SO 35 (2005) Inverter specs

[avrora]

Hi,

TLDR - What are the specs of our inverter?


We've never really made use of the inverter on our 2005 SO35. I think years ago 'someone' told me it would kill the batteries and we just never used it.  We have operated for years in an area with an abundance of shore power and it just didn't enter into the equation.

That is about to all change. We are moving to Greece.

We are not on the boat at the moment and can't check the manuals.  I'm not even sure I have an inverter manual.

Does anyone know the specs of the factory installed 2005 inverter on a SO35?

What can be done with it?  I mean for example - if I run the engine could we put a kettle through it- or is that ridiculous?

Thanks for any help!  

[Charlie-Bravo]

Although having a 35, we have no inverter, so I can’t advise on that , but being tech, and from 2005, a new one may perform better than the existing.

 Solar and or wind to give you extra battery charging may be a thing to consider, you can power a low wattage kettle with an inverter, also a microwave, induction hob , hair dryer etc etc, (not perhaps all at the same time) but getting power back into the batteries is key when going adrift for weeks or longer.
Extra batteries or bigger ones to enlarge the capacity of the house bank would also be something to consider, or going the whole way and converting to lithium ……….. which I only dream about, my power requirements are small, cold beer and chilled pizza and the nav instruments are all I need.

Working out how much power you actually need generally leads to the correct solution for your boat.

CB

[Trevor]

Hello avrora,

To provide some guidance from those of us who are not sure of the factory fitout of the 35, if when you get to your boat, you could provide the specifications of the inverter we could provide better information on what you can do with that inverter. As CB says, solar power can be very reassuring if the batteries are providing significant current for the inverter.

People use inverters all the time and batteries survive that so it is not unusual or extreme to do so. When you get to your boat you may like to think about the capacity of the house batteries and how they are charged. That way forum members could provide some thoughts on the capability of the system and maybe ways to improve it if that is something of interest.

Regards,

Trevor

[avrora]

Thanks for the responses.  I'll try and find it when I'm out there and get the details.  I imagine it's behind the switch panel because I've never found it by accident.

[Don Reaves]

I my 2004 SO35, the battery charger is below the instrument panel in the space next to the chart table. You might find your inverter in that area.

[zaphod]

I would expect the inverter to be close to the batteries if it is a reasonable size simply because of the cable size required to feed it. (A 1000w inverter will draw over 80a @ 12v)

You certainly CAN ruin your batteries with an inverter if you run them down too low on a regular basis. You just have to be aware of your battery capacity and condition before you start putting big loads on them.

When you are off grid, your goal should be to have your batteries as close to fully charged as possible every day. With lead acid batteries, they will permanently lose capacity if they are kept at a partial state of charge for extended periods, so it is not just about your battery capacity, but your ability to replace the power you consumed.