Inverter Questions - 2003 260DA

[rbryn]

ok, let me start by saying this is our first Sea Ray and we've only had it a month. All my previous boats were runabouts so I'm a classic "newbie".

I see several 110 plugs on the boat (one by the captains chair, one gfci plug in the galley). I know that both of these are powered when on shore power. Are they supposed to be powered via an inverter when on battery?

If they are supposed to be powered when on battery... what/where do I check to see if there is a fuse/switch to turn them on (they currently don't work when away from the dock).


Thanks
Robb

 

[K-9]

:lol:aHoy,Welcome I have a OLD Sundancer she has shore power no generator so the ac 120 does not work away from slip. only 12volt dc when under way.
you can add a generator or carry a portable?:smt038

 

[Nehalennia]

Welcome.
1st, I will assume this is a factory set up and you don't have an inverter, you'll have a "converter"(battery charger). At your electrical panel, next to the entry of the mid-berth, you will be able to turn on the "converter", which if working properly, will charge your batteries when connected to shore power. This also requires you to turn on the main AC breaker (switch above the shore power inlet) and the main breaker on the electrical panel.
If you were to install an inverter, you will need a "more than stock" battery set up to properly supply the juice needed for an inverter. An inverter will provide 110VAC to those outlets if properly installed and connected to your battery bank.

"Properly installed" means that you have or have selected an inverter to installl that will automatically switch the 120VAC shore power through the inverter, when connected, to the rest of the boat. When you do not have shore power available you can turn on your inverter and pull power from your 12VDC battery bank "inverting" into 110VAC that will feed those outlets.

Keep in mind this is the simple break down of how it works but you'll need the approporiate battery bank that can sustain the draw you'll use on the inverter.
This is where inverters can fall short of a nice "marine" generator. The reason is that you will quickly draw down your battery bank if running appliances that require higher watts.

More than likely you don't have the inverter or battery bank(more than 2 group 27s) as they were not stock features in these boats.

 

[No Name Sea Ray]

Agree- to what they said above. I use a small cig lighter inverter to power a laptop for movie nights. Much more than that and you could run your batteries down.

I do have a generator that I can power up for the AC, stove or microwave.

 

[rbryn]

Thanks for the responses. It's the stock setup, and I think the "converter" for charging the batteries had me confused.

I'll put the genny on the list for our next upgrade when we jump another 4ft in length

 

[Spot]

My portable Honda does a great job for everything and does not need a. install. Strapped down on the rear when we on the hook and everything is great.

Not as heavy as the factory gennys and stays out when we do not need it.... just an idea

Like you the next bigger boat will of couse have one.... there is always a biggerr boat in your future.

Scott

 

[skibum]

Uh oh....