Recreational activities enhance productivity and quality of life and provide a break from busy daily lives, and boating is one of the best.
A boat is a great place to cook, fish, have parties, dance, and do a lot more. It is necessary that power is available at all times for all of these activities, and this can be achieved by using a portable generator on a boat.
But there’s one concern using a generator on a boat that is saline water. The rate of rusting increases due to saline water, and wear and tear occurs more quickly.
By following some steps that are beautifully explained in this video, you can mitigate these concerns.
It is primarily the power output of the generator that determines the best generator for boats, followed by the noise levels, weight, size, and runtime.
Since there are no heavy machines on the boat that require high power. So, 3000 starting watts maximum, and 2500 running watts maximum are taken into account while choosing the generators.
In this article we consider two options for boat:
Inverter Generators
Portable Power Stations
Both can be used on boats for powering electronics devices.
List Of Best Portable Generators for Boat — Editor’s Top Choices
1
Generac GP2500i Inverter
2
WEN 56203i
3
Champion Power Equipment 100692
4
A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000 Watt
5
Westinghouse iGen2200
6
EcoFlow Delta Power Station
7
BLUETTI AC200P Solar Generator
8
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000
Inverter generators
The inverter generator is based on a modern technology that provides very clean and low THD current, and inverter generators can be used for any kind of sensitive equipment without any concern.
1-Generac GP2500i Inverter
Fuel Type >> gasoline
Engine Size >> 98cc
Start Method >> Recoil
Sound >> 60 dB
Weight >> 59 pounds
Gasoline Tank >> 1 gal
Dimension >> 19.7″ L x 11.4″ W x 17.9″ H
Watts>> 2500/2200
Runtime>> 4.5hrs @ 50% load
Transportation>> Solid Handles
Certification>> CARB, EPA
Why Generac GP2500i for Boat?
Wattage: It is one of the best portable generator for boating, that produces 2500 starting watts and 2200 running watts with the help of its 98cc OHV engine.
Noise: Due to inverter technology it produces negligible sound of approximately 60 dB on full throttle.
Weight/Size: It has 59 pounds weight, small size, and handle for easy transportation.
Runtime: It provides 4.5 hours of runtime at 50% load, and 8 hours at 25% load.
Other Specification of Generac GP2500i
Fuel/Tank Size: It is a dual fuel generator, which can be powered by either gasoline or propane, and it has a 1.1 gallon gasoline tank.
Starting Method: It has only one method for starting that is manual recoil method.
Outlets: For its operation, one USB 2.1A 5V outlet, two AC 120V 20A receptacles, and one DC 12V receptacle are included along with rubberized outlet covers.
Devices: This generator is capable of handling all sensitive and non sensitive equipment, but within its wattage range. You can connect laptops, mobile phones, musical systems etc.
Meter/Indicators: It has three indicators on its panel: output ready, low oil level, and overload status.
Safety and Certification: It has low oil auto shut off technology, which automatically shuts off its operation when oil level is low, and it is CARB compliant and EPA approved generator.
Parallel Capability: Two GP2500i can be connected in a parallel way to raise more power if required.
Extra Features: This generator has economy mode, which lowers the speed of engine when attached load is also lower, which results in better fuel efficiency and less noise.
2-WEN 56203i Super Quiet
Fuel Type >> gasoline
Engine Size >> 79cc
Start Method >> Recoil
Sound >> 51 dB
Weight >> 39 pounds
Gasoline Tank >> 1 gal
Dimension >> 17.3″ L x 11.5″ W x 17.7″ H
Watts>> 2000/1700
Runtime>> 10.8hrs @ 25% load
Transportation>> Solid Handle
Certification>> CARB, EPA
Why WEN 56203i for Boat?
Wattage: It is the second best portable generator for boat, and it produces 2000 starting watts and 1700 running watts with its 79cc OHV engine.
Noise: This generator produces only 51 dB of sound, which is approximately equivalent to the sound of two person’s conversation.
