[C320-list] Honda EU2000i Portable Generator

[Warren Updike]

Thanks for the info.  I guess this is a new product so not much experience.
I only found 2 reviews, both on Amazon.  One had problems getting parts. One
had a dead battery after 4 mos.  I'll check on the Yamaha unit.

-----Original Message-----
From: Rick Sulewski [mailto:rsulewski at bex.net] 
Sent: Sunday, January 06, 2013 7:07 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Honda EU2000i Portable Generator

Hello Warren,
I have done considerable research on the portable generator question and
learned that one must be careful when considering the advertised portable
generator characteristics vs. user reviews, especially when considering
powering AC units. Checked both marine & RV blogs. There are some Honda
clones out there made in China under a variety of consumer friendly
namesakes that have terrible support and do not measure up. Consider the
lost value cost when for a few more dollars  better quality alternatives
exist. The China units that are often larger than and many of the larger
units are normally 70 pounds or more vs. 42-44 pounds for each of the Honda
2000 or Yamaha 2000 models. Honda & Yamaha appear to have user reported
increased reliability/longevity, fewer sound level issues and readily
available replacement parts & service compared to the cheaper China models.

I was going to buy a couple of Honda 2000 units this fall when I ran across
some great deals (can always call to seek free shipping). Determined that I
needed more amperage to run the AC and other items and that left me having
to parallel wiring two 2000 level units. At the same time I wanted to more
easily move two 40 pound units from the storage area vs. wrestling with a
louder 70+ pound unit. However, I delayed the Honda purchase after spending
a late season race weekend at a NASCAR campground and learned a few things
about Hondas that pointed me to also investigate Yamaha generators (Hondas
tend to  gum up over time if the fuel is not drained from the carbs when
storing the units). Also learned that the Honda internals do not have the
same design nor the longevity of the Yamaha models. 

I am now looking at Yamaha units after observing how much quieter the Yamaha
2000 units were operating at the campground under load compared to Honda
2000 units (both parallel wired and both under similar demands) in eco mode
and at full throttle high amp demand operation. I also learned that the
Yamaha units all have a fuel cutoff valve so one can simply run the carbs
dry before storing the units. I am considering storing the units in the
starboard corner locker in a vinyl tub but have to wait till the snow melts
to measure that storage area. I found some good buys on the net for both
Honda or Yamaha generators at AdventureRV.net   Researched user reviews and
am now convinced for my needs, Yamaha appears to be a better choice at this
time (providing I can store one or more units in the available corner
locker).  Since I mounted my AC unit in the longer port cockpit locker, the
generators stored in the starboard corner locker will also help balance that
port side AC unit weight.
Rick
My-Ria 1995 320 hull #277

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Warren Updike
Sent: Saturday, January 05, 2013 4:42 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Honda EU2000i Portable Generator

Here is an interesting item:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0JB-0006-00002
For all those whose A/C won't run on a Honda EU2000, this one is 2800W with
AC/DC out, self-start, remote control, etc. at $694.  For $600, there is a
2000W.  Oddly, the specs don't say self-start; but, the video does.  Go
figure.

I've bought from NewEgg before and had positive results.

Warren & Pattie Updike
1994 C320 #62 "Warr De Mar"

-----Original Message-----
From: Irving Grunes [mailto:igrunes at gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, January 04, 2013 10:23 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Honda EU2000i Portable Generator

All
The Feb 2013 issue of Consumer Reports notes a recall notice reference the
Honda EU2000i sold from October 2011 to September 2012

"The fuel hose can leak posing risks of fire and burns"

"Call company at 888-888-3139 for more details on the recall"

Irv Grunes
#851