Alex F
Well-Known Member
- Nov 14, 2006
- 9,167
- Boat Info
- 2005 420DB with AB 11 DLX Tender, Raymarine Electronics (2x12" MFDs) with Vesper AIS
- Engines
- Cummins 450Cs, 9KW Onan Generator, 40HP Yamaha for tender.
Choosing Inverter:
I’m trying to pick the best option for adding an inverter for small applications. For now I have only tow immediate goals:
1. Run cockpit TV (assuming I’ll be buying AC only model). The cockpit TV project is still in planning stage, but the idea is to run it for couple of hours to watch a movie at night while on the hook.
2. Run couple of laptops, router and charging cell phones. The need for router and
laptops could be a whole day event.
As you can see the applications are small and mostly I wont need all (#1 and #2 items) run at the same time. So, even though I have a genset, I think it silly to run it for several hours just to provide power for one or two laptops and a router. Granted, at some point I’ll have to run the genny to recharge the batteries, but this is only like 30min-1hr instead of many hours. So, I’m thinking on adding either single inverter about 800w-1000w or two smaller ones like 400w-500w each. It looks like two smaller ones might be better option due to the fact that TV will be in the cockpit while the router in the cabin (about 20' apart).
Any suggestions on types and brands for an inverter?
Installation:
I read on the web that any inverter over 200w-300w should be wired directly to the batteries. I’ve never installed one on a boat before, but have doubts that anyone is actually wires them directly to the batteries, rather to the breakers panel. Am I wrong here?
I was thinking that I’ll have two options. For the one in the cockpit I could run it of the panel in the engine room and have the inverter mounted in the cabinet under the sink or in the storage under the port seat. The cabin inverter I was thinking to wire from the main 12V panel in the cabin.
I would appreciate any suggestions and experience sharing if you’ve done these types of installations.
Thanks,
Alex.
I’m trying to pick the best option for adding an inverter for small applications. For now I have only tow immediate goals:
1. Run cockpit TV (assuming I’ll be buying AC only model). The cockpit TV project is still in planning stage, but the idea is to run it for couple of hours to watch a movie at night while on the hook.
2. Run couple of laptops, router and charging cell phones. The need for router and
laptops could be a whole day event.
As you can see the applications are small and mostly I wont need all (#1 and #2 items) run at the same time. So, even though I have a genset, I think it silly to run it for several hours just to provide power for one or two laptops and a router. Granted, at some point I’ll have to run the genny to recharge the batteries, but this is only like 30min-1hr instead of many hours. So, I’m thinking on adding either single inverter about 800w-1000w or two smaller ones like 400w-500w each. It looks like two smaller ones might be better option due to the fact that TV will be in the cockpit while the router in the cabin (about 20' apart).
Any suggestions on types and brands for an inverter?
Installation:
I read on the web that any inverter over 200w-300w should be wired directly to the batteries. I’ve never installed one on a boat before, but have doubts that anyone is actually wires them directly to the batteries, rather to the breakers panel. Am I wrong here?
I was thinking that I’ll have two options. For the one in the cockpit I could run it of the panel in the engine room and have the inverter mounted in the cabinet under the sink or in the storage under the port seat. The cabin inverter I was thinking to wire from the main 12V panel in the cabin.
I would appreciate any suggestions and experience sharing if you’ve done these types of installations.
Thanks,
Alex.