Can you bring a microwave on Hunter 306?

[EddyF2013]

We have a Hunter 306 that we've been trying to sell. A potential buyer has asked us if they would be able to bring on a microwave or a toaster oven. I don't know if the electrical can handle something like that. Our first thought was that it could only be used when docked, but I've seen discussions referring to microwaves. So, I was wondering if someone out there would know the answer? Thanks for your help.

Maureen

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

I can't help wonder when that became a criteria for buying a sailboat...but to your question.

Both would require either a generator or an inverter, the latter for converting 12V DC to 120V AC. Both require a significant current draw so if you or the purser chooses the inverter option, sufficient battery capacity as well as charging capacity would be a necessity.

Simply stated, we have both on our boat but have an electrical system designed to accommodate them.

 

[rufus1138]

I can't help wonder when that became a criteria for buying a sailboat.

+1 these people and their "needs" amuse me:naughty:

 

[Perfect Excuse]

I agree with Don, although we find a microwave convenient at home, we seldom use the microwave aboard and then only on shore power. We spend a lot of time aboard and I would rate our microwave as our least used equipment. That's not counting safety equipment such life raft which I hope to never use. But, if a microwave or toaster is desired, it would require the necessary AC wiring and/or an inverter. They are both power hungry and I think their question is best answer in terms of their energy management capabilities.

 

[EddyF2013]

Thanks for your replies. That's pretty much what we thought so it wasn't a surprise. Now let's hope that's not a deal breaker.....

Thanks

Maureen

 

[Benny17441]

To each its own. When preparing for a trip we usually pre-cook and freeze a number of meals. It just simplifies the cooking and the eventual serving on board. We use the microwave to defrost and heat the meals and sometimes to quickly heat water for a cup of tea. The electrical system of the boat is more than adequate to handle the load and besides shore power we may use the generator or the inverter to produce the 120V ac power required. Some foods do not heat up well in microwave ovens so a good convection toaster oven is also a good addition but not to run it on the inverter. So to answer your question it is perfectly well to connect those appliances on board.

 

[seadaddler]

yes

We just got back from being out for 3 weeks and if not for our microwave my wife might not like staying out for so long.
When first cruising she would make everything fresh and really make meals on our boat just like at home and now after cruising every year for 3 weeks in spring and again 3 weeks in the the fall and also many weekends and just many multiple over nighters on the boat and now we use the microwave more and when planning a 3 week trip she precooks and freezes alot of food to make things quick and easy .
So pretty much can use a microwave on most boats hooked up to shore power or Gen or Inverter for sure.
Nick

 

[Bill Roosa]

a small microwave will draw 700 watt minimum. 1000 watts is common also. I just checked my toaster (4 hole) and it is rated at 1800 watts. I'd assume a 2 hole would draw 900. Inrush current for a toaster is not that great, a microwave will need almost twice the wattage to handle inrush.
SOOOO
if you have a 1000 watt (2000 watt momintary) rated inverter or genset you should be ok. For the inverter setup you are looking at running a 1000 watt device for 15 minutes (big swag) or 100ish amps for .25 hours or 25 Ah each time you use it. to get a better answer ask the potential buyer how much he thinks he is going to use the microwave. convert that to hours and multiply by 100 to get the Ah drawn from the battery bank.

 

[Ian McGain]

yes- it a great place to store stuff that rolls around a lot when sailing.

 

[Dalliance]

yes- it a great place to store stuff that rolls around a lot when sailing.

I've read several times that a microwave oven is a good place to put your cell phone, hand held vhf and other small electronic devices when there is lightning in the area. It's effectively a faraday cage which, in theory, would protect electronic devices from damage by a lightning strike. So maybe it qualifies as safety equipment(?). I haven't personally confirmed this theory and really hope not to.

Now, if you accidentally turned it on with such contents,you would have your own little lightning show. Probably best to unplug it.