Outback 32V Inverter/Charger

[jcrlaw]

My Heart 32V inverter/charger decided to retire last week and cannot be convinced to return to service. I was about to purchase Newmar's 32-2400 when I discovered Outback Inverters. I spoke to them last week and, at least over the phone, it sounds like a fine product. Additionally, it is sealed and less money. Does anyone have an Outback product and can you provide with me with any pros and cons? Thanks.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I bought a 3232 but have yet to hook it up. That WILL happen in about two weeks. MikeP has one as well, and someone else, but I can't remember who. I'm sure they can let you know how they like them.

 

[Brian Degulis]

I Installed an Outback 3232 a few weeks ago in our 61'MY. Works good all the parameters are adjustable like float and bulk charge rate equalize rate and time. They make one that's sealed primarily for outdoor use I got the mobile vented fan cooled model it has more output. You will proubably want to get the "Mate" remote control and readout I think that's only way to adjust the settings without it you might be stuck with factory defaults and no way to know what it's doing.

Brian

 

[MikeP]

Walk, don't run to your nearest Outback inverter store (or surf there on the web) and buy the 3232. It's a superb unit and very efficient.

I installed it in our 53 early last season I was frankly astounded at how efficient it was. I have the oem batt banks in our 53MY with "ordinary" 8V batteries installed by the PO - they are NOT Rolls/Surettes by any means.

I have it currently set up to run the fridge, tv's, stereo, microwave, hair dryer and a few outlets for whatever you want to plug in. It runs this load for 24 hours - and we're not trying to conserve - and the batt bank will still start the 8v71Ti with no trouble. The boat was out of the water for bottom painting for 2 days and the inverter kept the fridge going the entire time and the batts started the engine. It's obviously a very well designed and efficient unit. It's also very well-made and heavy! I installed it in the genny room of our 53 so it is right next to the batt banks.

I heartily recommend it and frankly think it is the ONLY inverter that should be considered for one of these boats. Yes, I think it's that good. No, I have nothing to do with Outback, I bought one after much searching among inverters and much discussion on this and other forums. Incidentally, some of the best info/discussion on inverters is on solar power and other remote-power web sites.

I bought mine after Sky bought his but I won the "who will install first" race and all the associated prizes and privileges that go with it!

 

[REBrueckner]

Don't know the brand but be sure it's for "marine" use....especially connecting neutral and ground during use....This could be an insurance claim/coverage issue if that unfortunate circumstance arises.

 

[Brian Degulis]

Yes It's a marine unit with neutral switching.

Brian

 

[LIBERTY]

I am the "someone else" who has the Outback 3232. Ditto MikeP's comments. The control panel is a "must" and a detailed info on the voltages of the various stages particular to your batteries (Rolls was very helpful providing this info for my batteries.). I wired mine into the main panel through one of the 50A120 shore power circuits I was not using so I can power any circuit on the boat. Needless to say, I flag the battery charger, hot water heater and AC units so I can turn them off before shifting to inverter as I would overwhelm the units 3200w capacity.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I just ordered a new power selector from Sams. This will replace the generator breaker on the main panel, so I can either select genny or inverter. It should fit right in and look OEM since it is an original Airpax setup. I will then be able to power all circuits, but as Liberty stated, certain items will have to remain off so as not to draw too much.

 

[REBrueckner]

While I personally understand using a smaller inverter than could handle all loads (if connected) I very much doubt that a surveyor would "pass" such an arrangement.

It's like having a 100 amp main breaker with 150 amps of appliances in the panel ....or 15KW of loads and only a 10KW genny. No boat manufacturer engineers electrical circuits that way! The other issue is of course insurance: It's also hard to imagine an insurance company would find such inherently possible overloads acceptable....or make payment in the event of a claim.

It's just not a responsible way to go. You just can't trust others to be as responsible as those on this forum.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

If the main breaker from the inverter is of acceptable size (30amp), then I can't see how the potential to overload is a problem. If someone turns on too many loads, the input breaker will trip. If that is defective, then the internal workings of the inverter will fault and shut down. There's your backup. Plus, each individual circuit still has it's own breaker and the wire sizes are all overkill. What am I missing? There is no backfeed potential this way since the switch gear is of the lockout type.

