Recently, I was looking for the best marine generator to use on my marine vessel while doing outdoor marine fishing and other activities. Initially, I was not able to power any appliance that makes me stay in the sea comfortably.
I had no air con, refrigerator, coffee maker, Music system and many more. It was a tedious outdoor activity especially when I was alone. I decided to approach some of my colleagues, and I found out that most of them are using marine generators to power the necessary appliances that make their stay in the sea comfortable.
I decided to look for a generator, but I had difficulties looking for the best because there are different types in the market. Here are the top 5 marine generator reviews:
Contents
- Top 11 Best Marine Generators for 2021
- 1. Kohler 20RESCL-200SELS – Air-Cooled Standby Generator
- 2. Briggs & Stratton 40346 – with Automatic Transfer Switch
- 3. Generac 6864 – Diesel Powered Portable Generator
- 4. Cummins Onan 5.5HGJAB – Fixed Mount Lp Generator
- 5. Multiquip DA7000SSA2 – Kubota Diesel Generator
- 6. MegaPower – Best Diesel Generator
- 7. Briggs & Stratton P3000 – PowerSmart Series Portable
- 8. Pulsar PG1202S – Carrying Handle (Portable)
- 9. Pulsar G2319N – Gas-Powered Quiet Inverter Generator
- 10. Yamaha EF2400iSHC – Gas Powered Portable Inverter
- 11. Pulsar PG2200BiS – Dual Fuel Quiet Inverter Generator
- Best Marine Generators Buying Guide:
Top 11 Best Marine Generators for 2021
1. Kohler 20RESCL-200SELS – Air-Cooled Standby Generator
It has a stable power rating of 20,000 watts, and it is air-cooled. The generator has an automated setting such that it automatically starts when the power goes off.
It includes a 200-amp whole house, load shedding, and an automatic transfer switch. Besides, it has a fast response and provides a premium power quality.
The operation of the machine is quiet and has a corrosion resistant enclosure to ensure that it is durable.
Pros:
- Corrosion resistant
- Powerful
- Air-cooled
- Automatic transfer switch
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- Some parts are very expensive
2. Briggs & Stratton 40346 – with Automatic Transfer Switch
When I was looking for the best marine generator, this is another device I tried, and it has incredible features.
First, it has 100, and 150 amps transfer switch making it fully automated. The 200 Amps automatic transfer switch makes it very flexible in both indoor and outdoor installation.
Finally, it is liquid cooled and has been certified to be used in many parts of the world. Therefore, the user is not restricted to use it in specific parts of the world.
Pros:
- Certified to be used in most parts of the world
- Powerful
- Quiet
- Has automatic transfer switches
- Flexible for indoors and outdoors
Cons:
- Some parts require regular maintenance
3. Generac 6864 – Diesel Powered Portable Generator
It is a durable device with fully welded 1 1/4″ steel frame. Besides, it has an industrial grade diesel engine which is air-cooled with a direct injection fuel mechanism.
It is very powerful and provides a stable power supply which renders it safe to be used on sensitive electronics. Its quiet operations make it also ideal for most indoor operations that require lower noise levels.
Furthermore, some of the hardware parts are made of steel frames which makes it very strong and durable. Finally, it has been certified to be used in most parts of the world. Therefore, the user will be able to use it in most parts of the world.
Pros:
- Durable
- Powerful
- Quiet operation
- Certified
- Stable power supply
Cons:
- Sometimes overheats when overloaded
4. Cummins Onan 5.5HGJAB – Fixed Mount Lp Generator
Cummins Onan 5.5HGJAB-1270 is a quiet generator that runs on propane. It has been certified by CARB and can be used in most parts of the world freely.
The generator is powerful because it can power two 15,000 BTU air conditioners and an additional 1000 watts electrical appliances. The device has a digital voltage regulator and other safety features such as circuit breakers.
The hardware part is made of lighter but stronger material. The material ensures that it is not only portable but also durable. Finally, because of the voltage regulator, it supplies a stable power supply for a longer period.
Pros:
- Durable
- Powerful
- Light in weight
- Quiet operation
- CARB certified
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance
5. Multiquip DA7000SSA2 – Kubota Diesel Generator
When I was looking for the best marine generator, I came across this device with some of the amazing features. First, it is rated 7KW, 120/240V meaning it can power several power appliances.
It is also tough and has been proven to produce stable power even in extreme environment. It weighs 2,000 lb and comparing it with its applications; it is lighter but strong. The generator has a lot of safety features that make it safe to be used by anyone even without technical know-how.
The voltage regulators ensure that it produces a stable power supply which is safe for the appliances. Its quiet operations make it suitable for applications that require concentration because of fewer noise levels. Finally, it is CARB certified and therefore can be used in any part of the world.
Pros:
- CARB certified
- Stable power supply
- Powerful
- Have voltage regulators
Cons:
- Some spears are not easily available
6. MegaPower – Best Diesel Generator
It has a 7.5KW peak voltage and 5.5KW continuous power rating. Besides, it has an automatic transfer switch that ensures that in case of a power outage, it automatically turns on.
Furthermore, it is made of lighter but stronger material which is not only portable but also stronger.
The output power of the device is stable, and this is important for the safety of electrical appliances.
It has been certified by CARB to be used in most parts of the world. Finally, it has a quiet operation, and the noise level is within the required range.
Pros:
- CARB certified
- Durable
- Portable
- Powerful
- Lighter in weight
Cons:
- Some parts are fragile
7. Briggs & Stratton P3000 – PowerSmart Series Portable
Briggs & Stratton 30545 P3000 Power Smart Series is the first machine I tried and found out as the best generator because of its amazing features. First, the power output is clean and instant to keep all the marine appliances running on a stable power source.
