[C320-list] Installing an inverter

[warren updike]

We do several 2-3 week cruises or try to. I two years ago I upgraded the
alternator and added an external 3-stage regulator so I could fully recharge
my batteries quickly after a two day anchorage. The 80A alternator does that
nicely. We have an LCD TV for watching DVDs and power it from a plug-in 400W
mod-sine wave inverter ($40). This is about all we need. Doing without the
microwave isn't a problem. The majority of our cooked meals come from the
propane grill on the pushpit.

Taking young kids out for overnights is a great experience for them and me.
I've asked them question about where they think the fresh water and
electricity come from and where the poop goes when they flush. To them, it's
like at home. They don't think about it. It's just taken care of. I explain
that on a boat we have to have our own power company, water works, sewer
plant, etc. I get them involved in taking on water, pumping the holding
tank, and monitoring the batteries. It's and eye opener for some of them who
have never thought about such things.

Warren & Pattie Updike
Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Culbertson [mailto:billculb_a2 at yahoo.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, March 04, 2009 1:26 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Installing an inverter

Ok I'll be the one to say it.  And I mean this as a gentle ribbing only

We use the microwave when we're at dock on shore power but we use the
propane stove when AC power isn't available.  I can't think of much that the
microwave can do that can't be done using the stove or oven.  

A friend of mine was taking some middle-school boys camping and they were
planning to pop popcorn.  One of the boys wondered where they'd plug in the
microwave.

 -bill
 Harmony #859




________________________________
From: Dean Vermeire <dean at vermeire.us>
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Sent: Wednesday, March 4, 2009 12:12:48 PM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Installing an inverter

Hi Jeff,

Definitely food for thought.  We sail on a lake in Kansas, where we are 
really never very far from the Marina.  We like to anchor out, but we 
lose the electricity.  I'm not sure what that is worth to me.  Cheaper 
is better, in many respects.  Perhaps I'll just trail a big ol' 
extension cord behind me.  :-)

I'll have to check out the better inverters and the generator.  I could 
use that other places, as well.

Thanks,
Dean

catalina at thehares.com wrote:
> Hi Dean,
>
> 1) I'm not sure about the startup load on the microwave, but it might need
> to be over 2kw peak.
>
> 2) The modified sine wave can be done but is not a great idea for the
> Microwave, especially if you're only running from batteries. Here's why:
> While a microwave will function from a modified sinewave inverter, the
> performance of the microwave will be very slow and gets even worse as the
> battery supply voltage drops. (e.g. to boil one cup of water on a modified
> sinewave inverter might take around 2.5 minutes while drawing around
> 100+amps DC, compared to around 30 seconds with a pure sine wave inverter
> also consuming 100+amps DC).  As your batteries voltage drops, the
inverter
> will attempt to take more and more current to keep the output RMS voltage
> around 110+ AC.
>
> You might be better off getting one of those tiny nearly silent Honda
> portable generators like the EU2000i, putting it on the swim platform when
> you need AC.  It's less expensive than a sine wave inverter and will solve
> virtually all your AC needs under way.  You'll save money as well, but at
> the cost of a slight bit of inconvenience to plug in and start the
> generator.  Before ruling that option out, you might want to visit a
dealer
> and hear just how quiet they are.
>
> 3) Yes. The closer to the batteries the better, however, you can run heavy
> expensive cables (like what feeds the starter) and mount the inverter
> elsewhere.  The voltage drop at 100+ amps is significant.
>
> -Jeff
> #809 
>
>
> On Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:03:30 -0600, Dean Vermeire <dean at vermeire.us>
wrote:
>  
>> Hi All,
>>
>> I'm thinking about installing an AC inverter to be able to run the
>> microwave, etc. when not in the marina.  I know a number of you have
>> done this.  I've done a little homework, but there is a reason I did not
>> major in electrical engineering.  So, I have a few questions:
>>
>> 1.  How many watts?  I figure I should have at least 1200 continuous.
>> 2.  Are the ones with a modified sine wave good enough?  I wouldn't
>> think the microwave would care too much.
>> 3.  Where should it be installed?  I've read that you should install it
>> close to the batteries, but those are on the starboard side and the
>> microwave is on the port side.
>> 4.  Any particular brands to avoid?
>>
>> Thanks in advance,
>> Dean Vermeire
>> Moonstruck II (#847)
>>    
>
>
>
>
>