When bowfishing, you want to know you can count on your portable generator to keep all your gadgets fully charged and provide power for your fishing lights if you are fishing during the night.
Before you decide on the best generator for bowfishing, check how much power it has to produce, so you do not end up spending too much money on a generator you did not need in the first place.
Moreover, since you are fishing, a generator should be as silent as possible otherwise it will scare away fish and you will end up empty-handed.
But you do not have to check all the products out there on your own, since we have already compiled a list of the top-rated ones, taking into consideration all the above-mentioned factors.
By following our recommendations, you will for sure find the best generator for bowfishing that will make sure you never run out of power on your fishing trips.
| CHECK PRICE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
  | Check price | Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Portable Generator
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  | Check price | WEN 56200i Inverter Generator
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  | Check price | Honda EU2000I Generator with Inverter
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  | Check price | Champion Power Equipment 100692
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  | Check price | Westinghouse iGen2200
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  | Check price | Generac iQ2000
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Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Portable Generator
The Yamaha EF2000iSv2 is a light (45 pounds), very compact and easy-to-store portable generator. The size makes it a perfect go-to for bowfishing purposes and storing it on a boat.
The advanced programming used in the product results in improved output characteristics between 1600 and 2000 W operation ranges.
The maximum fuel capacity is 1.1 gallons which results in up to 10.5 hours at 25% rated load on one tank of gas. The run time is long enough to fuel any night of bowfishing.
A convenient parallel function lets you connect two generators, although the twin tech cables and the second generator are not included when you buy the product.
The noise-reducing technology seems to be very efficient as the noise of the generator when running at 25% of the maximum load is 51.5 to 61 dBA.
It is also in compliance with CARB regulations and includes two 120 AC outlets and one DC – 8 A 12 V outlet for charging batteries.
What Customers Are Saying
As with most inverter type generator systems, this unit is very quiet, especially when set to the economy mode.
The big advantage of inverter technology is that the engine can vary in speed according to load, reducing noise, and fuel consumption at low power output.
The EF2000iSv2 does a good job dampening the sound output and the controls react quickly to a surge in demand. I haven’t had any instances of the unit shutting down due to excessive demand.
- Light (45 pounds)
- Long run time
- Improved output characteristics
- CARB compliant
- The twin tech cables and the second generator are not included
WEN 56200i Inverter Generator
The WEN 56200i inverter generator includes two three-prong 120 V receptacles, one 12 V DC receptacle, one 5 V USB port, and parallel connection ports. It produces up to 51 dBA of noise and 1600 W of output power.
The fuel tank is 1 gallon and the running time at half load is 6 hours, but your load when bowfishing will probably be lower so it will last longer.
It is CARB compliant and weighs 48 pounds. It is durable and will fit any weather conditions.
What Customers Are Saying
One feature the customers really liked is the economy mode. This mode is engaged via rocker switch and allows the generator to adjust fuel consumption as loads are connected and disconnected. This setting gives you a much longer run time with smaller loads.
One complaint received about these generators is the height. As 2 kW generators go, the 56200i is pretty tall. It is considered a bit too tall for this type of generator, but it’s a small sacrifice given the price point.
- Parallel capable
- CARB compliant
- Economy mode
- Durable
- Only 6 hours of run time
- The height
Honda EU2000I Generator with Inverter
- Lightweight
- Quiet
- Parallel capable
- Eco throttle
-
Doesn’t start on first pull if you let it sit for some time
The EU2000I generator by Honda is a lightweight (45.6 pounds) portable generator. Its run time at 25% load is 8.1 hours with the 0.96 gallons tank capacity.
The EU2200i operates at 48 to 57 dBA, which produces less noise than a normal conversation and will be quiet enough for bowfishing.
The maximum DC output of the generator is 12 V, 100 W, and the maximum AC is 120 V, 2200 W. It is parallel capable in case you need higher wattage meaning you can connect it to a second generator.
The design of the EU2000I makes it durable, which is great for any outdoor conditions you may encounter on a night of bowfishing.
What Customers Are Saying
This generator is amazingly easy to use – easy to start, quiet, dependable and lasts 8–10 hours on a tank of gas. One of my favorite features is the eco-throttle.
It runs the generator at a lower (and quieter) level when less power is required and cranks up to full speed only when needed. This saves gas and enables a very quiet operation. Super dependable, clean inverter power, lightweight, easy to service, and whisper-quiet.
Champion Power Equipment 100692
Champion Power Equipment 100692 weighs 39 pounds and is ideal for bowfishing.
The patented, space-saving stackable designed generator can be connected with another Champion 2000 W inverter to double your output power.
The engine produces 2000 starting watts, 1700 running watts and up to 11.5 hours run time at 25% load when the 1,05-gallon tank of gasoline is full.
Including two 120 V 20 A household outlets and a covered 12V DC automotive-style outlet, this inverter operates at 53 dBA from 23 feet – about the same noise level as a dishwasher running in the next room. It is a CARB compliant generator and buying it will get you a three-year warranty.
What the customers are saying
It’s much quieter than most, but still a bit louder than expected. It works well, and the eco mode is appreciated.
The only issue the customers had is that the inverter turns off if not used for a few minutes, so if you don’t plug in a source to start drawing power right away, you end up having to restart the unit.
