Replacing the Generator with an Inverter

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I've been thinking for several years that I would be just as well off with an inverter intead of a generator. I can hear the arguments against this already, but the way we use the boat, I think I can defend the decision. We are not long range cruisers, we don't need the AC or for that matter, hot water on our short trips to the beach or out to watch whatever type of show the city is putting on. The generator runs, but it's pretty tired after 42 years. Parts are not easy to get and it does stink a bit when you're out on the hook, not to mention the CO concerns. What I really want to do is keep the refrigerator and Icemaker happy. Maybe run some lights and sound systems, but that's it. To the best argument against it "What about resale value" I'd have to say "What resale value?"
So anyway, what do the HOF'ers feel are the "best" inverters out there? I figure I need 1500-2000 Watts total. The duty cycle on the refrigerator(s) is about 50%.

I'm thinking I can wire the inverter in using the rotary switch and would just run power to the breakers for the stuff I need when away from the dock. Any thoughts?
Eric

 

[MikeP]

The Outback inverters are superb and if your boat is a 32v DC system, the OB 3232 is, IMHO, a match made in heaven (3200 W).

 

[Pascal]

if you don't need/use air con, it's definitely an option.

but you have to look at the big picture including recharge time. if you spend more than a nigth on the hook, you'll need to recharge the batteries by running the main and your alternator better be matched to your battery bank or it will run hot and take a long time go recharge.

you may also need to upgrade your battery bank depending on what you have

a few members here have had good luck with Outbacks, i'm familiar with Magnum and they're very nice unit. made in the US and supported in the US... i have a Xantrex on my boat, never again and i know many others feel that way.

 

[smoothmove]

Don't really have a battery bank per se. Just a 12v for each internal combustion engine on the boat. (3) So it's a fresh start. I neglected to ask about batteries, but I figured a couple of 12V's for a 24 volt bank (or an array of 4) would keep currents down over a 12 volt system. Any advantage to going with the newer AGM's or should I stick with the good ol deep cycle wet battery?

How much AC current are we talking about here on the charge side? That may be a significant challenge for my electrical system.

Glad to know I should be cautious of Zantrex. It was the first unit I looked at.

Eric

 

[Pascal]

battery capacity for house and inverter duties is measured in Amp/hrs. you'd have to add your loads to figure out what you need. for instance, for my 16 yo GE 20 cu ft fridge freezer plus a few lights, TV, etc... i use about 400AH a day out of an 8 golf cart battery bank (about 880 Amp/hr total).

so, every day on the hook, I have to refill about 400AH which takes about 4 hours using the 130Amp built in charger in the inverter. Iif you alternator is rated at 100Amp, it will take about 4 to 5 hours or running to recharge...

it's all simplified but you get the idea...

 

[REBrueckner]

Sounds like an inverter can do the job for your use. You can always add a few batteries if necessary to extend the time of use for your inverter.
And you can also add a small portable gas generator like a 1KW or 2KW Honda or somethiong bigger and a better value from Home Depot or Lowes.

 

[GJH]

Go out and get yourself a copy of Nigel Calder's "Boat Owners Mechanical and Electrical Manual" right now. The first six or seven chapters cover this very subject comprehensively and in easy to understand fashion. You will get some good advice (and maybe some not-so-good) here on the forum, but NOT everything you will need to do this project correctly and safely. The Calder book will. And don't skip to the inverter specific section. Start at Chapter 1 and work through it.

We have a very inverter intensive boat lifestyle as we spend extensive time on the hook and have lived full time on moorings for months straight. I was an early adopter of the Magnums and they are a great product from a great USA company with great USA-based customer service. Those things aside, they are pretty good...