On 24 Dec 2004 01:17:34 GMT, (Gammara2) wrote:

Brian- sorry i am a microwave neophyte-i appreciate everyones help. as i
underrstand it i need to get a 2000-3000 watt inverter, big wires, and beef up
my battery system to keep my wife happy- jim

This thread turned out to be useful, both to you and to me.
I had overlooked two effects that were mentioned:
that a 700watt microwave may well use more than its 'rated' power,
and that the power which it uses may well be reactive.

I deprecate the idea of a 700W oven using 1kW, because it reminds me
of the miniature horses that used to populate the engine compartments
of American cars.

It was interesting to remember too, that a starter motor can and
does drop a battery to a half or 2/3rds of its rated voltage, and a
microwave has a current requirement that may well cause a battery's
voltage to droop seriously too, if either the battery or the leads are
under-rated.
A neophyte would be well-advised to use short battery leads to the
inverter, and longer mains power leads to the oven.
If cable conductors as thick as your index finger are not available,
mulitple leads would work. A higher-rated inverter is nearly always a
very good idea, in a boat.

Happy Christmas

Brian Whatcott
Altus OK

I have taken to reheating my coffee in a "Sierra cup" (metal camp cup).
Best coffee maker is stainless/vacuum French Press type, water is heated in
teapot on stove & poured in.
Lee Haefele
Nauticat 33 Alesto
"Tamaroak" wrote in message
...
I took the microwave off the boat when I figured out what it would do to my
battery capacity while on the hook. I have a propane stove and oven and
have never missed the microwave.

Capt. Jeff