Inverter

[tonyiiiafl]

I was running a Kiase 1000W power inverter. New last year, very light use. I went to use it this AM and the cooling fan will not come on. I bought it from West Marine. I am thinking of moving up to a 2000 or 3000 watt unit. I have already run 00 cables so I have the pat heavy enough. What are you guys running. It will be an independent unit, not hooked into the power panel.

[g36]

I'm running a 2200w pure sine wave (18 amps equivalent)never had anything so far that it doesn't handle. Microwave start up fine and coffee maker are biggest amp draws on my boat.

[tonyiiiafl]

What brand Are you using?

[tonyiiiafl]

And is it an independent unit that you run a cord to or is it integrated into the panel?

[g36]

I have it mounted close but not in the engine room. I also have part of my electric panel wired through a automatic transfer switch with it. It has 2 receptacles to just plug into the front of it if you want.. it comes with a remote switch which I wanted do to its mounted location. I have one of these inverters in my camper too. It has a built in solar panel controller which was more important for my camping which may not interest you. Heres a link . For what you get and reviews I had read i think it was a very good deal...search around for pricing if you think you like it. ...https://rvgeek.com/giandel-2200w-pure-s ... ar-system/

[tonyiiiafl]

I just bought a Pure Sine Edecoa 2500W /5000 surge unit for $250.00. I saw the lesser 2000 and 1500 units but the sizes were comparable and I may never use it except for the coffee maker at anchor, but I felt for $75.00 more the extra would be better. I have my unit on my 390CPMY now mounted on teh side of the stairs. I may have to move it to the other side due to it being thicker. I use 1/0 cable so the 3’ run wont have much loss. More to follow.

[pepmyster]

Following because this will be my next step. Solar all done, next spring I want to have an inverter installed.

[Midnightsun]

A different view on inverters.

I have had large inverters on other boats so I do have experience. Problem is large draws such as toasters and microwaves do deplete the house bank proportionately. I do realize making coffee in the morning while others are sleeping is the main reason for having an inverter but it does become a very expensive cup of coffee! To get that juice back in unfortunately takes significant charging time which will at anchor for a few days or more is not exactly easy.

My approach to this is the use the genny when making morning coffee or breakfast or lunch or supper. This actually adds power to my bank as opposed to drawing large amounts from it. we both like to take a warm short shower in the mornings so this also ensures hot water is available, it's not like you will want to heat water off of the inverter! Just like now, fired up the genny for 5 minutes to make coffee for my wife and I as we have been anchored out for 15hrs and do not expect to connect to shore power until Sunday at at best.

I do have an inverter for all those things that would be nice to plug in every so ofter. Just now I shaved and the low battery warning light came on so I plugged it in to charge. I simply have a 500w small pure sine wave inverter behind my TV in the salon. it also supplies power to the TV satellite receiver, camera system, dyson vac charging and several other smaller items at all times. This is an easy inexpensive install as my DC panel is right there. I installed a 50a DC breaker to accommodate the unit in a spare spot in the DC panel. This actually takes care of all my 120v AC needs.

No switches to fumble with when wanting to use inverter power, it's just there.

Don't get me wrong, not saying a large inverter is not a good idea. Just that everyones needs are and will vary so this is just another option to consider before going through the expense and complexity of a dedicated whole boat inverter.

[tonyiiiafl]

I see the point and agree. I may use it very infrequently, as I do run the genset each AM for an hour and each evening for 2. Usually brings my battery banks back up to the 95% mark. My thoughts were IF I needed it, I wanted to have plenty. I already have the 1/0 cables run. Perhaps I should have stayed with a 1500W, but this was attractive for the price. Yes, NEVER use water heater on it. LOL, my slip mate said “Well, you can connect the fridge to it!” I replied “Well, mine IS 120/12V already.

[g36]

it also depends on battery bank size for how much overall you pull out. having a higher amp charger restores most of what is pulled out and having to run the genset to have air conditioning in the afternoon/evening for 6-7 hrs will have mine back to practically 100%. something like a victron battery monitor is a great addition if you dont have something