Best Portable Generators for Boats

Do you spend an ample amount of time in the boat for night fishing? Or, planning to make boat rides for the next few days with family or friends? You must require a portable generator for boats that can power up your electronics at the boats, make coffee, or even operate the AC without any hassle.

However, running a poor quality portable generator may create a dangerous problem. That is why it is significantly essential to pick the best portable generators for boats.

In this article, we will share reviews of 5 portable generators that come with many exclusive features to meet all your requirements.

What is a Portable Generator?

A portable generator is a device that is powered by either gas or diesel and delivers temporary electrical power to different electrical appliances. It consists of a small turbine that rotates with the help of its engine. This way, it produces usable electricity up to a specific level of watts.

Now, how will you get electrical support from a portable generator?

Plugging an electrical device directly to the socket of a portable generator can wire the generator to the sub-panel of your home.

Many fishing boats use a portable generator to provide power to lights and power tools since they stay in the middle of the sea for many days. Also, portable generators are commonly used at night to run an electric scoreboard or timer.

A portable generator is powerful enough to assist you in running your freezer, television, refrigerator, and many other electrical devices during a lengthy power outage.

Different type of Portable Generator

Portable generators are 3 in class. Breakdowns are given below.

Conventional: This type of portable generator is powered by fuel. It is like a motor, and it creates a lot of noise while working. However, providing steady steam power to an electrical device is its prime characteristic.

Inverted: This generator will remind you of a big battery and keep a constant charge, whereas a conventional portable generator will not be able to provide the same charge.

Solar and electric: If you are looking for an eco-friendly portable generator, this will be the best choice. Although you will not get the same power delivery from them, however, they get charged quickly and can deliver power to small electrical devices.

Benefits of Having a Portable Generator

Portable generators deliver undeniable benefits.

1. Proficient Power Backup

Firstly, they are a significant source of power and deliver excellent power backup. A countless number of things can be done using a portable generator. When you will require additional energy to power up electrical appliances.

2. Portability

Because of the portability feature, a portable generator is a widely used generator. You can install a portable generator at any place of your house as per your requirement without being sticking it in one place.

3. Ease of Use

You will never sweat while operating a portable generator since they come with easy to use the feature. The operation process is much simpler. Moreover, if you ever face any problem, by reading the instruction manual available with it, you can operate a portable generator effortlessly.

Best Portable Generators for Boats – Product Chart

10 Best Portable Generators for Boats – Review

Want to start your next purchase? That’s excellent! Below is the review of portable generators, which is best in their category. Your boating experience will be more enjoyable with any of the portable generators listed below.

1. WEN 56200i 2000-watt Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator

An ideal portable generator for camping and fishing, manufactured by the WEN. It comes with many excellent features that make it one of the best portable generators in the 2000 watts range. However, if you need more power for your site, you can easily double the energy by adding a separate WEN 56200i 2000-watt parallel kit.

This device is the best solution for powering up your sensitive electronic devices because of the low total harmonic distortion feature. You will always get a stable and steady sine wave, and thus, without any confusion, you can directly plug an electrical device in this generator’s USB port.

You will hardly hear sound from this generator since its 79.7cc 4-stroke OHV engine works silently and creates only 53 dB sound at quarter level. It is a genuinely portable generator since it has a comfortable grip that allows its user to carry it from one job site to another.

2. Generac 7117 GP2200i Portable Inverter Generator

Key Features

The Generac 7117 GP2200i Portable Inverter Generator can produce 2200 watts of maximum power. This power is enough for maximum equipment used in a fishing boat, camping, or RV. It is an EPA and CARB compliant generator, which means you don’t require any permission to use it legally.

Its design is truly compact and lightweight: 46 pounds only. As a result, you can effortlessly carry it anywhere. With its built-in ergonomic and comfortable handle, holding the generator is also convenient. A person of any fitness level can lift it and move it from one place to another.

