geni or batteries and inverter?

[bandit86]

My boat has 3 batteries right now, thinking about getting a 3000watt inverter, maybe an extra one or two batteries. Or would I be better off getting a small 2kw generator instead? It's just basically for running lights, runninglights, vhf, fish finder a tv or a stereo when out on the lake for the whole weekend.

 

[islandboat]

Re: geni or batteries and inverter?

Depends on how long and how many watts you will be drawing from the battery bank and invertor. I like the idea of 2 or 3 batteries for the invertor seperate from boats main batteries. They take up a little bit of room but it is a quiet way to produce 120 volts. <br />I lost my generator the night of Katrina and ended up using 6 group 31 batteries and a 2000watt invertor to run a TV, fan and 5500 btu AC at night. Carried the batteries to work each day for recharge but we had piece and quiet late at night and a little bit of 120 volt power. <br />You should be able to get an idea of the power needed by adding up the draw from the items that you will be using and compare that to the amp hours of the batteries that you plan to use. You shouldn't need invertor power for the vhf, running lights or fishfinder and a 12 volt TV may allow you to do away with an invertor.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: geni or batteries and inverter?

If you decide on a 3000w inverter, the type of batts become an issue. You will need storage capacity not cranking capacity. If you mix and match it becomes a headache.<br /><br />Personally, I prefer inverter power over a genny simple because of the noise factor.<br /><br />BTW, if it's just a TV/DVD you need mains power for then a 300w inverter will do the job, no problems.

 

[roscoe]

Re: geni or batteries and inverter?

Everything you wish to run, is available in 12v versions, including the tv. Why mess with inverting?

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: geni or batteries and inverter?

Depends how big his boat is. There are circumstances that dictate mains power over 12volt power.<br /><br />For instance - I run a 68cm TV, can't get one of those in 12v. I also have a antenna rotator, once again, not available in 12v. Then the wife wants to use her hairdryer - ever tried a 12v drier? Coffee machine, bread maker.....................

 

[Steamboat]

Re: geni or batteries and inverter?

Instead of batteries and inverters (batteries size and weight may be a problem - especially in a smaller boat) you may want to look at the small portable Honda or Yamaha gas generators. Their very quite and efficient and you can mount them on the swim platform or outside the cabin area.