Yellowstone Question

[Will-C]

I was wondering if you have to swap out the main jet in the carburetor on a Honda EU 2000 generator for the 8000 feet of elevation at Yellowstone? Do fuel injected outboards adjust to the elevation automatically? Also was wondering about places to anchor out. I wondered if this is part of the info the Yellowstone park supplies?
Thank You in advance for your replies,
D.D.

 

[rogerbum]

A quick google search on [honda generator high altitudes] yields a lot of info. Basically, if you are going to run for extended periods of time at altitudes >5000', re-jet. However, most who simply travel around a bit and run for a week or two don't bother. The mix will be bit rich and you'll foul the plugs more quickly but it will still run (albeit at lower horsepower). If you do the search above, you'll see a lot of forums (mostly camping forums) in which this issue is discussed.

 

[Hunkydory]

D.D.

My Dad spent a couple weeks with us there using his Yamaha 1000 with zero problems and no re-jetting. Don't think the rich mix will hurt a thing. Now if you did re-jet for the higher altitude and then continued to run it when back down to the lower places, that lean mix could be really bad news for the generator. Personally though, we have had a Honda EU 2000 since 2007 and never used it in Yellowstone. Don't like the darn noisy things unless there's a real need.

Yes, the fuel injected outboards do adjust automatically to the elevation, so no fouling problems, but without a blower to equal out the loss of oxygen there's going to be a approximately 24% power loss.

One is supposed to have permits for anchoring out and they can be hard to come by in mid summer, but there are ways around it. We hope to put the Hunkydory into the Bridge Bay Marina somewhere around the first of August to the end of the season and spend a good part of our time there, so will likely be about when you arrive. Would gladly PM you my cell phone number if you want. Yellowstone John should be around the lake most of the summer and I don't know anyone with more knowledge of the lake and its immediate surroundings them him. Between the two of us should be able to get you a leg up on your Yellowstone Adventure. Will be looking forward to meeting you there.

Jay

 

[Will-C]

Jay,
We are going to spend three nights at Grand Teton first on Jackson Lake. Then August 16th thru the 25th at Yellowstone Lake. We have slip reservations at both places. Going to spend one night at the Lodge near Old Faithful during the Yellowstone portion the rest of the time we plan to sleep on the boat. I'll pm you when we get closer. I'm plan to take Rt.80 across and then start heading up at Cheyenne. If you need anything from the east coast let me know. I don't think I'm bringing our Mokai. At 2146 miles each way I figured I 'd wait on adding a roof ornament till i make it to Alaska. Couple years an then a whole summer up there, God willing! Thanks
D.D.

 

[JamesTXSD]

Jay,
We are going to spend three nights at Grand Teton first on Jackson Lake. Then August 16th thru the 25th at Yellowstone Lake. We have slip reservations at both places. Going to spend one night at the Lodge near Old Faithful during the Yellowstone portion the rest of the time we plan to sleep on the boat. I'll pm you when we get closer. I'm plan to take Rt.80 across and then start heading up at Cheyenne. If you need anything from the east coast let me know. I don't think I'm bringing our Mokai. At 2146 miles each way I figured I 'd wait on adding a roof ornament till i make it to Alaska. Couple years an then a whole summer up there, God willing! Thanks
D.D.

Hi Dave,

Be sure to look me up when you get to the Tetons. It would be a treat to get to do a face-to-face. We are currently working at the Colter Bay Marina in Grand Teton National Park.

Our Honda 2000i did fine at this elevation, but the boat (we have the fuel injected Honda) could barely do 17 knots. The fuel injection should take care of the elevation change, but the loss of horsepower (since the motor isn't turbo-charged) necessitates a prop change if you want to run the same speeds. Since you're only spending a few days at each place (Yellowstone is around 7800', Jackson Lake is 6,800' approx), not sure I'd bother with it.

Hope we get the chance to meet when you're out here.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

 

[Montana Kev]

We look forward to seeing you all at Yellowstone. We will have a slip from early July thru the end of the season.

 

[Will-C]

Jim,
Thanks for your responses. Ginny and I look forward to meeting all you fine folks. Honda offers a main jet for the generator (6000 to 10000 feet) for about 6.00 dollars. I don't think for the limited use we would use the generator I will bother to install it. If we can run 15 to 20 mph with the boat that's plenty for us. I'm going to try and do some fishing but mostly will use the boat as our portable ghetto. I'm sure we will completely gaga over the scenery.
Dave and Ginny

 

[Montana Kev]

Hi Dave and Ginny,

Here are a few links below that may be helpful for your trip planning to Yellowstone. There are a lot of restrictions on the lake. Once you are away from the marina it is all considered backcountry and the backcountry regulations apply to boaters. Generators are permitted and covered under the boating regulations but you probably want to make sure you are far away from a backcountry campsite if you do decide to run the generator, folks are real picky about the noise back there. Dogs have to stay on the boat unless at the marinas. Be sure to make reservations for any overnight stays as things really book up in July thru early September.

Back Country Planner - http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/u ... 010Mar.pdf
http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/b ... lanner.htm
Campgrounds - http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/c ... wstone.htm
Boating Regulations - http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/u ... g_regs.pdf
http://www.trailerboats.com/output.cfm? ... tionid=316


Safe Travels,
Kevin & Laura