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+--- Thread: New Charger/Inverter Set-up -- Need Help (/showthread.php?tid=8144)
New Charger/Inverter Set-up -- Need Help - MC1600 - 02-15-2022
Guys -- it's time to replace my batteries and I'd also like to add an inverter. Under the category of "nothing is easy," I also have to replace my chargers if I want to switch at AGM batteries because the Charles chargers Tiara put on are only for gels (this model does not have a selector on the back). So, the full scope is inverter, new chargers, and batteries...
I got one estimate to do this which included $4k worth of Victron equipment (what I'd prefer) and shop supplies and $5k (40hrs at $125/hr) in labor. $9k seems absurd to me when that doesn't even include the bloody batteries!? I was working with another couple companies to try and get additional estimates, but they seem to be flaking out on me.
I guess before I start searching for more installers to consider, I wanted to check here with you all. Does that seem like a reasonable price in the first place? It's WAY more than I was planning on spending on this. Do I consider just doing new gel cell batteries, add the inverter at a later date, and deal with the chargers when they finally die?
RE: New Charger/Inverter Set-up -- Need Help - hiccup - 02-16-2022
A couple thoughts.
Installing an inverter correctly is a significant undertaking. You need to tie into both the AC and DC electrical systems. You need to plan out how it will be wired (e.g. what AC circuits will or will not be powered by the inverter), how does the shorepower and generator supplies interface with the inverter? It really depends on how the boat was set up from the factory. I have seen Tiara do it many different ways. I don't think 40 hours is a bad estimate for a truly professional job that is done correctly.
The $4k for Victron stuff & shop supplies seems high but I'm not sure what was spec'd. You should be able to get a list of what was quoted and check internet prices to see how good or bad they're treating you. Copper wire etc is crazy expensive and there will be a lot of very heavy gauge wiring added to the boat.
I would be looking at adding a combo inverter/charger that would only draw from and charge the house bank and a separate charger that only charges the engine bank. This is typically how Tiara sets them up. I would also reach out to Charles and see if they can supply you with the specs on the Gel charging settings they have programmed into the charger. The settings may very well be compatible with some/most/all AGM batteries. I would also consider using LiFePo4 batteries for the house bank depending on how much you're going to ask from the inverter. I know, more $$.
Lastly you might look through the schematics supplied by Tiara for your boat. It is likely that they include optional schematics for the inverter option. This information could be leveraged for your install.
RE: New Charger/Inverter Set-up -- Need Help - MC1600 - 02-16-2022
Thanks, that’s kind of where I was afraid this was heading. I’m going to call Charles and see what I might be able to make work with these existing chargers. At least that might fix my short-term problem of batteries and I can tackle the inverter situation later.
New Charger/Inverter Set-up -- Need Help - Misdirection - 02-16-2022
When you do tackle the inverter, make sure that your contract for the work includes being able to successfully connect to a ground fault protected service.
There have been many cases where a boat will trip the ground fault circuit in a marina due to how an inverter was installed; either from the factory or after the fact.
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RE: New Charger/Inverter Set-up -- Need Help - MC1600 - 02-16-2022
Good to know — thank you!