The fuel tank capacity is 1.2 gallons that allow 10.75 hours of run time at 25% load. The startup procedure is exceptionally simplified with Off/RUN/CHOKE knob. It comes with a unique economy mode that automatically adjusts engine speed to save fuel and reduce sound level. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best portable generators for boats available in the market.

3. A-iPower SUA4000i 4000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator RV Ready

4. WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator Ultra Lightweight

5. Generac 76711 GP1200i 1200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator

6. Westinghouse iGen2500 Portable Inverter Generator

If you are looking for a portable generator that will keep you tension-free during your recreational time, the Westinghouse iGen2500 Portable Inverter Generator will be a wise pick. You can directly connect your electric appliances in it with the help of 2 USB ports.

This inverter generator will not disturb your neighbor when using it at outdoor because it creates only a 52dB noise at a 25% load. At quarter load, its runtime is 7.7 hours, and at a 50% load, the expected runtime of this portable generator is 6 hours.

One of the best features of the inverter generator is - parallel capabilities. If you need a bit of extra power, simply join another Westinghouse iGen2500 in parallel and enjoy a total of 5,000 watts’ power.

This power is enough to run basic home appliances like refrigerator, kitchen stove, AC, etc. Additionally, because of its stable power supply feature, you can use sensitive electronics like laptops, MacBook, camera, etc. without any hesitation.

Key Feature:

3.4HP Westinghouse OHV engine.

Fuel tank capacity: 1 gallon.

LED data center.

7. Briggs & Stratton P2400 PowerSmart Series Inverter Generator

4. YAMAHA EF2000iSv2 Gas Powered Portable Inverter

This YAMAHA EF2000iSv2 Gas Powered Portable Inverter is the most younger sibling of their EF2000i model. With many updated features, it has received high ratings from experts and many customers. Lightweight, user-friendly, quiet, informative control panels are the winning features of this portable generator.

It offers a decent amount of power, at starting 2000 watts and at running state 1600 watts. It will give you 8 hours of service with 500 loads. Moreover, you will get 13.3 amps of AC power @120V, and the maximum rated AC is 16.7V. When running at quarter load, it will last for 10 hours since its fuel capacity is 1.1 gallons. Replacing the oil after every 100 hours of use is mandatory.

Generally, typical portable generators create high sound. But this generator is leading in the campaign of creating less noise while working. At quarter load, it will create only 51.5 dB sound. It is quiet enough that will never disturb your neighbor.

Key Feature:

Oil warning light.

Comfortable handle.

3-years of limited warranty.

9. Pulsar PG2000iSN Quiet Portable Inverter Generator

Are you addicted to your iPhone or iPad even when you are on a fishing boat? Meet the Pulsar PG2000iSN Quiet Portable Inverter Generator, a champion generator to provide power to sensitive electrical devices and other necessary electrical appliances. 2,000 Watts is its peak power and 1,600 Watts when it is running.

The unit is small enough to balance in your one hand palm comfortably. It comes with different safety features like low-oil alert and overload protection. Additionally, its compact suitcase design makes it an ideal portable generator available in the market.

While purchasing a portable generator for boats, tank capacity and run time play a vital role. 1.18-gallon fuel tank capacity means you can use it for long boat trips that can give you 8 hours of continuous service at half load. The PG2000iSN produces less than 59dB of sound, and it is virtually silent from as little as 10’ away, making it perfect for your next outdoor gathering!

Key Feature:

Clean sine wave.

Recoil start.

Off/Run/Choke switch.

Champion Power Equipment 100692 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator, Ultralight

Last Words

A portable generator simply delivers what it’s an owner of a boat, home, or construction site requires. And while purchasing the best portable generators for boats, you will need to consider certain things like power outlets, runtime, tank capacity, noise level, safety, and many more.

Also, few safety precautions are a must while operating a portable generator. Inspect periodically to ensure no fuel leakage is there. Install your portable generator to a high position in your boat to keep it safe from a tidal wave.

Portable generators will provide a lot of benefits. When the situation is an emergency, you will get temporary power from it. Treat a portable generator as an asset.