Narrowboats provide a peaceful retreat on the canals and waterways of the UK. However, the onboard lifestyle requires a reliable power source, and that’s where generators come in. A generator is an essential piece of equipment for narrowboaters, providing power for lighting, cooking, heating, and other appliances.
When it comes to choosing the best generator for a narrowboat, there are several factors to consider. The first thing to think about is the size of the generator. A generator that’s too small won’t provide enough power, while one that’s too large will be heavy and take up too much space. Noise levels are also a crucial consideration, as generators can be noisy and disturb the peace of the waterways.
In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various generators to identify the best ones for narrowboats. We considered factors such as size, weight, noise levels, fuel efficiency, and ease of use. Our aim is to help narrowboaters find the perfect generator that will provide reliable power without disturbing the tranquility of the canals.
Top pick
DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
The DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a powerful and versatile generator that can handle all your power needs on a narrowboat. Whether you’re running lights, appliances, or power tools, this generator has the power you need to get the job done.
Editor’s choice
Westinghouse iGen4500 Inverter Generator
The Westinghouse iGen4500 Inverter Generator is a powerful and reliable option for narrowboat owners who need a portable power source. Its fuel efficiency, quiet operation, and LED Data Center make it a great choice for recreational activities or as an emergency backup power source.
Best Generators for Narrowboats
If you’re a narrowboat owner, you know how important it is to have a reliable generator onboard. Whether you’re cruising the canals or moored up at a marina, having a generator can provide the power you need to keep your appliances running and your batteries charged. But with so many generators on the market, it can be tough to know which one to choose. That’s why we’ve put together this roundup of the best generators for narrowboats. Our expert team has researched and tested a range of generators to find the ones that offer the best combination of power, efficiency, and reliability. Read on to discover the top generators for narrowboats.
DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
If you’re looking for a powerful generator for your narrowboat, the DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a great option. It provides the power you need in a portable package, making it perfect for use on a boat.
DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator
The DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a powerful and versatile generator that can handle all your power needs on a narrowboat. Whether you’re running lights, appliances, or power tools, this generator has the power you need to get the job done.
Pros
- The ability to run on both propane and gasoline gives you the freedom and flexibility to choose your fuel source.
- With 13,000 starting watts and 10,500 running watts, this generator can handle heavy loads from lights, refrigerators, home conditioners, and high amperage power tools.
- The power panel includes a wide selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications including: 1 120/240V 50A heavy duty outlet, 1 120/240V 30A twist lock outlet, 1 120V 30A twist lock outlet, and 2 120V 20A household outlets.
Cons
- The generator is quite heavy, weighing in at 234 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around.
- Some users have reported that the generator is quite loud, which may be a concern if you’re using it in a quiet marina.
- The generator is quite expensive, which may be a concern if you’re on a tight budget.
The ability to run on both propane and gasoline gives you the freedom and flexibility to choose your fuel source, which is great if you’re trying to conserve fuel or if you’re in an area where one fuel source is more readily available than the other.
The power panel includes a wide selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications, which means you can connect a variety of devices to the generator without having to worry about compatibility issues.
However, the generator is quite heavy, weighing in at 234 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around, especially if you’re on your own. Additionally, some users have reported that the generator is quite loud, which may be a concern if you’re using it in a quiet marina.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and versatile generator for your narrowboat, the DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is definitely worth considering. It’s a bit expensive, but it’s a high-quality product that will last you for years to come.
Westinghouse iGen4500 Inverter Generator
If you’re looking for a reliable and portable generator for your narrowboat, the Westinghouse iGen4500 Inverter Generator should be at the top of your list. It offers a range of features that make it ideal for recreational activities or as an emergency backup power source.
Westinghouse iGen4500 Inverter Generator
Overall, the Westinghouse iGen4500 Inverter Generator is a powerful and reliable option for narrowboat owners who need a portable power source. Its fuel efficiency, quiet operation, and LED Data Center make it a great choice for recreational activities or as an emergency backup power source.
Pros
- The iGen4500 is engineered for maximum fuel efficiency with a variable engine speed to produce only the power you need at any given time, running for up to 18 hours on a 3.4-gallon fuel tank to save you repeated trips to the gas station.
- The generator is designed to be extremely quiet, with as low as 52 dBA noise output, making it perfect for running sensitive electronics like LCD/plasma televisions, laptops, tablets, or mobile devices that require clean, stable power.
- The LED Data Center has an automatic rotating digital display to keep you up to date for maintenance with real-time information.
Cons
- The iGen4500 is not the cheapest generator on the market, so it may not be the best option if you’re on a tight budget.
- The generator is relatively heavy at 93 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around if you’re on your own.
- Some users have reported issues with the remote start function, so you may need to rely on the manual start method instead.
Champion Power Equipment 4250-Watt RV Ready Open Frame Inverter Generator
If you’re looking for a reliable generator for your narrowboat, the Champion Power Equipment 4250-Watt RV Ready Open Frame Inverter Generator is a great option.
Champion Power Equipment 4250-Watt RV Ready Open Frame Inverter Generator
The Champion Power Equipment 4250-Watt RV Ready Open Frame Inverter Generator is a great investment for anyone who needs a reliable and efficient generator for their narrowboat. The advanced design reduces noise levels by 50% and weight by 20%, making it a great option for those who need a quiet and lightweight generator. The clean electricity produced by this generator is perfect for sensitive electronics, and the parallel-ready feature allows you to increase your power output by connecting up to two 2800-watt or higher inverters or digital hybrids.
Pros
- Advanced design with 50% less noise and 20% lighter weight
- Clean electricity for sensitive electronics
- Parallel ready for increased power output
Cons
- A bit louder than normal speech at 64 dBA
- Only runs for 22 hours at 25% load when the 4-gallon fuel tank is full
- Recoil start can be difficult for some users
While the Champion Power Equipment 4250-Watt RV Ready Open Frame Inverter Generator is a bit louder than normal speech, it still produces clean electricity for sensitive electronics. It also only runs for 22 hours at 25% load when the 4-gallon fuel tank is full, which may not be enough for some users. Additionally, the recoil start can be difficult for some users, so it may not be the best option for those who have difficulty starting engines.
Overall, the Champion Power Equipment 4250-Watt RV Ready Open Frame Inverter Generator is a great investment for anyone who needs a reliable and efficient generator for their narrowboat. With its advanced design, clean electricity, and parallel-ready feature, it’s a great option for those who need a quiet and lightweight generator that produces clean electricity for sensitive electronics.
Buying Guide
When choosing a generator for your narrowboat, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some important features to look at:
Power Output
The power output of a generator is measured in watts and determines how much electricity it can produce. Consider the appliances you plan to use on your narrowboat and their wattage requirements. Make sure the generator you choose can handle the combined load of all your appliances.
Fuel Type
Generators can run on different types of fuel, such as gasoline, diesel, propane, or natural gas. Consider the availability and cost of fuel in your area, as well as the storage requirements and safety concerns of each fuel type.
Noise Level
Generators can be noisy, which can be a concern for both you and your neighbors on the water. Look for generators with low decibel ratings to minimize noise pollution.
Size and Weight
Space on a narrowboat is limited, so consider the size and weight of the generator. Portable generators are typically smaller and easier to move around, but they may not produce enough power for your needs.
Run Time
The run time of a generator refers to how long it can operate on a full tank of fuel. Consider how often you plan to use your generator and how long you need it to run before refueling.
Price
Generators can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Consider your budget and the features you need to find the best product for your money.
By considering these factors, you can find the best generator for your narrowboat that meets your power needs, is easy to use and maintain, and fits within your budget.
