Power Outlets/ Inverter 2017 C-28

[NautiTug]

New to me 2017 C-28 Question.

Slip I currently in does not have shore power. Am I able to use the power outlets inside? I assumed I could using the inverter. Could someone confirm the steps to engierze the power outlets using the inverter. Thanks!

 

[Eric R]

I have the same boat. My process is:

Turn all the breakers on the panel off.
Push and hold the Inverter switch for a second until it turns on.
Switch the knob on the breaker panel to Inverter.
Turn on the breakers for the outlets/whatever else you need.

Note: The inverter will not power the heat/air conditioning, so don't try to turn that on.

 

[Irish Mist]

Just remember converting battery power to normal house hold power uses a lot of your battery.. Don't let the batteries get too low before you run the engine and get them topped up. If it is a phone charger or something small it is not too bad but a coffee machine or a toaster.. they use a lot.

 

[Chimo]

Good advice on usage. The first time I used the inverter on the hook I was surprised how fast battery voltage dropped. Since then I never use it without the engine running. My phone I charge directly from the 12V outlets.

 

[NautiTug]

Thanks all. It ended up being the GFCI on the inverter itself was tripped!

 

[Red Raven]

Good advice on usage. The first time I used the inverter on the hook I was surprised how fast battery voltage dropped. Since then I never use it without the engine running. My phone I charge directly from the 12V outlets.

Just a note regarding battery voltage when using the inverter. The temporary voltage drop when using the inverter to power large appliances is due to the large current draw. The inverter multiplies the battery voltage by 10. To do this it has to draw 10 times the current from the battery. For instance, if the microwave draws 10 amps at 120volts the inverter will draw 100 Amps from the battery at 12 volts! 100 amps will cause a significant voltage drop due to the battery output resistance. If it only runs for a minute though it only uses 100/60 = 1.7 Amp Hours. Considering you have 100 amp hours of usable capacity it is not a large amount of your total capacity. Running it much longer starts to really add up though.

While it looks scary to see such a voltage drop it is not an indication of reduced battery state of charge or of any problem. As long as you use the appliance for a short period of time (typical for a microwave) running the boat while the appliance is on is not necessary. The battery voltage will recover when the appliance is turned off. We use our microwave all the time without starting the boat. It will use up capacity more quickly so we do limit it’s use and make sure we get the battery charged back up each day but running the boat with each use is not necessary. It certainly doesn’t hurt though.

If using the inverter to power a 120v appliance that runs for long period (e.g., a crock pot) I would definitely recommend the engine be running while on the inverter. Having said this, I have a separate small inverter used to charge our stick vac that runs continuously when the boat is running or not. It doesn’t use much power even with the inverter.

Curt

 

[Contento]

Quick question for Red Raven: What make and model of "stick vac" do you use. I've used sever different types of small vacs and non have really worked that great.

 

[Red Raven]

Dysun. Expensive but worth the extra money for the superior performance and quieter motor in my opinion.