Inverter and Remote Control Unit

[cwarren]

I am shopping around for a 2000W inverter. Currently, I'm going back and forth between the Xantrex/Heart Freedom 458 and the Freedom Marine. I think the Marine version has an aluminum case. The wise decision is to purchase the Marine model, but is it really that important if it's mounted in the cabin? I know there can still be a lot of moisture in the cabin.

Also, are any of you charging two battery banks and if so, what Xantrex/Heart control unit (remote) are you using?

Thanks!

The April, 2005 issue of Powerboat Reports (http://www.powerboat-reports.com) had a test of various 2000W inverters. I recommend you read this.

Raul

[chuck4788]

I think the difference between the Marine and 458 is also features. Some of the non-marine units are stackable but I don't see a need for this feature on a boat. I just upgraded to a Heart Freedom 2000 because I wanted to use a Link 2000 to monitor batteries and control the inverter. My other inverter had a remote and I used a Link 20 to monitor batteries, the Link 2000 consolidated both functions into one display. It is also much easier to use than the inverter remote. I bought the old style on eBay because it is easier to read with the light grey face rather than the newer Xantrex version with the black face. Hookup to the inverter is with a telephone cord.
The Heart and Trace inverters have so much surge capacity that you don't really need anything bigger than a 1000 watt unit for a boat, it'll run the cofffee pot a hair dryer and the microwave. Maybe not all at once, but at least two. I used a 1000 watt on a boat for years with no problems, however the 100 amp charger on the bigger inverter is worth the extra bucks because it allows you to quickly bulk charge the batteries with out a lot of generator run time, that is why I installed a 2000 watt unit.
The inverter folks don't want their inverters installed in engine rooms, so I stuck mine under a seat that was sorta close to the batteries. But you must vent the compartment, I also connected the inverter fan to a grill so it could draw in cool air.

The West marine catalog and the West Advisor also have some good info, check out:
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/WestAdvisorListView?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001

also some additional info on batteries check out the installation questions at:
http://www.yandina.com/combInfo.htm

My recommendation is to use a marine inverter.

[cwarren]

Thanks for all of the great information. I went with the Heart Freedom 2000W Marine version. It should arrive tomorrow. Now I need to figure out how to wire it.

[Go Aweigh2452]

the directions will be very easy to understand and complete... its running the wire and putting holes in places that really is a pain...

[chuck4788]

Doug is right on, the problem is routing wires. The manual will have seveal very good illustrations of different setups. Read the manual carefully and find a setup option that fits the way you want your installation. You can go to the Xantrex web site and download a manual if you want to begin your planning before the inverter arrives.
I don't know what size boat you have or how many circuits you will put on the inverter, of the three inverter installs I have done these are some of my preferences:

Install a Link 2000 to control the inverter and monitor batteries.
No electric heaters or stoves on inverter.
Inverters will run almost anything, including computers.
Microwaves cook a little slower on modified sine wave inverters.
Inverter circuits must have a dedicated neutral bus.
Inverters can generate a lot of heat, ventilate well.
Golf cart batteries are the cheapest and best for inverters and house.
Trojan make the best golf cart batteries, try Allied Battery.
The construction methods for 8D and 4D bateries do not allow thick enough plates for them to be deep cycle, they will have a short life!
Rewiring the AC panel is tedious, keep notes and make sketches.

Good luck