=> I was wondering about using one of those small DC power converters o
=> small, 20', power boat. You know the type that comes in various watt
GM>They work :)
GM>They also suck battery power in devistatingly high amounts well beyond 
GM>the item they are driving.  If you are running a laptop off of one, 
GM>expect several hours from a normal Deep Cycle batt..  If you run anythi
GM>over 300 watts, best leave the motor running, anything over 500 watts, 
GM>best check the size of the alternator on your engine.......
GM>......Expect an inverter to be pretty inificiant, maybe 50 to 70%?
GM>Assuming 50%, a 500 watt inverter at full load is draining 1000 watts o
GM>DC battery power.  That hits about 80 amps of draw.  Assuming your boat
GM>even has a 90 amp alternator, you would require that engine to running 
GM>and running at 2800 RPM or higher, just to keep up.  SInce most have 60
GM>amp or smaller, even at cruising speeds, you will steadly be loosing 
GM>battery power..........
I was afraid that they might be pretty inefficient. I was thinking maybe 
one of the smaller 200 to 300 watt units. I guess I will have to check out 
what I think I might run on it and figure up the load. I am not exactly 
sure what I was going to be running, but I figured it might be convenient 
to have that AC power available. Thanks for all the great information.
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