Peter Bennett wrote:

On Sat, 26 Mar 2005 10:40:18 -0800, Stephen Trapani
wrote:


So, say I've got a measley 2 group 27s and my old Yanmar 2GM15 and I
want to by a 2300watt continuous inverter. BUT...

I'm willing to run the Yanmar while I'm using any heavy loads like a
power tool, microwave, or electric heat and I only use the inverter
*without* running the Yanmar/alternator for small loads like a TV/VCR or
a boombox.

Any problem with that?

Stephen


If I recall correctly, the stock (Hitachi?) alternator on my 2GM was
only rated at 35 amps - that would only be enough to sustain a 3 amp
(360 watt) load at 120 volts. (I replaced the stock alternator with a
higher output unit, and a smart regulator, to give me some chance of
keeping the batteries charged.)

Given the small alternator, and your very small battery bank, I think
the 2300 watt inverter is excessively large. In any case, I would
strongly recommend doing some re-wiring so that you have a dedicated
starting battery, and the inverter, and other non-engine loads, will
run off separate deep cycle batteries.

Yeah, that would be cool. I've got a '79 Hunter 33.' Maybe I've got a
mental block but I can't figure out where I could possibly put another
battery bank. It's got little enough storage as it is. Seems I'd have to
use the, um lockers under the, um port and starboard settees. Yuck. I
wish I had more clearance above bilge pump in the bilge! The whole dang
bilge is only about 18 inches deep or so.

So that's why I've been asking about the cheaper, easier, but less
powerful solution with the 2 group 27s I know I can fit.

Forget about electric heat - it just isn't feasible with the batteries
you have.

Yeah, I've got a Force 10 propane. I'll get that working soon,
hopefully. I just thought maybe I could use the floor electric heater in
a backup situation if I needed to, on the 850watt setting if I need to.
Looks like it won't be good for much else.

The microwave, power tools (and possibly an electric
kettle) are OK, as they are short-term loads, and the total
ampere-hours used by them should be fairly low. The TV and boom box
would be on for longer periods, but are fairly low draw, so may also
be OK - but I would definitely want a separate starting battery!

So in order to do without the seperate starting battery I can manage
with careful planning, etc?

Stephen