The used boat I am in the process of buying (34 Sabreliner Fast Trawler) is
not equipped with a genset. It is diesel powered.

I really don't need a genset for most of my boating activities as I usually
stay on a slip when doing my limited cruising, but once in a while it's fun
to spend a night or two swinging on a mooring or anchored.

I've searched around looking for information on the safety issues of
carrying a small, portable, gasoline generator on board for making morning
coffee or whatever. I have a little Honda EU-2000 Inverter type generator
that is small, light, quiet and completely self-contained. For my needs, I
could fuel it on the dock, and it would have enough gas to serve the minimal
morning coffee making needs for a week or more. No need to carry any more
gas containers.

The references I've found are conflicting. Many do this and seem to think
it's fine as long as it is stored and operated above deck (cockpit area).
Other references state it should only be operated sitting on the dock and
never aboard the boat.

The only disasters I've read about is when people have tried to
"permanently" install a portable generator by modifying it's enclosure, fuel
supply system or trying to tie the generator output into the boat's
electrical panel.

Does anyone have any knowledge, experience or input? I can't really see
anything wrong with it as long as it is stored properly and obviously
operated in the open, so it is well vented and ventilated. I would not tie
it's power into the boat's electrical system. I'd just use an appropriately
sized power cord (extension cord) and plug the coffee maker directly into
the generator.


Thanks,

Eisboch