It's funny how some things just really work as they are suppose to, and Boat Inverters really do. No matter if you have a new or used powerboat or sailboat, this item is one you should have. It doesn't matter if you have a marine generator aboard because your Inverter will give you 120 volts any where you are, with reasonable cost and no noise.There are several brands and models to choose from starting with a cigarette plug-in for about 300 watts of power @ 120 volts to Inverters that supply what your marine generator does. Yes, they can even run a small A/C unit. All you really need is a good set of batteries that can handle the voltage draw these Inverters take and a good charging system. The boat or Marine Inverters are made for your boats' environment and has safety features in it to keep you out of harms way. They do need some ventilation, and I personally would not put them close to the bilge or in your boats engine compartment.
What's nice about them as I mentioned is that they are quiet. So in the mornings when your crew is still asleep, you don't have to rattle them up by starting your boat generator. I turn on my Inverter, plug in my electric coffee pot and presto the aroma of coffee starts filling the cabin. Once you do install an Inverter, you can wire it to separate outlets around the boat or yacht, such as the Salon, Galley, Head, and Staterooms. You can even change the 120 volt plug outlets you have by making the top plug outlet for shore power/generator and the bottom plug outlet for the Inverter. Just make sure you color code them. Check with your electrician.
Your Boat Inverter takes 12 volt electricity from your batteries and turns it into 120 volts. It uses the 12 volts just like anything else would, but at a much higher rate. If you are using it to power a computer or a stereo, that won't use too much 12 volts. Like using some cabin lights. But power a drill or a coffee maker, that would be like turning on everything in your boat plus spot lights! The 12 volt consumption goes up as you need more wattage to run something. Large Inverters need good size battery banks so they don't drain your batteries too quickly. Smaller boat Inverters need smaller requirements.
Your Marine store will help you pick the right one for your needs or surf the web to get all the info you need. It's nice to have 120v when you don't have a generator, and also nice to have them both...Enjoy the quiet!
