Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 11-15-2011, 07:04 AM   #1
Guru
 
Tom.B's Avatar
 
City: Cary, NC
Vessel Name: Skinny Dippin'
Vessel Model: Navigator 4200 Classic
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,841
Inverter Tips

Any tips y'all can give meanwhile shopping for an inverter? During the upcoming winter overhaul of Skinny Dippin's charging system, I want to add a small-ish inverter (1000W-1500W) to use at anchor for small things like TV's, lamps, laptop charging, maybe a microwave, etc without firing up the genset. I'm thinking about not wiring it into the panel, but only have the inverter in the engine bay with a power strip in the salon within reach of the occasional extension cord.

Which brands are good and which should I avoid? Keep in mind, I don't really need a full-bore high end device, but from what I have read, Xantrex is one I should avoid, but I have not totally written them off. I was looking at Go Power! or Pro Mariner devices. Maybe Magnum, but they are pretty pricey.

I'd like to keep it well under $1000. $500 would be more like it. It's really going to be use so infrequently and I just can't justify $1500+ for something like this.

*NOTE* We currently (<- PUN!) have only about 440Ah in our 4 golfcart batteries, but I am looking to add two more for about 660Ah when I do the upgrade. Not for sure yet, but it's relevant to the conversation I suppose.

Thanks!

Tom-


-- Edited by GonzoF1 on Tuesday 15th of November 2011 09:04:49 AM
Tom.B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2011, 07:14 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
chiropaul's Avatar
 
City: Lynbrook, NY
Vessel Name: Grey Ghost
Vessel Model: Seapiper 35
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 150
RE: Inverter Tips

In reading the T&T list, Victron seems to be the way to go. No personal experience with the product.
chiropaul is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2011, 08:04 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
bobc's Avatar
 
City: La Conner
Vessel Name: Note by Note
Vessel Model: 34 DeFever
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 147
RE: Inverter Tips

After some research, I went with Magnum (2812). I saved quite a bit by buying a refurbished unit from Wholesale Solar http://www.wholesalesolar.com/produc...inverters.html

I bought the larger size primarily because I wanted the battery charging to put a good load on the genset. I also bought the ME-RC 50 remote, which was the best $150 I've spent on the boat (it looks like they're $180 now).

When I bough the unit, I didn't think I needed the extra AC power (above 1kw), but have managed to find uses for it -- like making toast and coffee while on the hook.

So far, the yards I've spoken to all say the Magnum is a good unit and that they haven't had any problems with them. They all say to stay away from Xantrex.
bobc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2011, 08:52 AM   #4
Guru
 
Phil Fill's Avatar
 
City: Everett Wa
Vessel Name: Eagle
Vessel Model: Roughwater 58 pilot house
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,919
RE: Inverter Tips

First decide the 1) max watts required. *2) a pure or modified sine wave, and 3) stand alone or combine inverter/charger is required.* The maxim watt required is calculated using the formula, Volts X amps = watts, and 1 amp AC 120 volts is = to 10 amps DC 12 volts.
*
You can buy a stand alone Prowatt 3000 watts, maximum 5000 watts, modified sine inverter for $500 to $600 which I installed in 1996.* Better to over size the inverters watts than under size.* The real question is do you need a PURE or MODIFIED sine wave inverter?* I found most of the things work fine on the modified sine wave and I wanted a stand alone inverter. *
Phil Fill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2011, 09:08 AM   #5
Guru
 
Tom.B's Avatar
 
City: Cary, NC
Vessel Name: Skinny Dippin'
Vessel Model: Navigator 4200 Classic
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,841
RE: Inverter Tips

Quote:
chiropaul wrote:
In reading the T&T list, Victron seems to be the way to go. No personal experience with the product.
*Looks like Victrons are limited in supply to the US market. Jamestown Distributors are about the only place that carries them.
Tom.B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2011, 09:34 AM   #6
Guru
 
Tom.B's Avatar
 
City: Cary, NC
Vessel Name: Skinny Dippin'
Vessel Model: Navigator 4200 Classic
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,841
RE: Inverter Tips

I was looking at a smaller pure sine wave unit. 3000 watts will quickly kill the batteries should I find the load for it, and anything with ANY quality at that size is WAY out of my budget. That said, I don't have any experience with Prowatt (or any others for that matter), so If it's reliable enough and inexpensive enough, I shouldn't rule them out. Keep in mind, this is more of a it's-nice-to-have-but-I-don't-NEED-it item. I don't HAVE to have one that runs 100% for 24/7/365. Just one for a few knick-knacks while tooling around eastern NC.
Tom.B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2011, 09:55 AM   #7
Guru
 
Steve's Avatar
 
City: Thibodaux, Louisiana
Vessel Name: Gumbo
Vessel Model: 2003 Monk 36
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,882
RE: Inverter Tips

