1KW generator or 2KW generator?

R

rogerbum

New member
Well the admiral has agreed to a generator purchase for the boat. I've settled on the Honda due to local availability and service. The remaining question is 1kW or 2kW?

For the 1KW, the pluses are: about $300 less, and lighter (29lbs) so Joyce could probably lift it if needed. The downside is it's only 1kW and can't be used to run a fridge or freezer at home if needed and can only run a limited number of microwaves.

For the 2KW, the down side is the extra expense and weight. The upside is the greater flexibilty and amperage. For others who made a similar decision, what decision did you make and why?

I keep vacillating between the two choices so come on folks help me make up my mind and spend my money (the economy needs the stimulation).
 
Roger,

I have a Yamaha 1000, and while I really like it, I wish that I would have gone for the 2000. You hit the exact reasons... it won't run a refrigerator, and last year we were without power for 9 days at the beach house. It would run the pellet stove and one light.

Regardless of which one you pick, I have a word of caution. Do not leave fuel in them for an extended period of time. I had to take mine in for a carb cleanout when I left gas in the tank for about 4 months. I suspect that the Honda is equally as vulnerable.

Steve
 
I bought the 2kw. Yah, it's heavier but I wanted something that could carry the fridge and freezer at home in case "The Big One" hits LA or, more probably, a good rainstorm deprives us of power. It also ran the freezer/fridge in a scheduled 8 hour SDG&E outage just fine. I've used it to run power tools in the back yard and it actually ran the A/C unit in our old 5th wheel RV, though only at sea level and with no other loads. Weight is really the only down side of a 2kw vs a 1kw. Both are equally (and majorly) quiet, Roger. You'll really like it.

Don
 
Hi Roger :D ,

Having used the Honda 2000 twice last year for power outages at home, I'm kind of biased. Yes, it's a little heavy, but gives me the option for emergency house power and the extra margin of safety for boat use. I intend to carry it with me when I cruise the Channel Islands. It's reliabililty has already been proven! I'd go for the Honda 2000.

Kent :xlol
Marcia Jane
 
I'm going to sound like a broken record, but I also chose the 2KW and have been happy with the decision. It is a little heavier, and it was more expensive, but it really has been useful during power outages at home and can even power up a small electric heater on a cold winter night on the boat.
 
If all things were equal, I agree that the 2Kw Honda is the better choice. Since all things are not equal, I'd like to mention a few items for consideration.

First, this generator is going on a C-22 and the 1 Kw Honda is both lighter and smaller. It provides plenty of power for battery charging and running a microwave. If you have a microwave on a 22.

Second, if the power goes out at home, powering the refer is not what comes first to my mind. It's powering the house heater as well as the the rest of the house since major power outages take place in the winter. This takes more than 2 Kw, more like 6 Kw. I've thought about this because San Diego Power's answer to the fire season is to turn the electricity off when the winds come up. So I figure that it'll take more than the 2 Kw (actually 1.6 Kw) Honda generators to run the house.

Think about what gives the most service for your use, especially on a C-22. If it's the 2 Kw Hondas, then by all means, get one.

Boris
 
OK - the vote was 4-0 in favor of the 2KW. Order placed online. Just under a $1000 from a local dealer. Yes, I could probably have done better from some non-local site but I like to stimulate the economy locally. Thanks for the advice folks.
 
The above was posted prior to seeing Boris's reply. At this point I don't have a microwave on my 22 largely because I don't have a generator AND because of space issues. The latter will be solved when I re-do the interior this winter/spring. I decided the extra 16 lbs was outweighed by the extra kW.

As for home, I've already settled on getting a 12kW natural gas powered generator installed in the spring. A 12kW Kohler will probably run me about $7k installed with automatic transfer switch. In the mean time, I'm more worried about making sure I can keep the freezer with all my fish in it cold. I usually have about $1k of salmon and cod in my freezer and I've got both a gas and wood burning fireplace. While the gas fireplace does a better job of keeping the place warm when there is electricity to the fan, it does OK with just convection currents. The addition of the wood burning fireplace definitely keeps the place warm. So, I'm more worried about my precious fish.
 
rogerbum":nt4jpe53 said:
The above was posted prior to seeing Boris's reply. At this point I don't have a microwave on my 22 largely because I don't have a generator AND because of space issues. The latter will be solved when I re-do the interior this winter/spring. I decided the extra 16 lbs was outweighed by the extra kW.

As for home, I've already settled on getting a 12kW natural gas powered generator installed in the spring. A 12kW Kohler will probably run me about $7k installed with automatic transfer switch. In the mean time, I'm more worried about making sure I can keep the freezer with all my fish in it cold. I usually have about $1k of salmon and cod in my freezer and I've got both a gas and wood burning fireplace. While the gas fireplace does a better job of keeping the place warm when there is electricity to the fan, it does OK with just convection currents. The addition of the wood burning fireplace definitely keeps the place warm. So, I'm more worried about my precious fish.
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I agree: More Power is a GOOD THING!

