On Sat, 19 Mar 2005 23:58:23 -0500, Larry W4CSC
wrote:
As to powering the boat from shore and inverter, you install a transfer
switch between the sources, ensuring the inverter is never connected in
parallel with the power company from the dock. It's, essentially, a double
pole switch, mounted in a box with a lockout so you can't run both,
simultaneously. Any home generator transfer switch will work on your
inverter system.

==========================
The better grades of marine inverter/chargers have built in, automatic
transfer switches. This is the most convenient arrangement for
permanent installations. The inverter has a hard wired AC input
coming from your distribution panel, and a hard wired AC output going
back to the panel. When the inverter senses AC voltage on the input
side (either from your generator or shorepower), it automatically
switches out of invert mode and into charge mode.

Unfortunately these units are considerably more expensive than the
Walmart variety but they are really the right way to go for a long
term installation.

Practical Sailor just reviewed inverter/chargers and recommended the
new Xantrex MS2000.

A quick Google search popped up a few sites selling it for about
$1500.

http://www.donrowe.com/inverters/ms2000.html