I am considering installing an inverter in my 89 Hunter 28. First, being a newbe, I am not sure of the functions, adv/disad, of an inverter. What exactly will it enable me to do? Also, cost is as always a factor. Thanks Butch
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What are you going to use it for?
Harold: It really depends on what you are going to use it for. If you want to run something like a computer or such off of the inverter you can use a small plug in unit. These plug into your DC outlet. If you want to run a microwave, coffee maker, toaster that is a completely different situation. You need to know what you are going to use it for and then balance your battery bank to have adequate power to use it. You can spend nearly as much on batteries as you will on the inverter.
Harold: It really depends on what you are going to use it for. If you want to run something like a computer or such off of the inverter you can use a small plug in unit. These plug into your DC outlet. If you want to run a microwave, coffee maker, toaster that is a completely different situation. You need to know what you are going to use it for and then balance your battery bank to have adequate power to use it. You can spend nearly as much on batteries as you will on the inverter.
Converts DC to AC
An inverter converts DC from your battery to AC so you can run things that require AC. As a newbie, the most important thing to understand is this conversion is not free. An AC device that draws say 1 amp will draw roughly 10 amps (more) from your battery. The inverter has a certain capacity and it is all supplied by your battery which will have to provide that capacity and be recharged. If you want to run a small AC TV or a small recharger such as used for ni cads on your marine HT consider a cheap (under $100) unit that plugs into your cigarette lighter 12V - for larger requirements - well thats a horse of another color.
An inverter converts DC from your battery to AC so you can run things that require AC. As a newbie, the most important thing to understand is this conversion is not free. An AC device that draws say 1 amp will draw roughly 10 amps (more) from your battery. The inverter has a certain capacity and it is all supplied by your battery which will have to provide that capacity and be recharged. If you want to run a small AC TV or a small recharger such as used for ni cads on your marine HT consider a cheap (under $100) unit that plugs into your cigarette lighter 12V - for larger requirements - well thats a horse of another color.
Example
Not sure I would have an inverter except that it came with the boat. But it is also an excellent battery charger. It is a 2000W Heart Freedom 20 and can power my two 110V refers. A previous owner installed a 110V system in the icebox, no 12V option!? Another owner replaced the oven with a dorm type frig. I use ice in the icebox and I unplug the dorm frig when away from shorepower. So except for the charger option why do I need an inverter? Well my wife won't cruise without a microwave and a hair dryer for one thing. And man do those things suck the life out of the batteries. A Hunter 28 deserves a really good charger. May as well be an inverter/charger.
Not sure I would have an inverter except that it came with the boat. But it is also an excellent battery charger. It is a 2000W Heart Freedom 20 and can power my two 110V refers. A previous owner installed a 110V system in the icebox, no 12V option!? Another owner replaced the oven with a dorm type frig. I use ice in the icebox and I unplug the dorm frig when away from shorepower. So except for the charger option why do I need an inverter? Well my wife won't cruise without a microwave and a hair dryer for one thing. And man do those things suck the life out of the batteries. A Hunter 28 deserves a really good charger. May as well be an inverter/charger.
Agree with Ed
We also replaced the stove with a dorm reefer. I hate having water in the bilge. And my wife also wanted a microwave. As Ed noted, the best part is the high quality battery charger you get as a bonus. We have a Heart 1000 on our 34 and it was more than adequate to handle all of the loads we put on it. I was intending to put a larger alternator on the diesel but we just bought a Passage 42 so I will not be spending a lot on the 34. We found that when we have been traveling we often had to run the diesel several hours a day anyway so the batteries were usually not a problem. IF you can find a dry place with some air flow, an inverter is a real comfort item.
We also replaced the stove with a dorm reefer. I hate having water in the bilge. And my wife also wanted a microwave. As Ed noted, the best part is the high quality battery charger you get as a bonus. We have a Heart 1000 on our 34 and it was more than adequate to handle all of the loads we put on it. I was intending to put a larger alternator on the diesel but we just bought a Passage 42 so I will not be spending a lot on the 34. We found that when we have been traveling we often had to run the diesel several hours a day anyway so the batteries were usually not a problem. IF you can find a dry place with some air flow, an inverter is a real comfort item.
Rich, where did you find. . .
a P42? And where will you keep her? What a great boat, probably already has a 2000 watt inverter.
Go Bucks!
a P42? And where will you keep her? What a great boat, probably already has a 2000 watt inverter.
Go Bucks!HAROLD, WE HAD AN 89 H28 FOR THREE...
years cruising the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound and found no need for it. I recommend that you not install an inverter mainly because of the limited available DC storage that comes with your boat. A microwave (where on earth can you put it) will draw down the two batteries in short order. We had a color portable TV/VCR with a DC adapter but found that the batteries would deliver the amount of draw it needed to operate only when the propulsion engine was running. I'm afraid you might end up spending more money than you bargained for in order to use some inane appliance that provides marginal convenience. In addition to the inverter you would need to at least double your current battery capacity just to operate the smallest of AC devices. We have two 8D batteries on our new P42 and even they have a hard enough time delivering the AC power demands of a microwave, etc., let alone the boat's DC systems. Terry
years cruising the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound and found no need for it. I recommend that you not install an inverter mainly because of the limited available DC storage that comes with your boat. A microwave (where on earth can you put it) will draw down the two batteries in short order. We had a color portable TV/VCR with a DC adapter but found that the batteries would deliver the amount of draw it needed to operate only when the propulsion engine was running. I'm afraid you might end up spending more money than you bargained for in order to use some inane appliance that provides marginal convenience. In addition to the inverter you would need to at least double your current battery capacity just to operate the smallest of AC devices. We have two 8D batteries on our new P42 and even they have a hard enough time delivering the AC power demands of a microwave, etc., let alone the boat's DC systems. Terry
Ed, Sorry For The Delay In Answering
I had not been checking back on this thread for a week or so. We will keep the P42 (KANDU) at Battery Park, Meigs 34. It is the cement pier that goes out to the breakwall. Just got the confirmation on that today. I had been on A40 at Battery Park since 97. I was really glad that they could accommodate us. We like it there. Winter will be at Sandusky Harbor. (It is still in the water on Kentucky Lake.) I have the 34 at Venitian but the water to get there is too thin. I am getting it ready to sell. You are right, it came with a 2000 watt inverter. It also has an 8 KW Kohler powered by a Yanmar diesel. I have not figured out the wiring panel. It has more switches than an airplane. Contact me directly if you like. wallacer@grangeinsurance.com. After all these years on the net I would enjoy meeting you sometime.
