I put a 1000 watt inverter (2000 watt surge) in my trawler. Perfect
size, operates everything. You don't want to operate a lot on batteries.

It will run the coffee pot, but a kettle on the stove is better. The
thinking is, instead of getting a big enough inverter to run your
biggest load, you do not use electricity for your biggest loads.
Heating elements are battery killers.

I use the microwave, and anything else I wish. I'm good for 3 days at
anchor using everything, refrig and all. House batteries, are 2 8Ds.
#2 is one 8D for starting only. You don't have room for that many
batteries. What do you have, group 27s?

Can I fix it so that it's got an on/off switch but automatically
kicks off when I go to shore power?

That's called "automatic switching". One switch alternates between
inverter and shore power.

Hire yourself a good marine electrician, it's well worth it. There are
a couple of books at the book store, "The 12 Volt Bible", and others.
Jim



Michael Robison wrote:
I'd like to put an inverter in our 2460 Regal. I'm not completely clueless
when
it comes to electrical, but I'm not sure about all the options and
installation
issues. Can you point me to where I can learn what I need to know?

I'm thinking I want a 2000W with 3500W surge. That should handle a small
microwave or coffee pot. I notice there's a no-load drag that increases
with
the wattage.

Here are a few of my questions:

Can I fix it so that it's got an on/off switch but automatically kicks off
when I
go to shore power?

Are there any special features associated with a marine-specific inverter?
I figure GFI might be one.

Are there any models you would recommend? Any web sites to find out
about how to do an installation?

My batteries are going on 4 years old. Should I bail on them before they
start giving me problems? I've thought about maybe seeing if I can find
room for one battery that's bigger than the installed one so that I'll have
a
little more reserve. Is this a good idea? Is it practical?

Are there any other issues that I should be aware of?

Thank you, Michael