Bought an inverter/chargeder for my '83 DA

[Johnwalker456]

Bought a freedom 458 inverter charger for my boat and now looking for the best place to install. It says not to install in engine compartment. Was wondering if I were to install in an area of engine compartment and isolate it and give it, it's own outside air ventilation? Any ideas?:smt024

 

[Don Sr]

I've got the same question. I tried posting and didn't get much of a reponse. The only responder mounted it below the electrical panel. Thats the same location where I had my digital marine air controller installed and it would exceed 110F on mid 90 days ( got a remote temp probe) Let me know what you come up with I would like to finish up my electrical system upgrade this winter and this holding me up.
Thanks Don

 

[Maritime Matt]

I have an 85 260da. Previous owner mounted the charger under the starboard v-berth compartment. It has no inverter.

 

[Johnwalker456]

What I bought is an inverter/charger all in one. It measures 13.2"L x 11.5"W x 7.9"H.

 

[Don Sr]

The inverter is the issue. It has an electric motor for the cooling fan, I'm sure they are worried about a spark off the brushes in the motor. Xantrex makes a Marine inverter but they say not to mount that one in the engine compartment also. Of course the run from the battery needs to be 1/0 cable no longer than 10' with 3-4 recommended and good cool air flow. I have a storage area under the rear port seat and also a side storage panel directly above or a little more forward of the batteries in the engine compartment. Maybe come straight up into that with the battery cables and back down into the engine compartment with the 120V a/c.

What do the more modern boats do? Xantrex says they mount them in the engine compartment ..huh?

I think this is the Honda Generator issue - folks have replaced the existing Sea Ray charger in the engine compartment with the inverter and no one wants to talk about it !!

 

[KRB64]

So whats the inverter part do? Allow you to plug in for 120v?

 

[Johnwalker456]

The inverter changes 12volt DC to 120 volt AC.

 

[KRB64]

The inverter changes 12volt DC to 120 volt AC.

So is this instead or shore power then? If so, then in order to use it, wouldn't it be more practicle for it not to be in the engine compartment? What do you need/want the 120v for?

 

[Johnwalker456]

Not instead of shore power but it gives you ac underway with more options as to what you can use.

 

[KRB64]

Ah, so it charges while you are plugged in and then converts while underway?

 

[Johnwalker456]

you got it

 

[KRB64]

So then to utilize while underway it would be impracticle to have in the engine bay right?

The design changed from '82 to '83 but on ours theres the little "cove" on either side running from the transom to where the cockpit starts the bump up. Our battery selector switch is mounted back in there. If the '83 design is similar you could mount to the inside top of that where it would be inconspicuous (SP??), dry and get air but still accessible. Probably didn't explain that location very well...