Craig if you go that route there are only 2 good choices, IMHO. Honda EU2000 or Yamaha EF2000iS. They are almost the same and I would go with the best deal. I chose the Yamaha because it was a bit less expensive, has a fuel level indicator, and I liked the retro art-deco styling.

They both have an "eco" setting that revs the engine down when full power isn't needed, reducing noise and fuel consumption. Even more important, they are HALF as loud as the nearest competitors (even more when in eco mode). Remember, 3db increase in noise rating is DOUBLE the perceived sound level. So 60db sounds twice as loud as 57db.

Also, both of those units are generally not prone to emit unpleasant rattles or high-pitched harmonics, so the sound you do hear is less annoying (I won't say more pleasing).

I was trying to rely on our 160 watts of solar for the past few years but found when we cruise and the whole family is aboard we do need some auxiliary charging every once in a while (if there's any wind at all we generally try to limit motoring to the time spent in confined harbors and channels). I don't like running the main 59hp diesel engine just to spin an alternator. I finally decided to get a Yamaha this year, and overall I find it less disturbing to my neighbors and ourselves than running the main diesel engine, and it's a lot more efficient. With our 50A Mastervolt charger we can bring up a low house bank in an hour or two running a quieter smaller engine in eco mode (it does not need to run full-throttle to power the Mastervolt). It's also nice to be able to occasionally use 120VAC power tools even when not tied to a dock.

One other plus -- I haven't tried this but an electrician friend told me the 2000 should be able to power the shore-power heating element for our hot water. That would be very nice when we sit at anchor for a few days, though I was thinking I'd rather use solar showers in that situation. It would also have enough power for an electric heater (not at the same time)... we've been using a Coleman catalytic tent heater to take off the chill in the morning, and again that is still my first choice (because it's silent) but this is an option.