12 Volt DC Vs. AC Genset

[ChrisN67]

Hello all,

I have a 339 Intrepid WA with a small Cuddy. I am in an area where 220V is prevalent. But will bring the boat back to the US someday. I am looking at a 5000 BTU DC AC system. I have a 1500 watt inverter so I can run a hotplate, micro etc..

So the question is ..do I go for a DC genset or AC. If I go DC, that the only thing I do is connect to shore power and run chargers to keep up the batteries. I can also get a 1200 watt dc transformer for shore power. So I can directly run 12 volt systems.

I think it would be a cheaper lighter and more direct approach. It would also be much easier and quicker to charge batteries.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

[CDK]

If your main power source is a 12 V battery bank and you have an inverter for the appliances that need AC, the most logical choice is a DC genset.
All the wiring can stay as it is and the operation is silent as long as there is enough energy stored. The shore power transformer isolates your boat to prevent electrolysis and the genset is only needed in case you need additional charging current in remote locations.

[Fanie]

Of course if you have a single torroid transformer with a 230V, 115V and 2 x12V winding it will be a once off. You can use it anywhere then, from mains 230V now or 115V if you're back in the USA. Or you can supply from the mains generator to also supply your 12V. 2 x 12V so you can have a dual charger and you can make it 24V (who knows) if the need ever arise.

Torroids are more efficient than other types of transformers and weigh a bit less as well. If you are going to have one made up ask the winder to use thicker wires than what is required.

[Fanie]

A 500VA torroid will draw 2A off 230V while supplying 12V 40A,
A 1000VA one will draw 4A off 230V and supply 12V 80A

For 115V the supply current doubles. You USA okes must come right now.
230V is the standard the world over, only in the USA. Same goes for the metric system.

[ChrisN67]

I really appreciate the feedback. I am actively re-building an Intrepid 339 WA over the next several months. The boat was heavily modified to make high speed runs to Iraq. The took off the outboard brack, stretched it, and installed 2 yanmar deisels with surface drives.

Your inputs will be significantly relied upon. There are many things I need to rework and the experience and common sense available on this board is priceless

Regards,

Chris Niakaros

[Fanie]

The boat was heavily modified to make high speed runs to Iraq
Are you in the arms business ?

[ChrisN67]

Yes, I have two. I do business with them. But they are mostly for pleasure.

[apex1]

There are many things I need to rework and the experience and common sense available on this board is priceless

Regards,

Chris Niakaros

To get a deeper insight into that subject, I recommend to download, "Achieving the impossible" here:

http://www.victronenergy.com/support-and-downloads/white-papers/

it may save you some thousand bucks.

Regards
Richard