These folks have several models and seem inexpensive. They are not a marine outfit but may suit your purpose, I'd look for customer reviews on the internet to see what ratings they have.

www2.northerntool.com/power-inverters.htm

Steve W
Steve is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2011, 02:54 PM   #8
Guru
 
Capn Chuck's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 897
RE: Inverter Tips

Here is ours, http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com/2010/02/installing-power-inverter.html . It does everything we need it to do, microwave, coffee pot, toaster and even hot water heater, The HW only needs to be on for about 15 minutes to heat the water and uses very few amps. It powers the TV, sat receiver, DVD player, fans, you name it. Hope this helps. Chuck
Capn Chuck is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2011, 04:26 PM   #9
TF Site Team
 
FlyWright's Avatar
 
City: California Delta
Vessel Name: FlyWright
Vessel Model: 1977 Marshall Californian 34 LRC
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 13,728
RE: Inverter Tips

Tom,

If you're looking for an inverter on a budget, check out this 2000W inverter. This is a marine version that's available for under $300. I'm not familiar with the Power Bright brand, but the non-marine versions are sold at Costco.com and they usually carry quality stuff. I like the fact that they include an RF remote control.
FlyWright is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2011, 04:32 PM   #10
Veteran Member
 
Penny Lane's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 46
RE: Inverter Tips

Go big on the power strip cord and keep the run as short as possible. *Otherwise it will be the weakest link.

*

cheers,
Penny Lane is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2011, 06:51 PM   #11
Guru
 
Tom.B's Avatar
 
City: Cary, NC
Vessel Name: Skinny Dippin'
Vessel Model: Navigator 4200 Classic
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,841
RE: Inverter Tips

Quote:
Capn Chuck wrote:
Here is ours, http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com/2010/02/installing-power-inverter.html . It does everything we need it to do, microwave, coffee pot, toaster and even hot water heater, The HW only needs to be on for about 15 minutes to heat the water and uses very few amps. It powers the TV, sat receiver, DVD player, fans, you name it. Hope this helps. Chuck
*Yea Chuck, read it yesterday and I am headed that direction, however, ProMarimer doesn't seem to make a 2000W hard-wired inverter anymore. At least I can't seem to find one. I'll keep looking. Perhaps a suitable alternative will surface. What surprises me about your rig is that your battery bank is so "small". I figured you would have more that 440Ah,but it is the exact same size as ours. I thought I would need far more to do what you do. Good to know I am at least in the ballpark.
Tom.B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-16-2011, 02:28 AM   #12
Guru
 
Tidahapah's Avatar
 
City: Mooloolaba
Vessel Name: Flora
Vessel Model: Timber southern cray boat
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,859
RE: Inverter Tips

I have had 2 Victron Inverter/chargers so far and they come in tops with the research I have done.
I have read recently about the magnums and they are supposed to be pretty good but to my knowledge they are no available in Aus.
The outback Marine inverters also rate highly.
Just ensure you get a full sine wave inverter so that everything you have can run smoothly.
Be warey of modified sine wave inverters which a lot of the cheaper units are.
Tidahapah is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-16-2011, 05:38 AM   #13
Guru
 
Tom.B's Avatar
 
City: Cary, NC
Vessel Name: Skinny Dippin'
Vessel Model: Navigator 4200 Classic
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,841
RE: Inverter Tips

Quote:
GonzoF1 wrote:Capn Chuck wrote:
Here is ours, http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com/2010/02/installing-power-inverter.html . It does everything we need it to do, microwave, coffee pot, toaster and even hot water heater, The HW only needs to be on for about 15 minutes to heat the water and uses very few amps. It powers the TV, sat receiver, DVD player, fans, you name it. Hope this helps. Chuck
ProMarimer doesn't seem to make a 2000W hard-wired inverter anymore. At least I can't seem to find one. I'll keep looking.

*I take it back... I actually DID find them for sale... My bad.
Tom.B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-16-2011, 08:46 AM   #14
Senior Member
 
bobc's Avatar
 
City: La Conner
Vessel Name: Note by Note
Vessel Model: 34 DeFever
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 147
RE: Inverter Tips

My battery bank is also 440AH. More than enough. My coffee pot has an insulated carafe, so it and the toaster only run for a few minutes at a time. One of the jobs I hope to tackle in the next couple of weeks is to get the hot water heater off of the inverter circuit. The inverter will run the water heater, but I only know that because I've accidentally left the switch on, heard the fan kick on, and then noticed the display panel showing 100+ amp draw from the batteries. If I want hot water that bad I'll start the generator.

