[C320-list] Installing an inverter

Wed Mar 4 16:13:40 PST 2009

One more thing on these...there's no need to put them on the swim step to run....get a piece of indoor-outdoor carpeting, and put in the space going out to the swim ladder with the exhaust pointing out..
----------------------------------
Regards,
OD

Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert Airis" [rairis at comcast.net]
Sent: 03/04/2009 04:07 PM PST
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Installing an inverter

We bought our honda EU2000 from a internet site called  steadypower.com. The 
cost was around $750.00 The unit works great, and stores in the aft 
starboard locker. Great for the little things too  ,like hot water in the 
morning in 15 min. You can hardly hear it running

Bob & Sheila........Hale Kai 2

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert Seastream" <robert.seastream at comcast.net>
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 04, 2009 1:25 PM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Installing an inverter

> We think a generator is the most efficient solution.  We're about to
> bite on the Honda EU2000i, but are considering the Honda EU200i
> 'companion' instead.  Both generators have two outlets, but the
> 'companion' (so called because it can be paralleled with the original
> for double the output) has a twistlock outlet as its second outlet.
> Other than that, and lacking the 12 VDC charging outlet present on the
> original, the two appear identical, although the 'companion' is $100
> more.  I just need to ensure that the twistlock is live when the so
> equipped generator is run as a standalone.  I'll run a short pigtail
> from the generator to the shore power connector.  I plan to install
> fittings on the portside swim platform to pass a web strap through and
> around the generator to secure it.  It'll be stored in the starboard
> side locker when not in use.
>
> The units are $995 and $1095 locally.  I've heard of an internet store
> (Wise sales?) that has them cheaper, with free shipping.
>
> Bob Seastream
> Intuition # 906
>
>
> On Mar 4, 2009, at 11:29 AM, <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)
>>
> 

- -----------------------------------------------------------------
The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer.