Portable generators

You could go solar, a few of us have. No genset here

Liam said:

Have you already purchased this model or are you considering purchasing it? If you still choose, what about these options https://generatoron.org/best-diesel-generator/ ? Now I choose for myself a new generator, I think, to buy for my boat Sigma JDP-7000 LDE.

The Sigma is identical to various generators with different names at widely different prices, and control/outlet features. They are often store name branded as well, the most expensive I've seen has a Hyundai name, about twice the price of the "Mitsu" name I purchased. Only difference is the Mitsu has a digital hour/voltage frequency meter as opposed to analog, both have AGS capabilities.

They are actually quite good, although supposedly silent they are far from that, but probably better than an open frame. The one I have is rated 6.5KW, it's primary use is for MIG welding, it responds well to voltage sags having electronic voltage control, it is also brushless, some may differ, it is also a single phase 230V 50Hz unit, the frequency is very stable when running properly.

After 100 hours it began running rough with frequency drop, i first checked valve clearances, they were perfect, then removed the injector, cleaned the tip with a brass brush, it ran perfect again, a half hour job for the mechanically inclined.  Currently it's approaching 200 hours now and beginning to display the same frequency drift, this may be in part to the intermittent loading associated with welding. Perhaps at higher constant loads it would run cleane. Diesel engines are inherently designed to work at higher loads, at least old technology mechanical types, but for less than $800 US it has been money well spent. The engine is a Chinese Yanmar clone, parts are widely available on Aliexpress at reasonable prices 

Only other problem I had was rodents entered the housing and stripped some of the foam sound deadening material, which could be drawn into the cooling fan thus blocking the engine cooling fins resulting in overheating. Make it rodent proof as possible, stainless steel mosquito mesh works well, there are some places around the exhust and oil drain areas where gaps are large enough, as well as underneath, there are a couple of vents.

Rodent proofing is something not strictly related to the tropics, my current location, even in Canada rats were attracted to the warmth block heaters provided in the winter.