Weight/Size: This generator is very compact and lightweight due to its 39 pounds weight, and its handle make its transportation easy.
Runtime: It provide 7 hours of runtime of at half load, and 10.8 hours of runtime at 25% load.
Other Specification of WEN 56203i
Fuel/Tank Size: It is operated on gasoline, and it has 1 gallon fuel tank.
Starting Method: It has manual recoil start method for starting this generator.
Outlets: The generator panel has two 120V 14A common household AC outlets, one 12V 8.3A DC outlet, and two 5V USB outlets. One USB outlet provides 2.1A, while the other provides 1A.
Devices: Any sensitive and non sensitive equipment can be connected with this generator, but with in its watts limits, such as laptops, phones, entertainment devices etc.
Meter/Indicators: There are three indicators on generator: overload, low oil level, and status of power drawn from generator.
Parallel Connectivity: The panel also includes a parallel connection outlet so that two generators can be connected in case more power is required.
Safety and Certification: This generator has low oil level, low fuel and overload protection, which makes it safe and prolongs its life. Additionally, the system cuts off the fuel flow and consumes all the fuel from the carburettor before automatically shutting off its operation. It is CARB compliant and EPA approved.
Extra Features: The generator’s economy mode optimizes fuel consumption and prevents unnecessary use of gasoline.
3-Champion Power Equipment 100692
Fuel Type >> gasoline
Engine Size >> 79cc
Start Method >> Recoil
Sound >> 53 dB
Weight >> 39.5 pounds
Gasoline Tank >> 1.1 gal
Dimension >> 17.3″ L x 11.5″ W x 17.7″ H
Watts>> 2000/1700
Runtime>> 11.5hrs @ 25% load
Transportation>> Solid Handle
Certification>> CARB, EPA
Why Champion 100692 for Boat?
Wattage: It is the third best portable generator for boat having 2000 surge watts and 1700 running watts with the help of its 79cc OHV engine.
Noise: It produces 59 dB of sound from 23 feet which is very negligible.
Weight/Size: It is very lightweight and compact, having weight of just 39.5 pounds, and its solid handle make it easy to carry and store on boat.
Runtime: It provide 11 hours of runtime at 25% load, and 5.5 hours at half load.
Other Specification of Champion 100692
Fuel/Tank Size: It uses gasoline as a fuel, and it has 1.1 gallon of fuel capacity.
Starting Method: It can be started with manual recoil start method.
Outlets: Two 120V 20A house outlets and one 12V dc outlet are available on the panel. A dual port USB charger can be connected to a 12V dc outlet to charge smartphones, laptops, etc.
Meter/Indicators: It does not have any meter but three indicators: overload, low oil level, and output ready.
Safety and Certification: It has low oil auto shut off technology, and It is CARB and EPA approved generator,
Parallel Connectivity: Two or more than two same generators can be connected in a parallel way to raise more power.
4-A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000 Watt
Fuel Type >> gasoline
Engine Size >> 79cc
Start Method >> Recoil
Sound >> 52 dB
Weight >> 50 pounds
Gasoline Tank >> 1.1 gal
Dimension >> 22″ L x 13″ W x 20″ H
Watts>> 2000/1600
Runtime>> 7hrs @ 50% load
Transportation>> Carrying Handles
Certification>> CARB, EPA
Why A-iPower SUA2000iV for Boat?
Wattage: In our list it is the 4th best portable generator for boating , which provides 2000 surge watts and 1600 running watts with its 79cc OHV engine.
Noise: It produces sound of 52 dB that is almost quiet operation.
Weight/Size: it has 50 pounds weight, and carrying handles makes it perfect fit for outdoor activities.
Runtime: It provides almost 7 hours of runtime at half load.
Other Specification of A-iPower SUA2000iV
Fuel/Tank Size: It is operated on gasoline, and it has 1.1 gallon of fuel tank.
