Installing a 1200W inverter in a 2011 195 Sea Ray

N

nunmakr

New Member
Jul 12, 2012
5
Chandler, AZ
Boat Info
2011 Sea Ray 195 Sport
Engines
Mercruiser 220 MPI
I am looking to hardwire a 1200W inverter into my 2011 195 sea ray to run Christmas lights for our annual Christmas parade. I know I need to install a 100 amp ANL fuse as close to the battery as possible on the POS cable. I also know I run the NEG cable to the NEG terminal on the battery. Also, the inverter should not be in the engine compartment. My question is, where do I run the ground wire to (if I need to at all)? DO I run it to the engine, the neg battery terminal or other?

I had my boat in the parade last year but did not do much research to make sure it was wired safely.

Thanks,
Scott
 
No - a generator means I have to pay rent on one, make a platform to keep it dry, and listen to it, and fuel it. Inverters are already owned and quiet.
 
I think you are playing with fire...

Your alternator can max generate about 65 Amp - and if you have 2 batteries x 80-100 Ah - you have about 100 Ah usable total. That means you will run out of juice within about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, and put a very high strain on your alternator for a long time. The only way that would succeed is if you bring other batteries on board for the duration of the trip.
 
kaz911 said:
I think you are playing with fire...

Your alternator can max generate about 65 Amp - and if you have 2 batteries x 80-100 Ah - you have about 100 Ah usable total. That means you will run out of juice within about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, and put a very high strain on your alternator for a long time. The only way that would succeed is if you bring other batteries on board for the duration of the trip.
Click to expand...

Plus one, that's also a lot of AC lights out on the deck in the wrong environment


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nunmakr said:
No - a generator means I have to pay rent on one, make a platform to keep it dry, and listen to it, and fuel it. Inverters are already owned and quiet.
Click to expand...

You can rent a Honda generator for $50 a day. Inverter will cost you $200. Fuel will be $4.00. The Honda is likely not as loud as my wife
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I came here for advice...but got opinions. Please keep your dumb ass comments about wives to yourself knoteasy.
 
kaz911 said:
I think you are playing with fire...

Your alternator can max generate about 65 Amp - and if you have 2 batteries x 80-100 Ah - you have about 100 Ah usable total. That means you will run out of juice within about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, and put a very high strain on your alternator for a long time. The only way that would succeed is if you bring other batteries on board for the duration of the trip.
Click to expand...

+1...
 
nunmakr said:
I came here for advice...but got opinions. Please keep your dumb ass comments about wives to yourself knoteasy.
Click to expand...

The inverter will typically be wired into the AC side of a boat that already has AC capability. There is a ground that is present for when on shorepower, or on larger boats with built in generators and maybe inverter systems, they will have a grounding block. Your 195 won't have that, nor will you have a ground when you're out and about, much like a Honda generator isn't grounded. I agree with the others, that you'll need to add batteries to make it work well.
 
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