Electronics

Inverters change the DC power of the boat's batteries into AC power. They're compact and quiet but limited in output by the size of your bank of batteries and by the alternator's ability to keep up with the draw. Battery capacity should be at least three times the expected need between charges. Use inverters for short-term items such as coffeemakers and microwaves. Boats without air conditioning and loads in the 1,000-to-3,500-watt range can get by with inverters. However, for greater and longer power demands you will need a generator.