[C320-list] Inverter placement

[Warren Updike]

Ray, we use a small 200W inverter to power our TV, computer, tooth brush,
and etc.  It's been adequate so far.  These off-the-shelf products plugs
into the standard 12v receptacle in the salon. Above 400W, I believe it is
recommended that the inverter be directly connected to the battery. The
cords from our TV, converter, and powered antenna are plugged into a
home-maid outlet box with a cord and AC plug.  It's a simple matter to move
this plug from the inverter to the shore power outlet depending on whether
we have shore power or not.

For larger inverters, there are a number of considerations to make.  I don't
have this experience so I leave that to you and others.  From what I have
read, it is preferable to keep the inverter close to the battery and make
the AC run as long as necessary.  AC transfers better over distances than
DC, hence AC in our homes rather than DC.  Cable runs on our boats are a
piece of cake.  Just be sure to properly size the cable for the anticipated
load.

However, as a word of caution, our boats are fitted with GFI protection, and
I can tell you that GFI outlets don't seem to like power coming in from the
back door.  As a result, I had to replace ours and stay with the simple
approach described above.  

Warren & Pattie Updike
1994 C320 #62 "Warr De Mar"

-----Original Message-----
From: Raymond L Yager [mailto:ray.yager56 at gmail.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 6:07 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Inverter placement

I'm sure this is a well worn topic, but as I am new to the 320, I thought I
would ask your humble opinions on placement of an inverter.  If I place it
in the same area as the batteries, under the starboard settee, I'm not sure
how I would tie it into the AC without running an extension cord somewhere.
How have you all accomplished this? Yes,  I have a very nice & ultra-quiet
Yamaha generator to power the shore power if needed but it is a PITA to pull
it out just to warm up some coffee in the microwave.  Our marina doesn't
have shore power to the docks yet; next year we hope.  I've heard of
replacing the charger in the port cockpit lazarette with a combo
charger/inverter but that seems like a long way from the batteries.  Running
heavy battery cables from point A to point B might be a chore too.  I'm all
ears.  

Ray Yager
s/v Waypoint (432)
Littleton, Colorado