It has a quiet operation and therefore suitable for a marine operation that needs concentration such as marine fishing. It will not also disturb the marine organisms, and it is very quiet.
The device has a superb efficiency because it can consume 1.5-gallon fuel for a 10 hours continuous run. It also has several outlets, and this enables the user to connect several appliances simultaneously.
The hardware parts of the generator are made of lighter but stronger material just to ensure that it is portable and durable. The emissions are also controlled in such a way that they are not harmful when they are emitted to the environment.
Pros:
- Powerful
- Light in weight
- Portable
- Have no harmful emissions to the environment
- Energy efficient
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- Not sold in all parts of the world
8. Pulsar PG1202S – Carrying Handle (Portable)
When I was looking for the best marine generator, this is another device I encountered. It has a peak power rating of 1200 watts and running power of 900 watts. The engine is a single cylinder 2-stroke with a recoil start.
It has a compact design, and this makes it very ideal for outdoor activities in the sea. It is also light in weight and made of stronger material. Therefore, it is capable of overcoming all the stresses and fatigue in the sea.
Furthermore, the generator is fuel efficient because it can consume 1.1 Gallon of fuel continuously for about 5 hours at half load. The several outlets of the device allow the user to run several appliances at the same time.
The power output from this generator is very stable and therefore, there is no fear of power surges and unstable power supply that can damage some delicate parts of the electrical appliances.
Pros:
- Stable power supply
- Energy efficient
- Powerful
- Quiet operation
- Light in weight
- Portable
Cons:
- Some spare parts are fragile
9. Pulsar G2319N – Gas-Powered Quiet Inverter Generator
Pulsar G2319N 2,300W is another best marine generator I tried while looking for such devices for my marine vessel. The peak power rating is at 2,300 watts while the stable running power is 1,800 Watts.
It is very efficient because it can run continuously for 6 hours using 1.8 gallons of fuel at half load. Furthermore, it has a compact design that makes it very portable. The weight of the generator is only 47 Lbs making it easier for the user to handle it.
The noise levels of the generator are 59 decibels, and this makes it virtually silent from a distance of 10 feet. The power output is very stable in the form of a stable sine wave. It, therefore, provides a safe electrical power that can power all the equipment in a marine vessel.
There are several ports where one can connect several appliances when it is running. The hardware parts are made of a material that has been tested for maximum strength. On the other hand, it is very light hence making it the best for outdoor tasks.
Pros:
- Strong and durable
- Light in weight
- Powerful
- Stable power supply
- Energy efficient
Cons:
- Some spare parts not easily available
10. Yamaha EF2400iSHC – Gas Powered Portable Inverter
Yamaha EF2400iSHC is another amazing generator which is not only powerful but also very efficient. It is characterized by increased motor starting capability and also an improved air conditioner starting.
The power output is clean, and the user is in a position to adjust the speed of the generator to match the load requirement. It also has a lot of control features just to ensure that the generator is not damaged. For instance, several sensors can shut down the generator when the oil level is lower than the required and also when the fuel level is low.
The device also has increased reliability, improved efficiency quiet operation and easily portable. The hardware material is cast iron cylinder which is very strong and can overcome the normal stresses in its lifespan. Finally, it has been certified to be used in most parts of the world. Therefore, the user can use the generator in any part of the world where it is certified.
Pros:
- Powerful
- Reliable
- Efficient
- Strong and durable
- Certified to be used in most parts of the world
- Advanced control features
Cons:
- Some parts are very expensive
11. Pulsar PG2200BiS – Dual Fuel Quiet Inverter Generator
It has a peak power rating of 2200 watts and running power of 1800 watts. The engine specifications are 80cc, 3HP, single cylinder, 4-stroke and finally air cooled. Furthermore, it has an inverter technology which has a super quiet operation with a noise level of about 60 dBA.
Besides, it has several power outlets to enable the user to power several marine appliances at the same time. The power output has a stable sine wave to make it very useful in sensitive electrical appliances that need a stable power supply.
Its compact design makes it very portable, and finally, it is very efficient since it can consume 1.18 gallons of fuel and run continuously for 8 hours.
Pros:
- Powerful
- Light in weight
- Stable power output
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- Sometimes overheat when overloaded
Best Marine Generators Buying Guide:
Type of Fuel Used
The fuel used is very important because it should be an easily available fuel. Those with dual fuel technology are recommended because the user will be able to switch to any fuel depending on availability and costs.
The Fuel Efficiency
The generator should be in a position to use fuel efficiently. The buyer should try as much as possible to study the fuel consumption of the generator and compare it with the output power. This gives a clear trend of efficiency.
The Availability of Spare Parts
The buyer should buy a generator whereby it is very easy to get the spare parts. It is advisable to avoid those with spares that are not easily available. In case of an emergency breakdown, the spare parts should not only be cheaper, but it should also be available within the shortest time possible. This avoids unnecessary down times.
Best Marine Generators (FAQs)
How long should I run a generator continuously?
It depends on the model and the specifications. However, most of them can run continuously for 8 hours. It is important to confirm from the user manual. However, it is also a good practice to put it off for some time after continuous operation.
Is it bad to run a generator out of gas?
It is not a good practice because gas is the prime mover! Furthermore, some parts can be damaged if the generator runs without gasoline.
Is it good to run a generator without load?
The only time to run it without load is when starting. After it has attained its stable condition, it should not run without load because it can cause wet stacking.
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