When I lose power at my house outside of Wasilla, I just pack the fish in the cooler and put them outside. I have radiant in-floor heat that is heated by natural gas and an electric water pump. My 2600 Onan genset in my Eagle Cap Camper provides ample power for all the true essentials in the house. But, with that said, it is a little rough not having flowing water, but if I was in a total pinch I could wire the well pump to the genset too and it would work. Thank goodness most of us rarely lose power :)
 
Well Dang Roger. My vote is for a Honda 1k. I own a Honda 2k and it's proven to be too heavy and bulky for my limited cockpit space. Plus...it's more than I need, since all I used it for was a small microwave or heater.

Buy the 1k and I'll trade you! :)

-Greg
 
Roger,
Sorry for late reply I was too busy "tractorizing" (new verb) this darned PNW show off my driveway for the 4th time.
We bought 2 KW for all the reasons cited above and it matches the capacity of the systems on board.

I always use STABIL because it typically takes quite a while to use a whole tankfull of gas and I run it dry at the end of each usage, For winter, I empty the tank.

On the house system we can manage on a Honda 5KW mostly because we have propane heat and water but it's a real pain to have to keep filling with gas every 4-5 hours so we will be doing the same as you and installing an auto start propane system The biggest consumer is the 2 phase motor on the AC system, but the biggest risk is two freezers full of local farm raised carnivor fodder and also fish.
Here a word of caution:-

We also keep power on the boat during the winter and it runs from the GFI protected supply in the outside garage. Had a very bad experience last winter when the supply cord (that expensive pig tail adaptor) developed a ground fault and popped the GFI which went unnoticed for some days. Result was a large chest freezer full of blood and spoiled meat.

That alone cost a large portion of what an auto propane generator will cost.
Incidentally, Rodents love electrical cords and can produce the same effect.

Happy Holidays,

Merv & Kathy
 
Roger - both great choices, you won't be sorry. One other thought on the 1kw, it would do just fine to run your Foodsaver! The 2kw is really the best choice though for all the reasons everybody mentioned.

rogerbum":3mp620ni said:
OK - the vote was 4-0 in favor of the 2KW. Order placed online. Just under a $1000 from a local dealer. Yes, I could probably have done better from some non-local site but I like to stimulate the economy locally. Thanks for the advice folks.
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Roger,

I think you made the best choice. I've had two Honda i2000's for several years now. In addition to all the above mentioned benefits, I think the most appreciated feature of the 2000 over the 1000 is that, other than for air conditioning, you can run it most of the time on Economy throttle postion where the engine runs about idle position and only revs up enough to cover the load.

Generator sound can be nerve wracking on the water or at a campsite, but the quiet, lower speed running of the 2000 as it is providing the power of a 1000 at max rpm is wonderful.

Anchored out in cold weather, I can run the genset all night on one tank of fuel and it charges the batteries at a comfortable rate and can even rev up for an occasional microwave, coffepot, or electric heater use, etc.. Microwaves and small toaster ovens are now very small and light. You can keep coffee or hot chocolate hot in one of those 12V insulated cups and that is pure heaven on the water in sub freezing weather!

As for storage, you can strap the i2000 just about anywhere when not in use.

I like having a backup system of power. Should the house/engine batteries fail or the engines fail to start, you can still get enough juice to run the boat's radio and electronics via the 12V hookup.

John
 
John, I will ask again - what is this thing you call "air conditioning"?? It is foreign concept, I think Jim tried to explain it once but it simply eludes us here on the Upper Left Coast...


drjohn71a":2fs7mrt8 said:
In addition to all the above mentioned benefits, I think the most appreciated feature of the 2000 over the 1000 is that, other than for air conditioning, you can run it most of the time on Economy throttle postion where the engine runs about idle position and only revs up enough to cover the load.


John
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drjohn71a":2o1p1a4e said:
you can run it most of the time on Economy throttle postion where the engine runs about idle position and only revs up enough to cover the load.
John
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John, doesn't it run up to full speed (RPMs) when any load comes on it? Would think it would have to since the output frequency depends on the engine speed.

Charlie
 
The EU 2000i is an inverter generator so it does not rely on engine speed to give you 60Hz.
Also this means that the power output is "clean" and less damaging to sensitive elctronics, laptops etc.

Merv
 
I have the yamaha 2400 i've run it once about 2 yrs after i've bought it to see if it would . It's so quiet runs real nice . I haven't had use for it since we usually do day trips . I bought it for the hurricane season in fl. so far have not needed it that's a good thing .
I think she will run a bigger a/c unit then the honda 2000 instead of hooking up 2 honda's just buy the 2400 yami .

I can't wait to start doing some longer trips so we can use this 70lb behemoth (20 amp serv) system . She will run the 5000 BTU A/C and refer at the same time . I bought this one instead of honda because she will run my refridgerator at home and a few fans in hurricane mode.
 
Captains Cat":2d7oavw0 said:
John, doesn't it run up to full speed (RPMs) when any load comes on it? Would think it would have to since the output frequency depends on the engine speed.

Charlie
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Actually the frequency depends upon the inverter, Charlie. I know you knew that. Been hitting the Egg Nog a little early are ya?

Don
 
Just as a comment, both the Honda 1000i and 2000i are inverter generators, and have the economy mode. Whatever generator you buy should be an inverter type. This works with any style battery charger. I assume it can handle differing power factors. The new Honda 3000 may also be that type.

Certainly other companies make inverter generators, just be sure you buy an inverter generator.

Boris
 
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