Does anyone run an inverter aboard?

[steve_cronin]

Genuine, non sarcastic, non contentious reason for asking but would you label it "Good money, well spent"? If so (or not so) to what application do you put said device?

I'm about to part with the reddies (& thanks, I know about the different waveforms, efficiencies and outputs) but would like others' input on the reality of life afloat with an inverter.

Thanks in anticipation of replies.

Steve Cronin

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[MainlySteam]

Charging NiCd's
Charging rechargable tools/Appliances eg drill, razor
TV
Toaster
Vacuum cleaner
Power tools
Food mixer
Lead light for working around boat in dark corners
Computer and laser printer
Radio transceiver (is not the marine ssb one)
Mini Hi Fi
Any portable device such as cd player, radio that runs off a wall plug in type power adaptor

Is what comes to mind straight off - mandatory equipment in my view.

John


<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by MainlySteam on 14/08/2003 12:05 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[ccscott49]

I run everything mains on my boat from an inverter, freezer, stereo, telly, microwave, power tools, power tool charger, etc. etc. its a 2000 watt example. I need to run my genny two hours a day, with a 550 a/h 24volt battery bank. The boat is also running from 24 volts, two fridges, pumps, lights, etc. etc. I would not be without my inverter and have had it now for 8 years, living aboard, would i reccomend one? A resounding yes!! I even carry a spare, just big enough for the freezer.

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[Jabes]

Have no second thouights. I have used for air con ice maker fridges etc.. They seem expensive to start with but provide great value.

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[ccscott49]

You run an Airconditioner with an inverter? How big an aircon and how big is the inverter and how big is the battery bank? I would be very interested in that, thanks.
Colin.
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[charles_reed]

Yes, but as it pulls 14 amps on start up I only run it when the engine is running to re-charge the computer batteries.

If you try running it at off the batteries it soon pulls the system voltage down and then starts squealing like a stuck pig.

It's a Belkin 140 watt invertor, which is adequate to charge the computer batteries providing the computer isn't powered up. Trying to charge and run SpeedStep in high mode is too much for inverter and batteries.

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[timchapman]

I carry a high ouput 240V submersible pump. This is a serious bit of kit which could save the boat if badly holed. There is no low voltage pump that can match it, (500l pm). The Inverter could run this at a cost of about 80Amps for a period of time.
Also low voltage kettle to save gas.

Combination of Genny and Inverter is good, particulalry as large inverters can come with large Battery Chargers (100A +).

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[johna]

Yes.

150 watt £30 from Southampton Boat Show couple of years ago.

Runs laptop, charges phone, charges handheld VHF, Small drill.

Would not be without it.

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[johndf]

50 watt for charging nimh batteries, shaver, running laptop, various other low power applications, which has proved really useful. I've considered getting a much higher wattage inverter, but maybe it is advisable to have a dedicated battery for it?

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[ccscott49]

most if not all, new inverters, will not flatten your batteries, they will shut down, when the voltage gets too low, so preventing damage to your batteries. But (FWIW)I would get a bigger battery bank, and a smart regulator for your engine alternator. IMHO

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[steve_cronin]

Can I get my money\'s worth?

I'm being offered by a local autoelectrical dealer a 1700watt (1500 cont) modified sine wave unit by a well known manufacturer (Mobilec) for £295 inc VAT He's getting out of inverters - he has some solar panels too!

Most of you who have the larger ones seem to be using them in conjunction with generators. Are these DC charging sets or 240AC running the boat's battery charger?

Thanks again

Steve Cronin

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[ccscott49]

Re: Can I get my money\'s worth?

Normally the genny's are mains, running the boats charger, some have a 12 volt output aswell, but not at very high amps and this is also not a smart (three stage) charger output. What size solar panels has this guy got, I'm very interested, if they are largish ones. 295 is a good price for a large inverter, but you may well get one cheaper on E bay. If you have a motor boat, then I wouldn't really consider a genny, unless you have a very small battery bank, or are a liveaboard. just uprate your battery bank and get a smart regulator for it. You could buy a little petreol driven genny, but it defeats the object of an inverter.

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[h4nym]

Re: Can I get my money\'s worth?

Steve

Whatever you spend on whatever you get, you'll eventually wonder how the hell you did without it!

Many's the morning the kettle's been on, together with the toaster, when SWMBO's turned the hairdryer on. You get so much more flexibility - not to mention value for money - when u can use 240V equipment. Just be a little circumspect when buying your 240V kit - check the wattage required - it will inevitably need up to double when it first starts up!

Thing that's mostly on my 240V circuit is my mobile phone! But really comes into its own with the icemaker and the microwave!

Do it. And soon!

H

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[philmarks]

Re: Can I get my money\'s worth?

I got an 800W inverter from Maplin earlier in the year (Nikkai), for £80, which seemed reasonable, special offer. Charges laptop OK although haven't run it online, and runs TV, 600W power drill (which I used to drill 6mm mild steel with a 13mm bit, straight through no probs). But, it draws about 1.5A on standby. Also, I think this is important I read somewhere, the earth is isolated from the 12 negative supply.

I have a genny. Downside is it's not big enough to run the electric kettle, so I have to turn the genny on for that (gas-saving) ;-)

Go for it
Phil

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[h4nym]

Re: Can I get my money\'s worth?

Phil

I got a 400W kettle from Currys! Boils enough for three mugs of coffee in about 5 mins...

H

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[philmarks]

Re: Can I get my money\'s worth?

How big is your kettle (watts)? I haven't tried mine (2.6kw). Dohhhhhhhhh I must be daft, presumably it just works more slowly. Didn't think of that. I know the hoover (1100 W) trips it, but that's got a motor....I can't believe I didn't realise the kettle should work!

Thanks very much.


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[charles_reed]

It all depends on what you\'re going to use it for

With one that size I'd be very concerned about the size of my battery banks and would probably consider a proper generator.

You'll have to get a lot of use out of it to recover your capital investment.

By-the-bye mine cost me nothing.

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[steve_cronin]

Re: It all depends on what you\'re going to use it for

I nearly got one FOC but I shrank away from abusing the gentleman's generosity. He did after all get me out of a jam on my delivery trip.

I have gone for the big one for two reasons. First it is offered at the greatest saving and secondly since the largest load is likely to be 600watts (travelling hairdryer) and then only very occassionally (spring & autumn trips when Mrs C can't get her hair dry in the Greek sun) and mostly re-charging laptop batteries or running a jigsaw, I recon running it at a fraction of full load will lead to longevity. It's physical size isn't a problem and we will have plenty of battery capacity soon so something which allows future expansion (microwave poss) seems the best choice.

Steve Cronin

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[steve_cronin]

Thanks fellow Practical seafarers

All your advice and information has been a great help.

Steve Cronin

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