Microwave cabinet

[jcollins]

It would be a lot more efficient to make popcorn the old-fashioned way - in a little oil in a pot on the butane stove!

You're right! And it would taste better too.

[Pitou]

Another idea ... Weve kicked around the idea of putting a decent toaster oven in the microwave cabinet. The thought has been that having a small oven to bake a few meals would be nice (must be 31TE envy ). Prep some items before the weekend or make aboard ... lasagna, chicken pie, baked stuffed haddock/shrimp etc.. The last two would go great with a steak from the grill. We're lucky to have the gen-set to allow this as I think a toaster oven would be too much strain on the 12 volt house system using an inverter when away from shore power.

Speaking of inverters ... Being in the middle of a raft-up one morning and not being able to use the gen-set to make coffee sent me on a mission to install an inverter ... I need my coffee ... wished I had a french press or stovetop coffee pot for the Glo-Mate that morning, though I did hunt down a cup aboard another boat ... they had an inverter.

We now use the inverter to power the microwave on fishing trips while on the troll making poached eggs, bacon, 60 second hotdogs and for lots of other quick tasks. Carry a 2 slice toaster and you have bacon & egg sandwiches with very little mess. The guys do enjoy a morning fishing trip aboard the Albin! The microwave does supplement the Glo-Mate when putting together a larger meal that requires galley prep. A side of rice comes to mind. And yes, guilty here too of spinning up some Redenbacher's for movie night!

Whatever one chooses for that space ... more storage by making a closed cabinet, placing a basket inside or utilizing the cabinet for a microwave or toaster oven, it sure is nice to know that there are options for one's type of boating.

[jcollins]

I need my coffee

Me too. I have a single cup Keurig. Perfect.
We do all of our meals on the Solaire grill. I have a piece of marble that I put on the engine box and put the grill on top.

[Nancy]

Kevin,

What's your battery configuration and what size is your inverter? Microwaves suck a lot of juice!

[Pitou]

Kevin,

What's your battery configuration and what size is your inverter? Microwaves suck a lot of juice!

4D for starting and 2 - 6 volt golf cart batteries for the house providing 340 amp hours. I've never had issue & my fridge is 12 volt only as well. When new the boat was delivered with a group 28 for the house and that was totally inadequate. I first replaced it with a 4 D and then moved over to the golf cart batteries that together had as much or more amp hrs. Than the 4D and are more heavily plated.

The inverter is an 1800 Pro-sine from Xantrex.

John - I've been eyeing the Solaire after enjoying a couple of meals off of RicM's. Those are fantastic units!

[Nancy]

Kevin, how many amp hours do the two golf cart batteries provide?

We have two Group 27 battteries (115 amp-hours). One is designated for starting and the other for house. The house battery keeps the 12V-only fridge running (and other minor use) for 24 hours. We're planning to add another battery to get one more day without running the engine or the Honda 1000 generator. We're trying to avoid a huge re-design if possible.

[Pitou]

340 amp hours from house bank / 2 golf cart bats.

[Nancy]

OK, thanks. Wasn't sure if that was 340 for just the two GC's.

[RobS]

Just for comparison: My Interstate 4D deep cycle is 390

[Nancy]

Just for comparison: My Interstate 4D deep cycle is 390

How many pounds per AH?

[D.Gideon]

We often used our microwave and other 110v appliances on our previous boat via an inverter, but we had three 8Ds. Probably would be a problem with our one 4D. Might just get an inverter, and see how it goes.

Thanks,
David.

[RobS]

As far as coffee, Starbucks instant is a staple on my boat for when we are not plugged in. The admiral always has the teapot at the ready for her tea. The Starbucks instant is great, a bit pricey but for these times it is perfect.

[rcwhite]

I have been eyeing the microwave for additional storage for some time but my wife didn't want to give up the microwave.
At first I was thinking of adding a cabinet next to the microwave but relocating the microwave seemed like a better use of the space and a bit less work as a bonus. Solved the towel holder location question at the same time. Moved the fire extinguisher along side the companionway under the panel to keep it close by and visible.

[Russell]

That really looks good and expands the galley into unused space.

[kathylsails]

Building the shelf and relocating the microwave was a brilliant idea! It looks fantastic and seems very functional.