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SUBJECT: # 13246: Inverters or Gensets?
Submitted by CaptOz (206.18.106.217) from Australia on 12/28/1999 2:11:00 AM
I have a 30-foot flybridge with 12-volt fridge and TV/VCR. I would like to add a microwave oven which of course would require 125 / 240 volts. Hence I was thinking about installing either an inverter or genset. I like the idea of a genset as it would mean I would not have to worry about flattening the batteries.
Those who own gensets, do you think they are a worthwhile investment or a pain in the arse? What type of gensets are the best for low-end use?
- 12/28/1999 9:31:00 AM
Submitted by
ed (204.151.168.2) from NEW YORK says power
I have a 28' with no room for a genset. I have 2- 4d gell batteries that power a 1500 watt inverter.I run a 700 watt microwave, 9" tv/vcr ,12v refrig, lights etc. If you pay attention to your power usage the inverter is great. The microvave is the big culprit but is only on for 10 minutes tops . Be more careful when the wife's on board , hair dryers can drain a battery in minutes! :] If you are going out on a canyon run , or an extended tour around australia ,I'd get the gen-set.
- 12/28/1999 9:11:00 PM
Submitted by
Bayoudog (209.213.130.95) from TEXAS says Reason for Genset
Capt. Oz/I have a diesel genset on my trawler, and have had a gas genset on my previous boat, a 31ft Chris Sportfish. The only reason for a generator in my book is to run air conditioning because it gets hot here in the summer. If not for a/c I wouldn't need a genset. Not that they are any trouble, but it is like having another engine to maintain - oil changes, zincs, impellers, etc. just like a normal engine. If you don't have air, an 8-D deep cycle battery with an inverter will take care of 99% of all house needs. Tight lines
- 12/28/1999 11:27:00 PM
Submitted by
CaptOz (206.18.106.205) from Australia says Questions for Ed and Bayoudog
I have three batteries on-board. When at rest, I use just two, leaving the third switched off. What I am finding is that after 4-5 hours of running the 12-volt fridge, lights and TV, the voltage is starting to suffer. I experience problems such as:1) The toilet can hardly pump. 2) The TV will switch itself off. 3) The anchor winch slows right up and trips the breaker.
The batteries are quite new and I think have a fairly hefty reserve (though they look the same size as a big car battery). Am I wrong, but would a 1500W inverter coast as much as a small genset? Would an 8D battery with inverter be sufficient to last 4-5 hours?
- 12/29/1999 9:36:00 AM
Submitted by
ed (204.151.168.2) from NEW YORK says power
Car sized batteries won't cut it. I would suggest 4-d or 8-d sized batteries, gel cell if you have a good battery charger . these are huge batteries weighing over 100 lbs.If you go to the west marine web page and use their advisor page, they have a chart system and a formula to figure out how much power you are using and how much battery you will need. I'll see if I can find the URL. You might also want to install an amp/hr meter to watch your power consumption.
- 12/29/1999 7:13:00 PM
Submitted by
Bayoudog (4.13.10.174) from TEXAS says To Capt Oz
Capt Oz/God advice above by Ed. That's what deep cycle 4-D's & 8-D's are ideal for. A small gas (3-4KW) marine generator will cost you about 3 times as much as an inverter. It is true you can buy a portable generator for under $500 but those are not suitable for a boat. If you are only using it for your fridge & TV, then I would probably stick with an inverter. Perhaps the last thing you want to do is watch TV with the background hum and vibration of a generator. Not only is an inverter less expensive & less (actually zero) maintainance, but it is silent and could rechange your battery from the engine alternator under way or when back at the slip with shore power. As stated above, if not for my need for vast quantities of watts to run my air conditioners, I would have never wanted a generator. In fact, I may be adding an inverter for that time of the year when a/c is not needed. Keep us posted/Bayoudog