Recommendations on small inverter

Irie308

Irie308

Well-Known Member
May 28, 2013
2,603
CT
Boat Info
2004 420 DB, GHS Hydraulic Lift
Garmin 8600/Garmin 1222 plus
AB Mares 10 VSX with 30 hp Tohatsu
Engines
Cummins 450C 8.3 L Turbocharged
Looking to install two small inverters. Planning on connecting them to my bow and stern thruster batteries which are 24 volts. Plan is to connect salon tv,WiFi router and a small Poe switch to the one installed in the salon. The other one will connect small tv and Roku in the master. Thinking I can pick up power from the bow thruster as it’s the closest. Any recommendations on which inverters would serve this purpose?
 
Something to consider. Many TVs can be converted to run directly off of DC. The other devices you mentioned can be connected to DC with the appropriate DC - DC converters. If their power bricks put out 12VDC, it's just a matter of snipping off the brick and then wiring directly to the batteries. For other voltages, you can pick up a converter to replace the brick, for not much money.

This approach would be FAR more efficient than inverting to AC, only to convert back down to the voltages the devices actually require.
 
bobeast said:
Something to consider. Many TVs can be converted to run directly off of DC. The other devices you mentioned can be connected to DC with the appropriate DC - DC converters. If their power bricks put out 12VDC, it's just a matter of snipping off the brick and then wiring directly to the batteries. For other voltages, you can pick up a converter to replace the brick, for not much money.

This approach would be FAR more efficient than inverting to AC, only to convert back down to the voltages the devices actually require.
Click to expand...
Have considered this as well.
 
I am confused? You want to use DC to invert to AC on a 42 sedan bridge that has AC available and Generator power when ever needed. But instead of running AC electric to where you need it, you want to run DC to be able to have AC electric through an inverter? Is this because you have a lot more of the boat already on 12v and want quiet on when on anchor?

I would just run more AC to where you need it, but that's me. I never turn the generator off once I leave the dock and it stays on until I reach another or back to the home dock. Two three days many times a season.

Anyway, this was a quick search but has nice specs for what you want to do. It's a pure sine wave and claims to be for marine as well.

https://www.amazon.com/XYZ-INVT-Inv...g=2N3Ge&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_td_asin_0_title

EDIT: Things to look for are pure sine wave and the ability to connect the DC lines via ring terminals and not bare wire with a screw pinch.
 
Would like to not run gen all the time for things like tv when that’s the only load on the AC system. We spend weeks at a time on the hook. Not opposed to running the gen particularly when it’s hot and we need ac but there are times when it’s just not needed and we just need things like WiFi for phones or use of the tv.
 
Irie308 said:
Would like to not run gen all the time for things like tv when that’s the only load on the AC system. We spend weeks at a time on the hook. Not opposed to running the gen particularly when it’s hot and we need ac but there are times when it’s just not needed and we just need things like WiFi for phones or use of the tv.
Click to expand...

Weeks, dam. Not only do I understand now, but I am very jealous as well. Check out that link I posted it's not a bad inverter, very nice specs.
 
I've done it the way bobeast suggested, both directly to 12v and with converters.

For a small tv and roku I've used one of these 12v to 19v converters https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Conve...dp/B01H97ETP8/ref=psdc_10967761_t1_B07T2X9KPX
cut the plug off the TV and called it a day, no issues. Big caveat here - I'm not suggesting you use this thing - there are likely better safer ones for your setup and application. I specifically use this setup to hang a tv outside and watch baseball games out on the hook and not have to run the generator. I've also used little inverters and that was more complicated - more plugs, connections, and I noticed the inverters would heat up. Second caveat I'm not an electrician but I've seen electrical fires (have even put one out!) so for this kind of stuff do what works safely for your usage and setup.

Regarding 12v to 12v -I've direct wired routers, range extenders, hotspots and an Arlo system all direct to 12v, no issues.
 
bobeast said:
Something to consider. Many TVs can be converted to run directly off of DC. The other devices you mentioned can be connected to DC with the appropriate DC - DC converters. If their power bricks put out 12VDC, it's just a matter of snipping off the brick and then wiring directly to the batteries. For other voltages, you can pick up a converter to replace the brick, for not much money.

This approach would be FAR more efficient than inverting to AC, only to convert back down to the voltages the devices actually require.
Click to expand...

I would agree with this DC only approach unless you are looking to run the coffee pot and microwave (which was the reason I installed mine). For electronics, you definitely want a pure sine wave inverter.

If you want to make this easy(er) pick one with an ATS (automatic Transfer Switch) and I assume you only need the inverter, as opposed to a inverter charger). With an ATS, it is easy to integrate all the power for the outlets (or what ever circuits you plan to power) through the existing Sea Ray panel and wiring. All of which can be easily returned to stock if you change your mind. A good remote also makes life a little easier.

As for brands. AIMS, Victron Energy, Magnum Power and Xantrex would be the ones I look at.
 
Where do you plan on installing the inverters? Just a note, they are amazing loud under draw!

We like to spend time on moorings and just to keep the noise down, we do try to run the generator as little as possible. My router turned out to be 12 volts and I added a 12v POE inserter for my wifi repeater. I just needed to add an inverter for my TV which I picked up a 300W version. The fan turned out to be annoying to listen to. I had installed the unit near the the TV because I did not want to leave it on all the time and wanted it accessible to turn on and off. I am on the hunt for a quiet version that will just power my TV. Just plan accordingly.
 
All good ideas and points I’m going to check out the direct dc option for the forward berth as I believe the power to the tv can be modified same for the Roku. Salon tv however does not.
 
Irie308 said:
All good ideas and points I’m going to check out the direct dc option for the forward berth as I believe the power to the tv can be modified same for the Roku. Salon tv however does not.
Click to expand...

The Roku I had was 5v, so you might need a few different DC to DC converters, definitely the way to go though, just add up the amperage and shoot for one's that are twice the current rating, then they will run a lot cooler that way.
 
Last edited:
bobeast said:
Something to consider. Many TVs can be converted to run directly off of DC. The other devices you mentioned can be connected to DC with the appropriate DC - DC converters. If their power bricks put out 12VDC, it's just a matter of snipping off the brick and then wiring directly to the batteries. For other voltages, you can pick up a converter to replace the brick, for not much money.

This approach would be FAR more efficient than inverting to AC, only to convert back down to the voltages the devices actually require.
Click to expand...
I was just wondering about this type of set up as the new tv is 19v converted from 120v it’s a LG. Looks like another project. Thanks for your input.
 
My P.O. installed a Xantrex 3000 with 4 6v golf cart batteries. With shore & gen off it will auto transfer all 120v power to our electrical panel. We don't get A/C or hot water as they are both 240v, but we have everything 120v hot. Now we certainly can't run everything at once, but we can manage our power consumption very easily and work around our limitations. Now, this may seem small & petty, but who grumbles about resetting the clock on the microwave and coffee pot..... Well, I bitch about it every time I get in our motorhome because in the boat I never have to do it because we've got the inverter.
 
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