Inverter Draining batteries

S

sjreib

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 8, 2015
Messages
115
Fluid Motion Model
R-23 (Outboard)
Non-Fluid Motion Model
Cutwater 30CB
Vessel Name
Island Time
I have a 2017 C30CB with the standard inverter/charger setup. I'm on shore power and away from the boat most of the winter with heaters in the cabin and engine compartment. The inverter shows full. If there is a power outage at the marina will my new expensive batteries be drained and ruined? or is there a way to keep the inverter from engaging and protect the batteries in the event of a power outage.
I do not add antifreeze, but do add vodka to the fresh water system.

Thanks for the input,
Steve
 
Hi Steve, which inverter charger do you have? The Kisae? There aren’t a lot of firmware settings on the older version of that, the newer version is better. My 2016 c30-cb had the Promariner which was garbage. I found a new Kisae on Craiglist that has the firmware which does what you describe, keeps the inverter off in case of power failure.
 
My Ranger R31 has a Promariner charger/inverter, and the Promariner installation on the Ranger is designed to pick up the 115 volt outlets on the inverter after a loss of shorepower -- so yes, on my boat, if I left any loads on the outlets, the Promariner would take the batteries down after a loss of shorepower. The solution I chose was one I picked up here. I had a professional marine electrician install two more 115 volt outlets, one each connected to the two incoming 115 volt shorepower lines (one outlet in the cabin and one in the engine compartment). My AC switchboard conveniently had two unused "accessory breakers" on the two incoming lines. The electrician was very surprised at the original design -- until he worked through the schematics and the Promariner manual with me. I probably could have done the work myself, but I'm not as flexible as I once was, and decided it would be better (and safer) to go with a pro.
 
+1 to dbsea -- if you have the Kisae inverter put it in "In0" mode (find the manual online for the exact sequence of button presses and follow them exactly, including the waiting times). That will turn off the inverter in case of power outage. There are other modes, too, depending on the model.

The 2017 model yeat was around the time of changeover from Promariner, if I recall correctly, so it might be either one on the boat.

There are other options for Promariner as bemiller says.
 
Thank you for your useful replies. I have the Abso Kisae I/C and as mentioned the default is to engage the inverter with an external power failure. I looked in the manual and there is as mentioned a "non-backup mode" which can be selected- In0,
this will prevent the inverter from energizing the AC outlets. I assume the charger is still functioning to keep the batteries topped off so the bilge pumps will function.
Once the external power has been restored, will the inverter re-engage?? Being away from the boat(snowbird) creates some issues in the winter months

Steve
Island Time; C30CB
 
I don’t have a C30CB just our 2017 C28. It’s in our driveway on shore power right now. My inverter is turned off all winter - even when we are away for extended periods like we are this month. I’m not at all worried about loss of shore power to the boat.
I run several A/C powered heaters and dehumidifier in the boat but I’d rather risk them being off for a while during power failures than toasting my batteries. The heaters are an extra but not critical factor since the boat is fully winterized.
And are much colder in Ashland than around the Seattle area. We’ve already been in the low 20’s and February typically sees a couple of single digit nights.
My solution to ensuring the batteries stay topped off is a 335 watt solar panel with a VE 100/30 MPPT controller. Even over extended cloudy winter weather the solar panel provides more than enough AmpHrs to keep the batteries fully charged. The solar system can easily handle the refrigerator and all of the always on systems on board.
Just a thought to reduce your battery worries!
 
Xantrex makes a combi unit that can be programed to not have an automatic transfer switch. It is an easy replacement for the Promariner.
 
Steve -- yes with In0 mode the charger works and shore power is passed through whenever it is available. The only difference is that the inverter will not run from the batteries.

We never use AC when we're away from marinas and have left our inverter in In0 mode for at least a year. If we ever wanted AC awhile on the hook, I have the diagram in the cave on how to switch back to In1. HTH!

BTW I also use an iSocket device that monitors power and text you when it goes out, back on, etc. Can monitor temperature too and turn on or off an outlet. Occasionally flaky due to cell reception but worth the $5 a month IMO. There are more complex monitoring systems of course but the simplicity of that one is great.
 
In5 mode would be nice -- but probably it's not on the inverter for the original question (2017 model). Our early 2019 model doesn't have it; I think they added that mode later in 2019. Agreed it is a good addition!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

  • Tugnuts.com is the community hub for Ranger Tug, Cutwater, and Solara owners. Since its inception in 2008, the Tugnuts forum has grown into an active and thriving community of more than 9,000 members. It serves as both a meeting place for the best boating community online, and an invaluable archive of information.

  • User menu
Back
Top