Which Inverter?

[AJ_n_Audrey]

I have read many of the threads on inverters & inverter / chargers, and I have referred to Nigel Calder's books, and yet I am still unsure. I had a Xantrex inverter/charger (came with the boat) that was fried by lightning en route to the Bahamas last year. This happened two weeks before my planned crossing date, so I installed a Mastervolt charger and skipped the inverter choice. I had already done some reading on the subject, and thought I was better off separating charger from inverter anyway.

So, now I want to add an inverter. I considered a portable inverter because my needs are modest, but decided to go with an installed unit to provide scalability. I do not have big electrical needs - maybe a small microwave as my biggest electrical draw. Otherwise just charging laptops, phones, etc. I see the following: Xantrex Freedom Xi True Sine Wave Inverter, 2000W, 120V AC with Transfer Switch for $690. Why not go this way? I would love a Victron inverter, but they are 2X the Xantrex.

Opinions please?

[john61ct]

Magnum.

Xantrex makes good gear but God their after-warranty service may as well not exist.

Besides Magnum, Victron, Vanner, MasterVolt, Sterling, Outback, ProMariner but all pricey.

Samlex and Tripplite good middle ground

[Zven]

I got myself a super cheap Chinese unit. May not last long but I believe it's not an essential ship system anyway... Like my TV set, it does not need to be marine grade etc.

[john61ct]

Another approach, maybe for those liveaboard "campers" starting from scratch, is to shoot for DC-only as much as possible.

And for those few must-have AC devices, pick up (much cheaper) small inverters to feed them, one dedicated per.

In use, switch them on and off as needed, will save **a lot** of power, make the boat much less dependent on shore or long genny runs for power.

[AJ_n_Audrey]

Thanks for the replies. I am watching this thread. As for doing without an inverter and "camping", or using a portable, I thought about going that route because by nature I am more of a "camper". But if I want to attract my wife aboard, I kind of concluded I need an inverter

[skipmac]

I just checked eBay and found some great deals on the Victron compact 2000 inveter/charger. Cheaper than their standalone inverter only. Found one listed for $999, brand new not used.

Only a little more than the Xantrex and you will have a backup charger.

Not sure if I'm allowed to post eBay links but a search could find it or let me know and I'll send a PM.

[Mr B]

When my 2000 Watt Xantrax invertor got drowned, 12 Volt by 110 volts, USA Boat,
Replacement here was $2000-00
I looked at the back of it to find out where it was made,
WOW, How about that, It was made in China,
So I tracked down the manufacturer in China who made the Xantrax invertor,
They also make their own invertors with their name on them,
Xantrax is yellow, Theirs was blue,
So I bought a new one of theirs,
5000 Watt pure sine with a 10,000 Watt Surge, 12 volt to 240 volt, We have 240 volts here,
$500-00 USD and free delivery,
I couldnt be happier with it,

[AJ_n_Audrey]

I see the Magnum CSW 2012 online for $462. That's looking pretty good to me unless someone knows of a reason why that's a bad idea.

[redsky49]

I have had two disappointing experiences with Xantrex. So when I was in the market for a new inverter/charger I went with Magnum.

12 years later and I am still convinced it was/is the best on the market.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by AJ_n_Audrey

I see the Magnum CSW 2012 online for $462. That's looking pretty good to me unless someone knows of a reason why that's a bad idea.

Looks good to me Magnum has a reputation as a premium device.

You might also check Sterling, who have a good reputation for simple, inexpensive, but well designed and reliable gear.

[AJ_n_Audrey]

With regard to my former Xantrex, I agree (and the electrician who looked at it agreed) that it was not a great unit. The electrician I consulted in Fort Pierce said he had removed more dead Xantrex units from boats than any other brand.

[Tricolor]

You decided for the charger to go for the best on the market "Mastervolt" why go for the inverter for less. Accept the pain and go again for the best money can buy "Mastervolt"

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by AJ_n_Audrey

But if I want to attract my wife aboard, I kind of concluded I need an inverter

Yah, my method is get the boat (or whatever living arrangement at the time) set up the way I want, then use that to help screen my choice of partners.

Has worked well for me so far 8-)

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by Tricolor

You decided for the charger to go for the best on the market "Mastervolt" why go for the inverter for less. Accept the pain and go again for the best money can buy "Mastervolt"

Funny.

[AJ_n_Audrey]

Originally Posted by Tricolor

You decided for the charger to go for the best on the market "Mastervolt" why go for the inverter for less. Accept the pain and go again for the best money can buy "Mastervolt"

I agree about the quality of Mastervolt, but the Mastervolt inverter is nearly 3X the cost of the Magnum, and I have other items yet to address on my fix-it list. Sadly, I do not have unlimited funds (if I did, I'd own a Valiant 42), and I am already using creative accounting and, er, hidden credit cards to keep the full scale of the investment in my boat partially obscured from the view of my better half.........and, to her credit, she has been remarkably indulgent.

Another way to look at it is this: if the charger fails, I have a real problem, whereas if the inverter fails, it's only an inconvenience, at least for me.