I had not been checking back on this thread for a week or so. We will keep the P42 (KANDU) at Battery Park, Meigs 34. It is the cement pier that goes out to the breakwall. Just got the confirmation on that today. I had been on A40 at Battery Park since 97. I was really glad that they could accommodate us. We like it there. Winter will be at Sandusky Harbor. (It is still in the water on Kentucky Lake.) I have the 34 at Venitian but the water to get there is too thin. I am getting it ready to sell. You are right, it came with a 2000 watt inverter. It also has an 8 KW Kohler powered by a Yanmar diesel. I have not figured out the wiring panel. It has more switches than an airplane. Contact me directly if you like. wallacer@grangeinsurance.com. After all these years on the net I would enjoy meeting you sometime.
HI RICHARD, WE HAVE A 1991 P42, THE PANEL...
of which I have spent many hours around and behind. I would be glad to answer any questions...please keep them simple. I just posted an article about my adventure in replacing the DC ammeter. Our P42 came with an Onan 8kw genset, which someone told me uses a Cummins engine. We just love our boat. Sails and handles like a dream. I've been going through several of her systems due to lack of use by the previous owner. Terry S/V Belle-Vie
of which I have spent many hours around and behind. I would be glad to answer any questions...please keep them simple. I just posted an article about my adventure in replacing the DC ammeter. Our P42 came with an Onan 8kw genset, which someone told me uses a Cummins engine. We just love our boat. Sails and handles like a dream. I've been going through several of her systems due to lack of use by the previous owner. Terry S/V Belle-Vie
Terry, I Also Have A Lightly Used 42
Sorry for the slow response. I am on the road this weekend and just got a few minutes to sit down at my daughters computer. The 42 we bought is also lightly used. It is a 94 with 207 hours on the main Yanmar diesel, and 55 hours on the 8kw Kohler (Yanmar)diesel. All the systems work but it is going to require some judicious labor to go over it before boating season. I also have to get it moved about 500 miles from Kentucky to northern Ohio sometime this winter. I am curious about any things that you found that were related to disuse. I saw your post on the meter. I think these all work at the moment. Anything else that you found that seemed to be related would be helpful.
Sorry for the slow response. I am on the road this weekend and just got a few minutes to sit down at my daughters computer. The 42 we bought is also lightly used. It is a 94 with 207 hours on the main Yanmar diesel, and 55 hours on the 8kw Kohler (Yanmar)diesel. All the systems work but it is going to require some judicious labor to go over it before boating season. I also have to get it moved about 500 miles from Kentucky to northern Ohio sometime this winter. I am curious about any things that you found that were related to disuse. I saw your post on the meter. I think these all work at the moment. Anything else that you found that seemed to be related would be helpful.
HI RICH, SOME OF THE THINGS I'VE...
discovered and repaired include a plugged holding tank vent. Either a critter built a nest in the scupper, or more likely solids backed up into the vent line under pressure. This was an easy fix once I found the problem. The freezer was low on R12 so had it topped off and it runs great. There were five frozen seacocks that the previous owner replaced as a condition of purchase. These need to be worked regularly to keep them clear. The main cabin heat pump compressor froze, so had it replaced. The rest of the stuff was minor, which involved replacing missing screws and bolts, whipping the ends of my lines, installing a line management system that I made, repacking the stuffing box, etc. Right now she is pretty ship shape. You might consider installing a hasp on the two lower transom lockers like I did to keep them from flying open if ever pooped. The instrument panel lights did not work because someone removed the fuse. She is a very comfy boat. We get lots of compliments on how beautiful she looks. She sails easy solo, which I do mostly. My first mate likes to sail when it's flat and no wind. If I think of anything else I'll let you know. Terry
discovered and repaired include a plugged holding tank vent. Either a critter built a nest in the scupper, or more likely solids backed up into the vent line under pressure. This was an easy fix once I found the problem. The freezer was low on R12 so had it topped off and it runs great. There were five frozen seacocks that the previous owner replaced as a condition of purchase. These need to be worked regularly to keep them clear. The main cabin heat pump compressor froze, so had it replaced. The rest of the stuff was minor, which involved replacing missing screws and bolts, whipping the ends of my lines, installing a line management system that I made, repacking the stuffing box, etc. Right now she is pretty ship shape. You might consider installing a hasp on the two lower transom lockers like I did to keep them from flying open if ever pooped. The instrument panel lights did not work because someone removed the fuse. She is a very comfy boat. We get lots of compliments on how beautiful she looks. She sails easy solo, which I do mostly. My first mate likes to sail when it's flat and no wind. If I think of anything else I'll let you know. Terry
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