Smallest Marine Generators: Which One Is Best For Your Boat?

Over the past, more and more people have embraced marine generators, also known as power generators. They are used by the US Navy among others, which makes them popular. They must be good for something if they are used by one of the worlds finest navies.

You’re clearly on the search for the best marine generator for small boats if you have ended up on this page. Well, this super quiet generator works great on a boat!  It’s definitely our #1 pick as the best small generator to be used in marine environments.

Powermate PM3000i P0080601 Gas Inverter Generator
  • Convenient Powerdial Start: The...
  • Whisper-Quiet Operation: With its...
  • RPMplus Technology: The PM3000i...

As expected, larger ships would require larger and more powerful generators generating between 15 to 20kW while the smaller boats often require marine generators that generate about 3kW to 5kW only.

This is influenced by the number of electrical appliances that are running on the generator. The more and bigger the appliances, the larger the generator required.

Why Do Boats Need Generators?

Whenever a boat goes out to the open waters, there will come a time where you will need to switch off the engine. Usually, boats are powered by the main engine which uses fuel. However, the primary role of the engine is to propel the boat. Incidentally, it also runs other devices and gadgets on the boat since it also helps to generate electricity.

However, when you want to stop the boat at a particular spot, whether to relax or even to fish, you have to turn off the engine. This is where the power generator comes in. It helps to generate electricity to run the boat and uses the main fuel line to do the same.

One of its other advantages is that it is quiet, which helps in particular situations such as when one is fishing. It does not disturb the marine life.

Additionally, you might be forced into a situation where your engine is not running. If, for example, you are experiencing engine failure, you still need access to other electronic devices. The only way to power the boat would be through a power generator.

Alternatives to Generators

You do not have to use a generator for your boat anymore. The improvement in technology has had a positive effect in different areas, including sailing. There are a number of alternatives to using a generator. They include:

  • Solar panels

If you are able to afford these, they are a safer way to power your boat. The solar panels work the same way on the boat as they would on a house. This technology has become more widely accepted which means that economies of scale have kicked in, making prices cheaper.

These panels are also suitable for a wide variety of boats in addition to being reliable. One disadvantage about this alternative is that boats rarely have enough space for the conventional panels.

  • Hydro Generators

While these produce a high power output and a commendably low drag, they are vulnerable to damage and only work when the boat is underway. This is a good alternative to a diesel generator since it eliminates some of the safety concerns that come with it.

  • Wind Generators

Like hydro generators, they also eliminate some of the risks associated with a diesel powered generator. In as much as they produce a lot of power especially when there is a strong breeze, they are also noisy, can be tedious and bulky for a boat.

Are Marine Generators Good?

Like any other thing, marine generators have their advantages and their disadvantages. Some of the advantages include:

  • Powering the boat
  • Being economical in that they use the same line when it comes to fuel

However, they also have some disadvantages which are often related to safety concerns:

  • They could lead to suffocation by carbon monoxide poisoning
  • They could cause boat fires

Ultimately, generators can pose serious safety issues if not handled correctly. As such, they are a good idea because they are functional and integral to the sailing process. However, it would be better to get alternatives such as solar panels which are safer.

If there is no other option, one can still get the generator but take extra precaution. One of the most important things to note is that you should not attempt to make any adjustments to the generator or even install it permanently on your boat. These are recipes for disaster.

Best Small Marine Generators

If you have a small boat, then you definitely need a small portable marine generator to run just the necessary appliances.

Some of the small generators you could get from Amazon include:

Yamaha EF2000iSv2

No products found.

Let not the size of this generator fool you. It packs enough of a punch to run your laptop and charge your phone. It utilizes inverter technology which in turn provides you with clean energy that is also reliable.

This 1600 watt generator has AC output and 120 volts. It is loved because it reduces noise and improves on fuel economy as well.

Furthermore, this generator also has a smart throttle that varies the engine speed depending on the load that you are carrying. It is CARB compliant.

Honda EU2000I

Sale
Honda EU2000I
  • This popular model can operate a...
  • So quiet, your neighbors will thank...
  • Add a second EU2200i for additional...

 

This portable Honda generator also packs quite a punch when it comes to the price. It costs upwards of $700 but provides value for money. With a 2000 watt rating, this portable generator has 120 volts of maximum power.

It is lightweight as it only weighs 45 pounds. This makes it easy to carry and thus easy to transport. In addition to this, it has an eco-throttle system which makes it fuel efficient.

This generator is also quiet, something that most diesel generators are not known for which places it in the list of top portable generators.

AFTIME Portable Power Station

AFTIME Portable Power Station
  • ⚡POWERFUL AND PORTABLE EMERGENCY...
  • ⚡POWERFUL CELL STAND AND...
  • ⚡MPPT Faster Solar...

 

This solar generator, is a great choice to be used on boats. It is relatively cheap when compared to other portable marine generators that can run into the thousands of dollar range. This one is quite a bargain!

This portable power station is an intelligent solar generator as well! It has super fast charging efficiency.  It allows for 120W maximum input.  But what’s really cool is it can use 60W AC power and 60W PD at the same time!

At only 7 pounds, this AFTIME solar powered generator is very efficient, compact, and quiet, perfect for a small boat. It has power consistency and is much cheaper than some of the high end models which is enough reason to buy it in the first place.

Generac 7117 Gp2200I

No products found.

 

For around that middle price range for generators you can find this quality Generac 7117 model on amazon. It weighs 46 pounds which makes it relatively light thereby making it easy to transport form one place to another. It is gas powered and packs 1700 watts rating which is sufficient for a small boat.

One of the greatest benefits of using this generator is that it has Economy mode which will help save you fuel and reduce noise at the same time.

While the eco-mode is good for conserving fuel and energy, the high mode works best for charging batteries as well as usage that requires large loads.

Champion Power Equipment 2000-Watt Portable Generator

Sale
Champion Power Equipment 2000-Watt Portable Generator
  • At only 39 pounds, this inverter is...
  • 53 dBA from 23 feet is perfect for...
  • The optional clip-on parallel kit...

 

This is another one of the middle range marine portable generators on the market. You can also find it on Amazon so you can have it to you quickly for that boat party this weekend!. This portable generator is great for onshore and offshore use and weighs only 39 pounds which is relatively light.

It has a 1700 watts running wattage. It is relatively quiet with 58 dBA from 23 feet, so you will have to decide if that is too loud for you while on a boat.

Conclusion

Marine generators are necessary. However, there are different options that you can choose from. You do not have to use a diesel or gas powered generator.

You could opt for the advanced wind and hydro powered generators or even opt for solar panels which eliminate the dangers of using a generator.

Thanks for reading until end of our writeup. Hopefully you have a better grasp on what makes the best marine generator for small boats or at least know what there is on the market.

Still unsure what to buy? You’ll be happy with this generator below, it’s so easy to use, give it a look!

Our Pick For The Best Marine Generator For Small Boats

  • Powermate Gas Inverter Generator
Powermate PM3000i P0080601 Gas Inverter Generator
  • Convenient Powerdial Start: The...
  • Whisper-Quiet Operation: With its...
  • RPMplus Technology: The PM3000i...

In conclusion our pick for the best marine generator for small boats that’s quiet enough to use with only minimal disturbance is the Powermate Gas Inverter Generator.

 

 

Best Generator On Boat Image
Best Generator On Boat Image