golerud]

Previously I stated that I would buy the Honda generator in lieu of the Generac. I have done a little more looking and found the Yamaha EF2000 iS and the spefications are almost identical to the Honda with the exception of weight and physical size. The Yamaha is a little lighter and smaller than the Honda and the engine has less displacement. The reviews I've read are all good.

Anyone out there who has had experience with the Yamaha?

[localboy]

[potter water]

Yami's are a very good manufacturer. I think in some ways better than Honda. BUT if the Yami generator has a little less displacement, that means a little less poop...probably. It may put it into the class with the Generac. Lighter is always good as long as it will do the job. For my need, battery charging, even the little 800 watt Chinese special sold by Harbor Freight would do great. Some good reports abound on that little guy. 200 bucks or less?

The real problem is powering something with an electric motor in it and the almost two times the current needed in the first few seconds to get that motor running. IF the Honda and Yami are in the same price category, I'd rather have a bit more displacement UNLESS you are only powering electronics and charging batteries. Then, the lighter and smaller the better.

[Pat Anderson]

Our Honda 2000i did indeed heat up the water in our (former) 6 gallon hot water heater in 30 minutes or so.

[potter water]

Wow! I guess I've never thought of hot water heaters as 6 gallons. So, a relatively small heat bar could well do the job.

[REBEMUP]

Love my Yami 2000. It is possible the Honda puts out an extra 100 watts or so from what I have read e.g. Honda 2000 watts substained. I use it at home for emergency power and it runs the side by side full sized refrigerator and freezer and the 42 inch HDTV/amplifier/satellite receiver and a few lights etc. with no problem. I use it on Sea-Cruz to run an induction cook top, battery charger, lights, etc. I run max loads of 1900 watts. The Yami is sooo quiet and always starts on first or second pull. Has a fuel gauge the Honda does not and a panel that is a little better. The Yami also has lined cylinder walls and is suppose to have a longer life than the Honda but I don't know if that would really be true in any meaningful way.

In the end I think they are very comparable and both great generators. Both can be used in parallel with a second generator for bigger loads. Honda only sells through dealers, Yami sells on Amazon, if that makes any difference (cheaper). It may just come down to red or blue as favorite colors.

This is a link to Amazon with 62 reviews of the Yami:
http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-EF2000iS-4-Stroke-Generator-Compliant/dp/B002RWK9N2

A number of boat owners review using it onboard.

Ron

[Sea Wolf]

Yamaha also has a 2500 watt generator/inverter that weighs about 63 pounds if one is looking for a unit a little larger than a 2000 and doesn't mind the weight!

And don't forget the new, larger Honda 3000i generator/inverter.

Here are some of those models for comparison on one site. Select "Portable" and "Recreational" choices on their "Quick Search" box on the left, and 22 various models will come up together, including he Hondas, Yamahas, Generacs, Honeywells, Subarus, and Briggs and Strattons!

Joe.

[JamesTXSD]

[centerisland]

The Honda also has quite a few accessories: propane conversion, parallel kits, covers, locking brackets, covers...

The resale market for Honda is also stronger: I see (6) eu2000/eu2000i on Seattle CraigsList. I bought mine on CL last year for $700 with less than 100 hours on it.

[Sea Wolf]

There are also useful Owners Groups for some of the generators.

Here's one I belong to for he Honda 2000i crowd:
(Even though I have a Honda 1000i)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Honda_EU2000_Generators/

Joe.

[potter water]

Regarding "heat bar." That is what is at the bottom of smaller electric water heaters. It is actually a bar with a resistive element inside and sheathed with a metal tubular cover. They are easily replaceable by the "captain." Often if the water heater doesn't work, that little bar has corroded. I was just surprised to know that some boats with water heaters have electric heaters. My mini houseboat had a standard propane RV type heater that worked great and didn't require any shore or generator power. The Still C-razy crew, relies on boiled water and or solar heat for our showers. Unless we are in fresh water above 60 degrees. However, at Jackson Lake last summer, in July, my wife and I enjoyed the 50 degree water for about 30 seconds each for our "shower." Invigorating is a word that doesn't do those 30 seconds justice. However, we were mosquito free for those 30 seconds.

[Sea Wolf]

I think the "heat bar" or heating element is the most common failure in older electric water heaters, and just like with domestic electric water heaters, can probably be replaced rather easily.

I also think the electric heaters are used because they are 1.) less complex and problematic than propane heaters, 2.) safer than propane, 3.) easier to install since more boats are likely to already include shore power than expensive propane systems, and 4.) they take up less space and can be more easily made in smaller units than propane heaters.

Why drive a 1-ton Diesel pickup to the supermarket when a compact car will do just fine?

On the other hand, if your 85 foot houseboat has a hot tub for 15 people on the third deck, I'd assume you'd opt for the high output propane system.

[retnavy]

Do these water heaters have a anode in it like most house hot water heaters? My last replacement was caused by deteriorated anode that I was not aware even existed.

[Aurelia]

Cabelas sells a very small 500w unit for less than 350. It could do the job of basic charging for little cash or bulk and only weighs 21 lbs.

I thought it was interesting.

[T.R. Bauer]