For the Microwave, an inverter and a couple of T105, or L16 batteries
would be just fine. Your existing batteries may or may not be large
enough. Microwaves use a lot of power when 'on', but their on cycle
is typically not very long. So overall the total power draw is not
that great. For heating water though, not too likely... Heating
uses a lot of energy for a rather long period of time and containing
that muck energy in batteries is just not too practical.

Not knowing your boat or needs, there are a few options for heating
water: As you have an outboard, hooking into the engine cooling loop
is not an option for you. For dishes, sponge bath: Just use the
stove or microwave. Same for cooking. There are also instant
propane water heaters available, again not sure if one would work for
you or not and there is some controversy about their safety.

And then there is the idea of a small portable generator. Might be a
good solution for your situation, get a good quite one, takes little
room. Or, perhaps both! Use the Inverter to run the Microwave when
you want, then run the Generator once a day to recharge the batteries
and make hot water.

-al-



On Mon, 3 Jul 2006 20:39:07 -0700, "Duffer2"
wrote:

Thinking about installing a 2000watt Power Inverter to run a 1000W (1350W @
120vac consumed) microwave oven and to heat my hot water tank 1200W @
120vac not at the same time.

Or to use a 2KW portable generator.

When heating the water, I estimate that the run time is about 20 minutes to
achieve max temp.

I'm wondering if my house batteries could handle the additional load of an
inverter.

My boat has a 300HP outboard with 60-70 Amp alternator (i cannot increase or
change the alternator)

help is neeed for an old "Duffer"