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seeking advice:

I had the factory diesel generator removed from my 32' conquest (happily). now I want to purchase the costco Yam portable generator (2000 watt start up/1600 running for $460).

I've been told I should not recharge the boat batteries directly from the generator, but should route through a 'marine smart charger'?

can someone confirm and provide smart charger link
appreciate it -
robb

2004 conquest 305-twin yamaha 250

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How are you planning to use this generator?

Be advised, portable gas generators are a bad idea for use aboard boats. The Coast Guard specifically counsels against them.

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I have seen many a portable generator on commercial fishing boats. Strapped securely in place. I also have a marine battery charger (purchased from Finnegin, sorry about spelling). The marine chargers are trickle chargers hooked up onto electrical service at a slip. Before I had a permanent slip with electricity I used a regular store bought charger and plugged it into my Honda 2000 iu. I have a battery fabricator reasonably close and he said best to "quick" charge batteries at a continuous 10 amps. You can use the 10 amp charger with several batteries inline. 2 amp trickle gets lost trying to charge a low battery immediately and 50 amp + can cook the battery.

If your boat is in a slip with electrical service, get the marine set up. If you are just fussing on the boat, get the 10 amp charger and do some other maintenance as the battery charges.

Some commercial salmon fishermen with outboards use a gas powered hydraulic power pack. The trouble is the motor runs annoyingly at all times.

We have used the Honda 2000 iu generator in hunting camps. Great unit. Quiet and can run a coffee maker (cannot recall if we tried it with a microwave but the coffee maker pushes its limit's a little). You would want a solid cradle above deck and out of the way because of fumes.

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Great feed back. the role of the portable generator would be for those (few) times we are anchored and need to recharge batteries (no worried about making coffee or hair dryers etc). Ie catalina, and 3 day raft ups.

I would be aware of fumes and would only run during day time hours. (plus would be a handy item for the home should power fail.)

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I would use the generator with a 10 amp charger. I have several but recommend a Schumacher 1250 manual. One of my favorite chargers. "10amp charge...off...30/50amp". Nothing fancy, just charges at 10 amps and when it senses heat, shuts itself down. Also has the 50 amp jump. No automatic sensors or battery diagnosis. I think with your designated application the Yamaha generator a good choice. I use my Honda at the house with power outages. Rotate the plugs for fridge and freezer and runs lights, tv, internet. I have a Kubota 220v/110v massive bad boy that I have not started in years.

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Need advice -

Both transom bilge pumps have failed. One is controlled by off/on switch at helm (may have been left on overnight and failed, or may be a bad switch) - the other should be automatic float that should work regardless if batteries on/off.

Suggestions on both replacement appreciated. (note some pumps $17, some $150 - i've got to believe one would want to invest in a reliable version.
robb
2004 Conquest 305; twin Yam 250s
san diego