Ranger 31 cockpit ice maker

[thagoort]

I'm told the cockpit ice maker runs only on AC, but that it will not operate off the batteries and the inverter.

Will it operate off the engine if the inverter switch is "on"?

Will it operate off the generator if the inverter switch is "on"? If so, Is it ok to run the generator while the boat is under way?

thagoort

 

[Andrew Custis]

We started wiring the inverter to only operate the microwave and outlets so it could not be overloaded. You'll need to turn your inverter on and see what switches light up on the panel to determine what is available to you for use. If the switch to the ice maker lights up on inverter power, you can run it without any issues. If it doesn't, you would have to move the ice maker from its current breaker to the lower group that is powered on inverter mode. Make sure you understand your power limits and know when to turn the inverter off.

Hope that helps!

 

[Connerkip]

The icemaker should run off the generator. no need for the inverter when generator is running.

You can run the generator when underway, but Andrew did tell me to keep it under 12 knots. Air induction from the stepped hull could compromise the impellor. Some old salts have told me not to run the generator for that reason, when underway.

I ran mine off and on over 1000 kmiles, at speed, down the ICW, with the impellor failing on the last day. You decide.

 

[HRowland]

I routinely run a portable ice maker with the inverter while underway. We typically make day trips and have a good amount of ice by the time we reach our destination. The small ice maker does not use much power and I sometimes run it from the batteries/inverter while anchored. On a day outing I only need the house bank for 5-6 hours or so and can be a little less thrifty in AH usage than when doing an overnight!

Howard