Chuck Gould wrote:
On Jul 25, 10:00?am, HK wrote:
...one I can install in a compartment in the center console of my new
boat and hardwire direct to one of the batteries. I'm not looking for a
lot of power...enough to run a laptop, a small "boombox" type FM radio,
et cetera. Clean power is important, but not current draw. I'd like
something that isn't going to corrode out on me in a season. It won't be
directly exposed to the elements.

Under $100.

Suggestions?

Oh...if you are in my killfile, don't waste your time responding. I
won't see it.

Harry,

I spent about $100 on an inverter at West Marine several years ago.

I spent a lot more on the two 6-volt batteries I installed in a
dedicated bank than on the inverter itself.

My experience with the inverter has been very good. I use it to run my
laptop when writing stories etc on the boat. We used it to power
holiday lights during the winter boat parades. We have used it to run
our
portable color TV and VCR to watch movies while on the hook.

We probably only use the inverter 25-30 hours per year, as the rest of
the time we're not running anything at anchor or we're on shore power.
We really don't have any need for AC current when underway.

Our inverter has a set of cooling fins and includes a fan. The fan can
be slightly noisy, but that's the only negative aspect of that
inverter. If you don't need to run huge AC loads and don't need the
converter (charger) functions, your $100 budget should just about get
you by.





Thanks. I was thinking of a small unit from West Marine. Did you buy a
West-branded unit or something else? My AC loads will consist of an IPOD
boom box (low current draw), my laptop (rarely), and perhaps a cell
phone or camera battery charger. That kind of stuff.