Honda 2000 Enclosure

READY2GO · Sep 26, 2015

We use a Honda 2000 for supplemental power. We have always had it set on the rear deck and covered with a tarp. This did not really give adequate protection so I had been planning to build an enclosure for it for some time, but just got around to it last week.

The Honda has always been quiet but the enclosure made it even quieter

Materials:
Two 2' X 4' pieces of 1/2" Starboard from Home Depot. $108.00
Stainless piano hinge from local hardware store. $ 36.00
Various SS screws. $ 20.00
Two vents from West Marine. $16.00
Total cost $180.00

Al · Sep 26, 2015

Good Job!!
Did the same using a 120 quart Igloo cooler. Honda fits at one end with end cut out just like yours using common air vent cover. Split the igloo with a plywood partition and use the second section for spare fuel storage and the cord, made up of a heavy duty extension cord with the correct marine socket for the boat end, stored. Really quite and not noticeable other than 'Just another cooler" appearance.

Al-Ketchikan

FlyWright · Sep 26, 2015

That looks great, Mike! A cushion on the top can provide another cockpit seat.

Do you have a video recording of the eu2000i sound level with the unit outside and then inside the box? That would be a cool comparison.

Nice work!

siestakey · Sep 26, 2015

looks great does it stay cool

great looking job

I agree with Fw cushion on top

mbevins · Sep 27, 2015

siestakey said:
looks great does it stay cool

great looking job

I agree with Fw cushion on top

I suppose if you had an over heating issue you could just open one of the doors while running. Albeit it would be louder.

READY2GO · Sep 27, 2015

FlyWright, I am trying to download a video from my phone that shows the difference. Hopefully soon.

SiestaKey and mbevins, I guess it is too soon to see if it affects the cooling but I don't think it will. Honda makes an enclosure for the 2000 and it is smaller and more constricted than mine (not sold in the US). Mine has zero restriction on the exhaust and cooling air that is blown out from the same place as the exhaust. There is also more than adequate intake air with the two vents on the other end. I placed the intake vents on the enclosure where the intake vents on the generator are located.

Sailor of Fortune · Sep 27, 2015

Nice! both the one you constructed and Als' cooler version.

HopCar · Sep 27, 2015

Well done. I'll have to make one. I always put my Honda on the swim platform and it isn't protected. I worry about CO. That enclosure would make me feel a lot better about it.

Al · Sep 27, 2015

Trust me, the cooling is not an issue!! Quite is awsome in our cooler and I suspect in the OP' box. As long as the end is open allowing air in and exhaust out everything is cool.
Al-Ketchikan

CaptTom · Sep 28, 2015

Very nice! Now I want to make one.

Question: Did you put anything under it to reduce transmitting vibrations to the deck? It seems that would make it even quieter. Not that these are loud to begin with.

Bacchus · Sep 28, 2015

FlyWright said:
Do you have a video recording of the eu2000i sound level with the unit outside and then inside the box? That would be a cool comparison.

Nice work!

You should be able to find a free cell phone app for a sound meter
Let's you collect hard data re the sound reduction vs a subjective est via video.

READY2GO · Oct 13, 2015

Update:

We have been using the box for awhile now and I can definitely say there is no overheating issues at all. It runs very cool. Probably cooler since it is not exposed to the sun now. When I open the box the generator is cool to the touch.

CaptTom,
"Question: Did you put anything under it to reduce transmitting vibrations to the deck? It seems that would make it even quieter. Not that these are loud to begin with."

Yes I did, I mounted the box on rubber and I put rubber inside the box for it to sit on.

Driftless · Oct 20, 2015

Mike:

I hate to rain on your parade, but I guarantee you've severely reduced the quantity of cooling air to your machine. Those units are not built to maintain any additional amount of restriction to airflow, and even though you're convinced that the louvers you've mounted on the intake end are big enough, I guarantee the airflow through them is way less than Honda intended.

I own & run a generator service company and I've seen this a bunch of times. Yes, you've improved the noise signature, but remember for most amateur engineers, what keeps the noise in also keeps the airflow in.

You'll get away with it for a while, especially if you operate mostly at reduced power levels...

I also use a small generator (mine is a Yamaha 1000 watt) on the swim platform, and I've built a small hood that keeps the rain off of it, but it's open 360 degrees all sides to keep it nice and cool.

I appreciate what you're trying to do, but it's harder to pull off than you think.

Just my two cents' worth (that I've spent 45 years learning, most of it the hard way...)

J.S.

Experience is what you're left with, just after you needed it.

jwnall · Oct 20, 2015

Driftless said:
Just my two cents' worth (that I've spent 45 years learning, most of it the hard way...)

Personally, I take your word for it, and will keep that in mind for my own Yamaha. Those 45 years of learning do count a lot, so far as I am concerned. We have other members with a lot of experience that are willing to share their knowledge with us from time to time, and they are invaluable.

READY2GO · Oct 20, 2015

Driftless said:
Mike:

I hate to rain on your parade, but I guarantee you've severely reduced the quantity of cooling air to your machine. Those units are not built to maintain any additional amount of restriction to airflow, and even though you're convinced that the louvers you've mounted on the intake end are big enough, I guarantee the airflow through them is way less than Honda intended.

