Inverter Install: 44DB

[Converse48]

I installed an inverter over the weekend. It is a 24V inverter that I connected to the bow thruster batteries. These bateries seemed like a logical choice because if they are run down, they are not mission critical to start either the generator or mains. Additionally, it was easier to place in my ER, and the DC wire gauge is considerably smaller than the 4/0 cables I used to install the inverter/charger on my last boat.

The other cool thing is that the inverter has an auto-transfer switch so when the shore power or generator are turned off, the inverter kicks right in and the electrical equipment does not skip a beat. This will be particularly helpful when I switch from shore power to the generator… when I used to do this, the TV would go off for a few seconds and the kids would bitch about it. God forbid.

It is wired to and from the “Starboard Systems” breaker so it powers the salon TV, the salon outlet (which we plug the coffee maker into), the outlet in the master head and one in the master stateroom.

I installed it and tested it yesterday, and it worked like a charm. I used the Sta-kon connectors and crimper tool and I was very happy with them. If I may say so myself, the install is clean and looks “factory”.

All this so we can make coffee in the morning and watch TV when we’re anchored out without running the generator. Seems silly, but when you anchor out as much as we do, it’s worth it.

 

[osd9]

...... I used the Sta-kon connectors and crimper tool and I was very happy with them. If I may say so myself, the install is clean and looks “factory”.......

Post some pics and then we'll be the judge of that....:grin:

 

[ImpulseIII]

So is this an "awesome adjustment to the original", or simply a "cool mod"? Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[fc3]

Good job ensuing the continuous availability of critical systems. I'm sure the kids will be much happier and therefore you will be too.

Which inverter did you use that has automatic transfer?

Best regards,
Frank

 

[Nehalennia]

Post some pics and then we'll be the judge of that....:grin:

Yeah Tim.....
You can't tell us that your digital camera wasn't working. You knew ahead of time that this scrutiny was forthcoming.

Let's see the pic. BTW< I'm curious which inverter you bought too.

 

[Converse48]

Here's the inverter I used:
http://www.donrowe.com/inverters/st1500-124.html

I did bring the camera, but I forgot to take pictures. When I go back down to install the remote on/off switch I will take some. You guys are making me nervous. Note that in my original post I put the word factory in quotes, leaving some room for interpretation.

 

[quality time]

Note that in my original post I put the word factory in quotes, leaving some room for interpretation.

So basically you wired it like your closet light switch?! :thumbsup:

 

[Converse48]

So basically you wired it like your closet light switch?! :thumbsup:

Excellent point!

 

[tobnpr]

Sounds like it worked out well that you already had a dedicated sub-panel feeding the items you wanted to run off the inverter. Prevents someone from forgetting that you're using inverter power and turning on the air conditioning...

I have a small inverter (1000w) on my Chris-Craft. It didn't have a built-in auto transfer switch so I added one inline. But, it doesn't switch fast enough to avoid "glitching" the TV.

 

[Converse48]

Sounds like it worked out well that you already had a dedicated sub-panel feeding the items you wanted to run off the inverter. Prevents someone from forgetting that you're using inverter power and turning on the air conditioning...

I have a small inverter (1000w) on my Chris-Craft. It didn't have a built-in auto transfer switch so I added one inline. But, it doesn't switch fast enough to avoid "glitching" the TV.

I don't have a dedicated sub-panel, but all the items I wanted to power are on one breaker. So, I ran a new line from the breaker which then becomes the AC input to the inverter. The output of the inverter comes back to the electrical panel where it feeds the loads from that breaker. The wire from the inverter is connected to the loads for the chosen breaker on a terminal block in the enclosed area behind the AC panel.

If there is house line present (shore or generator), the inverter passes it through to the load. If there is no house line present, the inverter then sends its current to the load.

The operation is seamless to the user. So the real reason for this is so that when I am 100' from the boat hanging out on a sandbar drinking a beer, I don't have to go all the way back to boat and dry off just to flip a bunch of switches so my daughter can watch Sponge Bob.

I have dedicated a lot of time, effort and money into my laziness.

 

[boatmailster]

Sounds like it worked out well that you already had a dedicated sub-panel feeding the items you wanted to run off the inverter. Prevents someone from forgetting that you're using inverter power and turning on the air conditioning...

I have a small inverter (1000w) on my Chris-Craft. It didn't have a built-in auto transfer switch so I added one inline. But, it doesn't switch fast enough to avoid "glitching" the TV.

install cheap battery backup (one for computer systems) and problem solved

 

[standers]

Tim-

Sounds great - I'd love to see the end result. When are you moving to IHE?

 

[Converse48]

Tim-

Sounds great - I'd love to see the end result. When are you moving to IHE?

March 14th! (weather permitting)

 

[ImpulseIII]

Gonna need help again this year ?

 

[Converse48]

Gonna need help again this year ?

Frank- I'm going to make the trip with two other boats. They will each have crew, I will likely be single handed. I'd love the help if you're up for it. We'll be leaving Elkton on Saturday, March 14th at 12:15PM to time the tide properly. The only issue is that we're probably not coming home from Baltimore until Sunday. The wife and kids will meet us there on Saturday and will drive us back to Elkton on Sunday. If we can work out something on the transportation side, I'd love to have you help me burn some diesel!:thumbsup:

 

[ImpulseIII]

I was just informed we are going to be in North Jersey for a St. Pat's party on the 14th . Have a safe trip BAST---!!!

 

[Ryan]

Tim - Is the WII going to be powered? I hope you did not over look that critical saftey device.

 

[Converse48]

Tim - Is the WII going to be powered? I hope you did not over look that critical saftey device.

Yes, definitely! The Wii plugs into the outlet in the salon. Good question though...

 

[osd9]

I was just informed we are going to be in North Jersey for a St. Pat's party on the 14th . Have a safe trip BAST---!!!

The season hasn't even started and already your social life is getting in the way of boat.....:wow:

 

[Converse48]

Post some pics and then we'll be the judge of that....:grin:

OK, here are some pics. I took this one first, when I got there today. It was before I installed the ANL fuse. I'm using this picture because it's the only one I took without the flash, and it has the best lighting:

But then I did install the ANL fuse, and here's what that looks like:

And then, the spaghetti behind the panel looks like this:

You can tell which connections are new because they have the closed T&B Sta-Con connectors, where the factory Sea Ray connectors are open at the end.

The last pic to come is of the remote switch which is nicely mounted on the AC panel, but I didn't have any black screws to secure it (yet) and I didn't want to get any grief. I also have a few more tweaks to do on the install, but its 96.8% done.

Fire away.