Inverters

[StockHR]

I'm looking and not finding a suitable new refrigerator for the galley. I have found some nice 120 volt models to replace my old Norcold but away from the dock power becomes an issue. Has anyone had any experience with installing and using an inverter to power a small AC refigerator? I like the idea of buying a "marine" type that automatically switches from AC to DC but I just cant find one that I like. Thanks, Mike

[Veebyes2]

Try www.defender.com If no luck there, try an RV supply site. I don't have one offhand but www.rv.net & search on the forum should come up with something real quick.

[jleonard]

On my last boat (old 34 Mainship) I did the same thing...replaced the fridge with a 120 V only model and powered it off an inverter. Ran the system like that for about 9 years with absolutely no issues.
I bought a 1000W continuous, 1400W surge "Portawatz" (an el-cheapo) from Defender for less than $300 at the time, plus the remote switch since the inverter unit was to be mounted in the bilge next to the battery.
I ran an extension cord from the inverter to the cabinet next to the fridge and simply switched the plug from shore to inverter when we left the dock.
Kind of hokey set up and we forgot to switch a couple of times but never lost anything.
I could easily run the fridge for a 3 day weekend (in New England) on the 8 D with just a little genny time. We also never had a problem on a 3 week vacation because we would move every few days and charge batteries..Mainship is slow so we always had a few hours of run time between locations.
Hope this helps.
Jay

[Mariner]

What do you mean you "can't find one that you like"? I would think it would pretty much just be a matter of finding one that fits. Norcold, as well as many other manufacturers make a wide range of AC/DC refrigerators for the marine and RV market. I would think it would be easy to find one that would fit and this is certainly the route I'd go, as they would provide the best efficiency for both power sources.

A better alternative than installing an AC unit and using an inverter, would be to install a DC only unit, and make sure your battery charger is turned on when on shorepower.

[Pitou]

I can't say I am always a conformist, but I think the Marine and RV industry have figured the fridge thing out. The AC/DC units seem to make the most sense. AS Mariner says the straight DC fridges are fine as well. When connected to shorepower just put on the battery charger. That's my routine. I always make sure the starting battery is off and only the House is on. (I'm one of those DC fridge guys.)

While on the cruise I have stayed at docks that were traditional 3 prong and warned not to run an AC fridge as more than 2-3 boats were plugged into 1 - 20 amp circuit. All went to DC and ran battaery chargers. All on AC would have blown the shore side circuit if the fridges cycled at the same time. Remember, "Nice to Have Options".

For the inverter itself / great to have on board to run the 1st Mates Hairdryer, Coffee Pot and even that AC Blender or these days the laptop.
I run a PROsine 1800 / couldn't be happier with it. Be sure to put a switch between the battery and the inverter or it will always draw a little juice even with nothing running.

If staying on the hook and the boat has not moved for a while that day I usually fire-up the gen-set and put on the battery charger for an hour though not entirely necessary with an 8D House Battery. Again, "Nice to Have Options. Aren't Boaters always looking for a project

[Mariner]

We have a Freedom 25 inverter and I'm very happy with it. Between that and the genset, I find that all my electrical needs are met. Last summer that meant that even while anchored out on the north side of Stuart Island at the Canadian border, miles from the nearest shorepower outlet, we were able to fire up the espresso maker and enjoy fresh hot lattes in the morning. What luxury!

[Pitou]

Espresso Maker

Now, that's what the inverter is for and boating is all about !!!

[TonyAmalfitano]

I don't have a refrigerator, or an espresso maker.