- CARB compliant
- Long run time
- A bit louder than expected
- Turns off if not used for a few minutes
Westinghouse iGen2200
The Westinghouse iGen2200 is lightweight and ultra-compact at 47 lbs. The dimensions of the product make the storage on a boat easy.
It operates at a quiet volume, going as low as 52 dBA, so you can be sure none of the fish will hear the sound of it.
Westinghouse iGen Series Inverter Generators are parallel capable with the Westinghouse Inverter Parallel Cord which must be bought separately.
They produce up to 2200 W of power with a 1.2-gallon tank and will run up to 12 hours. The iGen2200 is CARB compliant.
What Customers Are Saying
The product can be recommended to anybody looking to achieve the best performance. The parallel design allows connecting several generators when you need a lot of power.
Up to 12 hours of run time will enable you to accomplish different activities during fishing.
- Lightweight
- Quiet
- Parallel capable
- CARB compliant
- Up to 12 hours of run time
- The parallel cord must be bought separately
Generac iQ2000
The Generac iQ2000 is a convenient portable (46.2 pounds) generator with a tank capacity of 1.06 gallons. The run time at 25% load is 7.7 hours.
The economy, standard, and turbo modes of operation saves fuel and reduces noise. It is parallel capable although the parallel kit is sold separately.
While the unit is running, you can verify how much time you have left before refueling is required so you won’t be left in the dark when bowfishing.
The PowerBar also constantly specifies wattage produced by the generator at all times. The maximum output wattage of the iQ2000 is 1600 watts and it produces from DC to AC power.
What Customers Are Saying
A customer purchased two units with the intent to run in parallel and was satisfied with them once he finally got two working ones. They are quiet, have a great run time, and power just as advertised.
There was a 50% success rate with them arriving fully functional. The first did not have a functioning gas gauge but otherwise functioned. The replacement when started sent gas everywhere inside the case.
- Parallel capable
- Quiet
- Economy, standard and turbo modes
- The parallel kit is sold separately
- Some units had to be returned due to bad functioning
Features the Best Generator for Bowfishing Should Have
Before deciding to buy a given generator, there are certain factors you should be careful about to make sure you really find the best generator for your bowfishing adventures.
Run Time
You don’t necessarily have to opt for the generator with the longest run time on the market as they are usually not the most affordable ones. Consider the number of hours you spend on your boat and then purchase the generator that would provide you with sufficient run time for your adventures.
However, you better make sure to still round the time up and not down to avoid being left without power if your bowfishing trip ends up being prolonged for a few hours.
Wattage
Think about the gadgets you intend to power on your boat in order to decide what capacity of the generator would be the best for you. Are you planning to use it to simply charge your phone and camera? Or do you have a more complicated set-up of bowfishing lights that need a reliable power source?
In case you prefer long bowfishing trips, you might even have to cook something on your boat, which will require additional power. Make sure you take all the possible scenarios into consideration so you don’t end up in a complicated situation.
Check the total wattage of the generator and the wattage of the things that you will be using to make sure you find the best generator for bowfishing.
Weight and Portability
You will probably have to lift the generator a few times so make sure you buy a portable one. You probably don’t want to sprain your back, so opt for a lightweight option.
The generators listed above have all been reviewed in terms of their weight to give you a better picture of what to expect when you buy one.
Durability
You probably don’t want to buy a new generator every year as this can be quite an expensive maneuver. Check the list above in order to find a durable one that will last for years.
You don’t necessarily have to buy the most expensive one but sometimes it’s better not to opt for the cheapest option so you don’t end up buying a new one just a few months later.
Parallel Capable
If you already know you will need more power during your bowfishing trips, find one that is parallel capable. This way you will be able to connect several generators that will provide you with enough power during your trip.
Noise
The noise level (expressed as decibel or dB) is one of the most important factors so you need to pay extra attention to the numbers related to it.
If you buy a generator that produces too much noise, you will have to listen to it for multiple hours while you’re on your boat. Even more importantly, loud noises can scare away your fish so you will return home empty-handed.
Gas tank capacity
Make sure you check the gas tank capacity and again base your choice on the run time you need during your bowfishing trips. A larger tank of course means it can hold more fuel and the generator is consequently able to supply power longer.
Eco-Mode
Choosing a generator with an eco mode (or any other saving mode) is definitely an advantage as its functioning will adjust automatically, saving your gas and bringing you longer run time.
All the above-mentioned functions can seem a bit too complex if you are not a big fan of numbers and technicalities. If you want to simply enjoy your bowfishing trips, make sure you check out the best generators for bowfishing listed above to ensure the best outdoor experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, finding and buying the best generator for bowfishing is a much-needed investment. The above-mentioned generators are all portable and reliable, meaning that you will never end up in the dark (literally!) on your bowfishing trip.
Base your choice on the power you need on your boat, taking into consideration how many hours you usually spend on your boat. This will lead you to a better decision, making sure the money you invest is well-spent.
Do not simply opt for the most expensive one as you might not even need it and go through our list multiple times if you need to make sure you find the best generator for your bowfishing needs.
In case you have any questions, post them in the comment section and I’ll help you out as soon as possible.
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