February 27, 2006 06:28
In preparing for an 800 mile cruise in May, I am concerned about electric power needs. I will be using a Mac laptop (G4 Power Book with 50-watt-hour lithium-ion battery and an advertised up to 5 hours of battery life; however I've heard it's less. The computer is supplied with a 45W power adapter for plugging into 120V outlet.) I'm using the laptop for navigation (with GPSNavX software and BSB charts) and I'll be cruising (and using the computer) between 6 to 10 hours on any given day.
Assuming that I'll need to "plug in" (using one of those little plug into cigarette lighter inverters?) the computer from time to time and taking into account the other 12V power needs, cabin lights, anchor light, waterpump, instruments, VHS, auxillary GPS, refrigerator (which runs on 12V once disconnected from shore power) should I invest in a hard-
wired or other type inverter to power the computer? Also, can this power source be isolated, so that the refridgerator doesn't run off the inverter?
BTW, we PLAN to overnight at marinas that supply shore power every night except one. However, in reality, that could change and we could be on the hook overnight more than
anticipated.
My current (no pun intended) set up is two batteries, a battery switch (OFF, ONE BOTH,TWO), and a portable type battery charger that plugs into a 240V power source at night. No generator (don't intend to buy one) on board and, so far, no inverter.
My question is... do I need another or additional batteries (and if so, a new battery switch)? What type inverter (if any) is suggested and what's involved in the installation? And
anything else to share with this electrically-challenged boater.
javascript:emoticon('
hock:')
Many thanks for input.
Joy
m/v PYXIS cruising out of Port St. Joe, FLhock:
Assuming that I'll need to "plug in" (using one of those little plug into cigarette lighter inverters?) the computer from time to time and taking into account the other 12V power needs, cabin lights, anchor light, waterpump, instruments, VHS, auxillary GPS, refrigerator (which runs on 12V once disconnected from shore power) should I invest in a hard-
wired or other type inverter to power the computer? Also, can this power source be isolated, so that the refridgerator doesn't run off the inverter?
BTW, we PLAN to overnight at marinas that supply shore power every night except one. However, in reality, that could change and we could be on the hook overnight more than
anticipated.
My current (no pun intended) set up is two batteries, a battery switch (OFF, ONE BOTH,TWO), and a portable type battery charger that plugs into a 240V power source at night. No generator (don't intend to buy one) on board and, so far, no inverter.
My question is... do I need another or additional batteries (and if so, a new battery switch)? What type inverter (if any) is suggested and what's involved in the installation? And
anything else to share with this electrically-challenged boater.
javascript:emoticon('
hock:')Many thanks for input.
Joy
m/v PYXIS cruising out of Port St. Joe, FL
hock: