As a man with a ferocious appetite for energy (I use two computers and lots of other associated gear whenever I am off on a cruise) I was very much in need of a reliable source of power. I only have a pair of 110Ah leisure batteries, so my ability to store energy generated by the alternator is fairly minimal. What I really needed was a generator that I could run for long periods without making a racket or swamping everyone with fumes and now it seems I have exactly that.

I have just taken delivery of a new Honda EU20i generator and I have to say I am extremely impressed. It is extraordinarily small (510 x 290 x 425mm) and genuinely light enough (at about 21kg) to carry over a distance with just one hand. It fits easily in the boot (it's about the size of a piece of hand luggage) and when you fire her up, the sound (though obviously audible) is far less intrusive than any generator I have used before. I have only just scratched the surface of what this box of tricks can do but, with inverter technology as part of the package, she ought to do a great job for my computer gear. She is quite expensive at £1255, but she is so clean, quiet, portable and practical (not to mention easy to start) that you quickly forget the price. I will keep you up to date as our blossoming friendship develops . . .