KApken yesI agree you will definetly get more useable power from a battery with a straight DC motor no invertor. Have been in the same situation boating as you and know that feeling.
Logans daddy Generators can be had that cheaply unless you are looking to power a whole house. Mine is auto start and auto switching. It only powers my house heater,one refridgerator,the return pumps and two heaters and a few small lamps around the house. I just added an upgrade which cost as much as the generator so now power must be out 30 minutes and once started will not switch off in under 30 minutes. Had quite a few instances this year pwoer would go out 5- 10 minutes a few times over the course of a couple hours. I felt all the start and stop and switching was probably not doing the unit any good.
Fuel stored in a steel cylinder which is properly maintained and being used correctly I feel is very safe.
Mike