I'm gonna put the 185 in our neighborhood Christmas parade this year and have some questions on the best, and safest, way to power the lights. I'm wondering if I can use a 12v power inverter to run 3-5 sets of ALL LED lights, and one inflatable? If the power inverter is safe to use, any recommendations on model? I'll need to check what the inflatable pulls in amps, but with the LED lights a 500w should cover it(but may go bigger for future use)? Final question is which type of power cord. Most of the larger wattage inverters use alligator clamps, which make me a bit nervous as far as sparking in the bilge. My accessory outlet would be the optimal choice, right? Any thoughts would help.
A few Christmas light questions.
- Thread starter Shaun77
- Start date
techmitch
Well-Known Member
- May 1, 2008
- 8,396
- Boat Info
- 1999 270 DA
- Engines
- Twin 4.3s W/Alpa I Gen II's
The fuse for your accessory outlet will probably not handle it. Cut off the alligator clips and hard wire it to the battery.
Danny Troy
Member
This might be a good time to add an inverter to your boat, with a permanent installation. I'd go with a 1000w, which aren't all that expensive. If you have a storage area out of the engine room, that would be a good place to mount it. Most inexpensive inverter aren't ignition protected. I mounted mine, in my last boat, in the starboard cockpit storage compartment. I just bought a 2000w I'm mounting in a cabinet in the cockpit next season. If you go that route, using something like 2ga wire and keep the length as short as possible.
If you hook it temporary, as said, I'd take the alligator clips off and solder on lugs, which can be bought at an auto parts store. They usually require a large fuse or circuit breaker for safety, in the 100a to 300a range, depending on the wattage. I'd say a 500w to a 1000w will work for you. The Whistler brand get pretty good reviews, and I think you can get one on Amazon at a good price.
If you hook it temporary, as said, I'd take the alligator clips off and solder on lugs, which can be bought at an auto parts store. They usually require a large fuse or circuit breaker for safety, in the 100a to 300a range, depending on the wattage. I'd say a 500w to a 1000w will work for you. The Whistler brand get pretty good reviews, and I think you can get one on Amazon at a good price.