I own & run a generator service company and I've seen this a bunch of times. Yes, you've improved the noise signature, but remember for most amateur engineers, what keeps the noise in also keeps the airflow in.

You'll get away with it for a while, especially if you operate mostly at reduced power levels...

I also use a small generator (mine is a Yamaha 1000 watt) on the swim platform, and I've built a small hood that keeps the rain off of it, but it's open 360 degrees all sides to keep it nice and cool.

I appreciate what you're trying to do, but it's harder to pull off than you think.

Just my two cents' worth (that I've spent 45 years learning, most of it the hard way...)

J.S.

Experience is what you're left with, just after you needed it.

Hi John,
Thanks for your comments, but I am afraid we will have to agree to disagree. I ran the Honda for 5 hours today so I could run the water maker. It ran a little above the echo level but not flat out by any means. When I shut it off the unit was cool to the touch. The intake vents that I installed are at least 5 times the size of the intake vents on the generator itself. I guarantee that the enclosure that I built is way more ventilated than the one Honda offers. I do appreciate experience and what it brings to the table, but looking at pictures is not the same as taking measurements and engineering (even amateur).

psneeld · Oct 20, 2015

Backyard engineering can be either an utter failure or ther best thing since sliced bread....or somewhere in between.

Not all backyard engineers are created equal nor are their creations.

While I agree that certain critical elements are required for some projects...sometimes it is obvious and attained or not as critical as the "factory engineers" would like to think.

Many improvements have been documented/suggested on these forums...some bad, some good, and some spectacularly better than what we bought at the store.

FlyWright · Oct 20, 2015

If it was such a bad idea, Honda wouldn't make and sell a version of their own. It's not sold here, though.

Here's the link to the video.

Hondab”*“d‹@bƒIƒvƒVƒ‡ƒ“b–h‰¹ƒ{ƒbƒNƒX

Al · Oct 20, 2015

Thanks Flywright, once again your prompt response with factual support on a issue becomes apparent. I was thinking of your solution as I was reading down the post. While I live in a cooler area and perhaps at a disadvantage to comment due to our climatic conditions, our enclosed Honda 2000 in a 120 Quart Igloo cooler reflects perfectly cool running conditions after several hours at a sitting.

Thanks,
Al-Ketchikan

nobles9596 · Oct 20, 2024

Driftless said:
Mike:

I hate to rain on your parade, but I guarantee you've severely reduced the quantity of cooling air to your machine. Those units are not built to maintain any additional amount of restriction to airflow, and even though you're convinced that the louvers you've mounted on the intake end are big enough, I guarantee the airflow through them is way less than Honda intended.

I own & run a generator service company and I've seen this a bunch of times. Yes, you've improved the noise signature, but remember for most amateur engineers, what keeps the noise in also keeps the airflow in.

You'll get away with it for a while, especially if you operate mostly at reduced power levels...

I also use a small generator (mine is a Yamaha 1000 watt) on the swim platform, and I've built a small hood that keeps the rain off of it, but it's open 360 degrees all sides to keep it nice and cool.

I appreciate what you're trying to do, but it's harder to pull off than you think.

Just my two cents' worth (that I've spent 45 years learning, most of it the hard way...)

J.S.

Experience is what you're left with, just after you needed it.

Honda actually makes a very small quiet box for their generators. Currently not sold in the USA yet

防音ボックスの使い方｜発電機関連商品｜Honda公式サイト

Honda発電機の公式情報ページです。発電機からの音を低減する「防音ボックス」の特長や使い方、騒音低減効果をご覧いただけます。Honda発電機では、より便利に、使い勝手が広がる関連商品も多彩に用意しています。

www.honda.co.jp

O C Diver · Oct 20, 2024

I know this is an old thread but if you wanted to assure adequate cooling, a muffin fan could either push the air out or pull additional air in. They're reasonably priced, draw little wattage, and could be easily plugged into the generator.

Ted

slowgoesit · Oct 21, 2024

O C Diver said:
I know this is an old thread but if you wanted to assure adequate cooling, a muffin fan could either push the air out or pull additional air in. They're reasonably priced, draw little wattage, and could be easily plugged into the generator.

Ted

Ted, that's exactly what I did. Pre-boat, we had a 27' tow behind RV (travel trailer). we had two Honda EU-2000's in a Tractor Supply aluminum "truck box", with 1/2" insulation lining the inside. The box was mounted to the rear of the RV on a swing arm that pulled out to allow access to the "garage" storage area.
The two Honda's were mounted at each end of the box with a louver at the end of the box for engine exhaust. In the middle was a supplemental fuel tank, an inlet louver, with a disposable air filter, and a 6", 120vac, square fan that drew air into the box, to be expelled out both ends when either (or both in parallel) of the generators were running. The fan was plugged into the primary generator, so if the generator was running, the fan was pressurizing the box. Worked a treat! LOT's of air coming out the ends, generators ran cool, sound was greatly reduced, and the box was lockable, so we never worried about theft.
Gas generators, with reasonable precautions for storage of fuel, CO issues addressed through placement and alarms, are a viable option on boats IMHO.

FlyWright · Oct 22, 2024

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Honda 2000 Enclosure

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