Boats, these days, are equipped with power-hungry equipment like refrigerators, air conditioners, and audio systems. These accessories make life better in the water, but they need a current supply to run. You can keep the main engine running to power these accessories, but it’s not the best solution as fumes, noise, and vibration will make the experience annoying. Moreover, fuel consumption will be a big issue as the main engine will be running just to power the appliances.

Investing in a marine DC generator will prove beneficial as high-end models are designed to run quietly. Portable marine generators have a lot to offer, and you can easily install them in small boats as well. If you are looking to buy a unit for your boat, this buying guide will help you make the right purchase. 

How to choose the best marine DC generator?

Consumption needs 

Different people have different consumption needs depending upon the kind of appliances they are looking to run. You will need to do a few calculations to choose the right-sized generator for your boat. Start by calculating the power each appliance consumes, and add the numbers to get an estimate of your consumption needs. Once you are clear about your requirements, you will be able to pick the right generator for your boat. 

This is an important step because the size of the generator will also very. If you have a small boat, you can’t afford to install a large generator, and it won’t make any sense either. You can install a small-sized generator in a large boat if it suits your consumption requirements. When we talk about capacity, there should be room for a few more appliances, as it will prove beneficial if you decide to add new equipment to your boat. 

Weight 

You should also keep an eye on the weight of the generator while making the purchase. It’s an important factor as the weight of the unit will be added to the overall weight of the boat. Large generators will be heavy; however, different models of the same size can vary in weight. If you don’t want to overload your boat’s engine, try to find a lightweight generator offering high efficiency. 

Fuel choice 

You will have flexibility in this field while buying a generator. The best option is to go with a generator that uses the same type of fuel as your boat. If you invest in such a generator, you won’t have to carry a separate fuel tank for it. You can use a common fuel tank for both the boat and the generator. 

Such small things make a big difference in the long run, and things become even more serious if you have a lack of space on the boat. If you own a small-sized boat, keeping a separate fuel tank for your generator won’t be an easy job. You may need to leave behind something else in order to make space for the tank. 

Quiet operation

Some marine generators make noise while running, which can be an issue. It will be even more frustrating when you are on a boat, and the vibration will make things worse. Some models are designed to offer a quiet operation, which makes them perfect for boats. When you can’t maintain a distance from the generator, it becomes important to invest in a unit that doesn’t make noise. 

Price

You should also keep an eye on the price tag of the generator while making the purchase. It should suit your budget, and it should offer efficiency as well. Compromising on the efficiency of the unit for money won’t be a good idea, as you won’t be happy with its performance in such a case. 

If the performance of the generator isn’t up to the mark, you will have to settle for a less-efficient model, or you will end up buying a new one. In both cases, you won’t be happy with the purchase, and this is something nobody would want. If your budget doesn’t allow you to buy an efficient model, it’s better to wait for some time and save money to buy the right product. 

Well, these are some things that you should consider while buying a marine DC generator. If you keep these small things in mind, you won’t have any issues while enjoying your trips to the water as the appliances on the boat will work without any interruption. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long does a marine generator last?

Well, this depends on the usage of the generator, and the quality also plays an important role. In general, a marine generator can last for 12 to 15 thousand hours, which is a big number. The durability of the unit will depend on the maintenance part too. If you want it to last longer, make sure to run it every few days even if you aren’t using the boat. 

Why do you need a generator on boats?

With a generator, a boat can come to life with electric appliances. You can run air conditioners, heaters, sound systems, and refrigerators even when the engine is shut down, which is a great thing. In short, your experience in the water will become more comfortable. However, if you don’t have a generator on the boat, you will need to keep the engine running to power these appliances. 

Is it safe to use a marine generator on a boat?

If you take safety precautions, you are unlikely to face any issues while running a marine generator on your boat. These units are designed to be used on boats, but you should read the instructions carefully before using them. 

We hope you liked this article and understood how to choose the right marine DC generator for your boat. Choosing the best product can be tricky, but if you pay attention to small details, you won’t face any issues in the long run. Your boat will come alive with the right model, and your experience in the water will become better than ever.