Unlike diesel engines, it's usually better to oversize an inverter because the enemy of power electronics is heat. The only drawback to over sizing is that you may lose some efficiency on small loads. Larger inverters have larger heat sinks, or try to cool with more air flow. One thing to consider about the cheaper inverters is that they use small fans turning at higher speeds. In other words, they can make a fair amount of noise. The larger units tend to have larger, quieter, variable-speed fans with larger heat sinks, and can often handle the lighter loads without making much, if any noise.
bobc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-16-2011, 09:03 AM   #15
Senior Member
 
City: Louisville
Vessel Name: Lucky Dog
Vessel Model: Mainship 350 Trawler
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 101
RE: Inverter Tips

I installed a 2800 Magnum Energy inverter/charger with a remote control to 8 AGM golf cart batteries. The Magnum system does an excellent job of monitoring and charging the battery bank and is adjustable to any setup. Including adjustable low battery cut out, adjustable charger amp draw, adjustable battery bank size and battery types, battery temperature and condition......real good stuff and worth the extra money. Do it once.

Here is the MS model http://www.magnumenergy.com/Literatu...Rev%20F%29.pdf

I found it the cheapest here http://www.boatandrvaccessories.com/

I found the best prices on marine wiring and lugs here http://shop.genuinedealz.com/ , great people to work with. You do not want to skimp on the wiring gauge or quality, very important.

Great winter project, good luck.

David
David O is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-16-2011, 10:17 AM   #16
Guru
 
Tom.B's Avatar
 
City: Cary, NC
Vessel Name: Skinny Dippin'
Vessel Model: Navigator 4200 Classic
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,841
RE: Inverter Tips

Quote:
GonzoF1 wrote:GonzoF1 wrote:Capn Chuck wrote:
Here is ours, http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com/2010/02/installing-power-inverter.html . It does everything we need it to do, microwave, coffee pot, toaster and even hot water heater, The HW only needs to be on for about 15 minutes to heat the water and uses very few amps. It powers the TV, sat receiver, DVD player, fans, you name it. Hope this helps. Chuck
ProMarimer doesn't seem to make a 2000W hard-wired inverter anymore. At least I can't seem to find one. I'll keep looking.

*I take it back... I actually DID find them for sale... My bad.

*Wrong again... Promariner HAS discontinued the Truepower 2000... I might find someone that has one still in stock, but I would rather deal with one vendor for all of my needs associated with this project. Defender.

Tom-
Tom.B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-16-2011, 11:49 AM   #17
Guru
 
Tom.B's Avatar
 
City: Cary, NC
Vessel Name: Skinny Dippin'
Vessel Model: Navigator 4200 Classic
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,841
RE: Inverter Tips

I'm leaning towards this:

http://www.aimscorp.net/2000-watt-pu...erter-12-volt/

Seems powerful enough and inexpensive enough for our current (<- another pun) purpose. However, I'm wondering about an automatic transfer switch. Are the necessary? Does anyone have an inverter rig without one? I understand the need, but I don't want my shore power to go off when I am away and have my circulating fans, fridge, and some other small drain kill my batteries.
Tom.B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-16-2011, 12:35 PM   #18
Guru
 
jleonard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,037
RE: Inverter Tips

I had a "PortaWatz" 1600 W set up for manual operation only on my previous boat. I had to turn the inverter on (with a remote switch) and unplug the fridge from the shore outlet and plug it into the inverter which was a heavy duty extension cord.

Many times I forgot to make the*change when I left the dock.

My current boat is automatic and I like it much better.
jleonard is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-16-2011, 01:05 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
City: Louisville
Vessel Name: Lucky Dog
Vessel Model: Mainship 350 Trawler
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 101
RE: Inverter Tips

The inverter you are leaning towards is for home and office use. You need one for mobile (marine/RV) use. I don't see a ground relay mentioned, do you?

Maybe you should take a look at this book before you proceed http://www.amazon.com/Boatowners-Mec.../dp/0071432388

Nigel Calder is the authority on the subject and could spare you from causing a very dangerous situation.
David O is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-16-2011, 01:09 PM   #20
TF Site Team
 
Larry M's Avatar
 
City: Jacksonville
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 11,682
RE: Inverter Tips

Quote:
GonzoF1 wrote:
However, I'm wondering about an automatic transfer switch. Are the necessary? Does anyone have an inverter rig without one? I understand the need, but I don't want my shore power to go off when I am away and have my circulating fans, fridge, and some other small drain kill my batteries.

*

Tom:* The automatic transfer switch*passes through*AC when connected to shore or generator power for the inverter AC loads only.* This way the*inverter does not have to "invert" 12 VDC to 110 VAC for the inverter loads when there is an AC source available.*
Larry M is online now   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Tips skipperdude Power Systems 47 02-10-2012 03:53 PM
Maintenance Tips Moonstruck General Maintenance 26 09-27-2011 02:32 PM
inverter cpw5 Electrical and Electronics & Navigation 21 03-20-2010 03:10 PM
Tips BaltimoreLurker General Discussion 7 12-31-2008 04:41 PM
Tips on Posting.... dougd1 How To Use The Forum, Site News & Account Concerns 1 11-09-2007 10:02 AM

» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:53 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012