Starting Method: It has manual recoil starting method, and it has an EZ start system that makes starting it easy.
Outlets: On the panel, there are also two 120V 20A house outlets, one 120V 30A twist lock outlet, and one 5V USB outlet. It lacks a meter to provide further information.
Meter/Indicators: It has no meter, but three light indicators which gives status of overload, low oil level, and output readiness.
Parallel Connectivity: This generator has parallel ports which can be used to connect two generator together for more power.
Safety and Certification: It has auto shut off technology, which turns off the generator when oil level is low. The generator has been approved by the EPA and CARB.
Extra Features: Idle mode of the engine controls the speed of the engine and provides better fuel efficiency and less noise.
5-Westinghouse iGen2200
Fuel Type >> gasoline
Engine Size >> 80cc
Start Method >> Recoil
Sound >> 52 dB
Weight >> 46 pounds
Gasoline Tank >> 1.2 gal
Dimension >> 19.8″ L x 11.4″ W x 17.9″ H
Watts>> 2200/1800
Runtime>> Up to 12 Hours
Transportation>> Solid Handle
Certification>> CARB, EPA
Why Westinghouse iGen2200 for Boat?
Wattage: Westinghouse iGen2200 is the fifth best portable generator for boats due to its 2200 peak watts and 1800 running watts, which are produced by its 80cc OHV engine.
Noise: It has very little sound that is approximately equal to 52 dB.
Weight/Size: It has carrying solid handle, compact design, and 46 pounds weight which makes it perfect for recreational activities.
Runtime: It provides 12 hours of runtime at 25% load.
Other Specification of Westinghouse iGen2200
Fuel/Tank Size: It is based on gasoline fuel, and it has a 1.2 gallon fuel tank.
Starting Method: It can be started manually with a recoil method.
Outlets: There are two 120V 20A house outlets as well as two USB ports with power ratings of 2.1A and 1A, and all outlets are rubberized.
Meter/Indicators: It has no meter but three status light indicators: overload, low oil level, and output ready.
Parallel Connectivity: It has parallel ports which means that two or more generators can be connected for more power.
Safety and Certification: It has low oil level auto shut off technology.
Extra Features: It has an efficiency mode which provides better fuel consumption and lesser noise.
Portable power stations
Battery powered stations are also great options that can be utilized on boats to power different kinds of devices, , and they are noiseless.
1-EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA
Peak Watts >> 3300 watts
Running Watts >> 1800 watts
Battery Size >> 1260Wh
Outlets >> 6x110V AC, 2xUSB-A, 2xUSB-C, 2xUSB-A fast charging, 1x 12V DC
Weight >> 30 pounds
Charging Methods >> Wall Socket, Car Charger, Solar Panel
| Freezer 1500W | 10-20 Hours | Hair Dryer 1600W | 0.6-3.3 Hours |
| Coffee Maker 600W | 50-60 Cups | Frying Pan 1500W | 0.7-1.5 Hours |
| Toaster 680W | 0.6 to 1.2 Hours |
Why ECOFLOW Delta for Boat?
Our first choice of best portable power stations for boats is Ecoflow Delta for many reasons.
Wattage: It provides 3300 surge watts, and 1800 running watts which is capable of running full-size refrigerator, microwave, dryer, laptops, TV, entertainment system, kitchen appliances, and many small appliances.
Weight/Size: It is very compact and lightweight, and has a weight of 30 pounds plus it has carrying handles.
Battery Power: It has a 1260Wh lithium-ion battery which means that if you connect 1200 watt devices with this unit, then you can operate it for one hour.
Other Specification of ECOFLOW Delta
Charging Options: This station can be charged three ways: from wall socket, from a car outlet, and with solar panels.
This power station uses the X-stream technology to provide 10 times faster charging than other power stations on the market.
One hour is sufficient to charge it from 0 to 80 percent, and two hours is sufficient to charge it completely.
Outlets: There are six 100-120V AC house outlets on the panel, two USB type-C ports, two simple USB-A ports, two fast-charging USB-A ports, one 12V DC outlet,.
Display: It has a display that shows the battery status and input/output wattage.
Safety and Protection: Overload protection switch will automatically trip, if input current continuously exceeds 20A.
The fan will start to spin if the battery temperature is higher than 45°C or lower than -20°C. Once the battery temperature has returned to normal, the power station will automatically restart.
2-BLUETTI AC200P Power Station
Peak Watts >> 4800 watts
Running Watts >> 2000 watts
Battery Size >> 2000Wh
Outlets >> 6x110V AC,1*12V/25A RV port, 2xUSB-A, 4xUSB-C 65W, 1x12V DC Car,2*15W wireless pad,2*12V / 3A DC
Weight >> 60.6 pounds
Charging Methods >> Wall Socket, Solar Panel
Why BLUETTI AC200P for Boat?
Our Second choice of best portable power stations for boats is BLUETTI AC200P.
Wattage: It provides 4800 starting watts and 2000 running watts which can be used to operate laptops, CPAP machines, refrigerators, AC units, various kitchen appliances, and a variety of other small devices.
Weight/Size: Suitable for carrying and storing, its weight is 60.6 pounds, it has solid handles, and it is compact.
Battery Power: The station contained a 2000Wh lithium-ion battery which can operate 2000 watt devices for an hour.
Other Specification of BLUETTI AC200P
Charging Options: There are two ways for charging the station: one from wall socket, and other from solar panels.
Two wall ports can be used together for fast charging, and it can be charged upto 500W through each wall port in four to five hours.
You can charge the power station in three hours with combined power of 1000 watts of two wall ports.
Solar panels and wall ports are used together for fast charging the station, and it takes 2.5 hours for complete charge.
Display: You can control the unit with a touch-screen LCD display, which shows useful information, and it has also eco mode, which can be toggled through the LCD display.
Outlets: It has Six AC house outlets, one 12V/25A RV outlet, two 15W wireless pads, one PD 60W USB-C port, four USB-A ports, one 12V 10A car port, and two 12V 3A DC ports.
Safety and Protection: The BMS (Battery Management System) provides over current, short current, over charge, over discharge, over voltage and thermal protection.
3-Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000
Peak Watts >> 2000 watts
Running Watts >> 1000 watts
Battery Size >> 1002Wh
Outlets >> 3x110V AC, 1xUSB-A, 2xUSB-C, 1xUSB-A Quick Charge, 1x12V DC
Weight >> 22 pounds
Charging Methods >> Wall Socket, Car Charger, Solar Panel
Why Jackery Explorer 1000 for Boat?
Our third choice of best portable power stations for boats is Jackery Explorer 1000.
Wattage: It provides 2000 surge watts and 1000 running watts, which is capable of powering CPAP, a full-size refrigerator, a TV, a heater, kitchen appliances, laptops, phones, and many small devices.
Weight/Size: It has a weight of 22 pounds, strong carrying handles, and it is compact enough to fit easily on a boat.
Battery Power: It has a 1002Wh lithium-ion battery, which can be used to power 1000 watt devices for an hour.
Other Specification of Jackery Explorer 1000
Charging Options: You can charge the device using a wall outlet, a 12V car outlet, or a solar panel. It takes 5.5 hours to reach 80% on a wall outlet, 11.5 hours on a car outlet, and 6.5 hours on a solar panel.
Outlets: On the panel there are three 110V AC outlets, two USB-C ports, one USB-A quick charge port, one simple USB-A port.
Display: It has a display that shows the battery status, input and output wattage.
Safety and Protection: Protection layers include overcurrent protection, short-current protection, overcharging protection, overvoltage protection, and thermal protection.
Conclusion
At first we discussed the importance of outdoor recreational activities for health, and then we recommended a wide range of inverter generators and portable power stations for boating. Generac GP2500i is our first choice in inverter generators, and ECOFLOW Delta in power stations.