Right now I can potentially run the boat on a one 50a 120v cord. This will supply all circuits, but is not sufficient to run all loads. Or, I can run one 50amp 240v cord which is still not sufficient, or I can run 2 50a 240v cords. The 2 cords or the genny are the only sources that will handle all loads, yet the other options are available. How is this any different than a 30amp inverter?

 

[Pascal]

i agree... you get 2 safety layers agaisnt over loads. even using only the Hatteras supplied itmes on my boat, i can't run it all on the 120-240/50 shore power. the 4 AC's only take one full leg... charger, lights, oven, washer etc... on the other one ? pop goes the dockside breaker !

 

[Nonchalant1]

It's here: click

Doug

 

[SKYCHENEY]

That's the place where I bought mine. Then, later, I called back and ordered the MATE controller module based on recommendations from this site.

 

[jcrlaw]

Thanks for all the helpful information. It has been ordered, along with the remote, and it should be here Thursday. According to the manufacturer the way I had the previous Heart inverter wired (as explained by Sky and others, above) is perfectly acceptable and should pop in with no problem. Again, thanks to all for the info. If you are ever in Naples we have an extra slip available at our home for stopovers. Don't be a stanger.

 

[LIBERTY]

As a late response to overload protection, the AC output is buss fused at 25A on both the black and white. That the circuit wiring is rated at 50A is just a plus. Additionally, the DC supply side is also protected by a ceramic fuse at less than inverter capacity. Thus, I see a third and fourth layer of protection.

 

[MikeP]

Then, later, I called back and ordered the MATE

Sky, did you buy the Mate so you could also not install it to match your inverter?

Sorry - couldn't resist

Seriously - I didn't buy the Mate since I'm not using the charger function of the inverter and I can monitor the battery state of charge with the oem Hatt meters. Would it be useful to have the mate for any other reason?

 

[Brian Degulis]

With the Mate you can adjust the low voltage cut out so if your inverting and the batteries drop to the pre set voltage it will turn off instead of killing the batteries and posably damaging the AC loads from low voltage. You say your not using the charge feature it would still be usefull as a back up. In adition does the charger your using have equalization? If it doesn't and your using wet cells that's a good feature to have. You can also adjust the charge rates to match your batteries and it will make you aware of an overload or internall fault. My opinion for $150 I would still get it.

Brian

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Then, later, I called back and ordered the MATE

Sky, did you buy the Mate so you could also not install it to match your inverter?

Sorry - couldn't resist

Seriously - I didn't buy the Mate since I'm not using the charger function of the inverter and I can monitor the battery state of charge with the oem Hatt meters. Would it be useful to have the mate for any other reason?

No, it is still sitting in the box. But, at least I get to use my boat. I didn't buy it and then move 3000 miles away. Sorry, couldn't resist.

Seriously, other projects just became more of a priority. The inverter has finally resurfaced to the top of the list and it WILL be in before launch. As far as the Mate goes, I initially thought as you that I wouldn't really need it. Then, after talking to others here, decided I would order it. I like the fact that all of the parameters are adjustable and that you're not just stuck with the defaults. I also thought that I may hook up the charge side of it someday. I don't really need it, since my Major Power charger has all of the same functions, but I may tie it in just as a backup. Who knows where this battery technology will go. With the Mate, you can also hook multiple inverters together and control the whole bank.

I'm really glad to hear that everyone else that has one of these is satisfied with it. I'm still putting in a battery cut-out switch even though it is internally fused. I feel better about being able to just throw the lever if there is ever a problem.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Glad I am not the only one who buys stuff and then takes a while to install it...

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I used to buy stuff and then go right to work on it. Then a few years ago the Admiral got a little mad at me as she wanted me to quit working on the boat and start enjoying it(she likes to entertain). So, I made a promise to work all winter and play all summer. Now, she doesn't bother me about going over to work on the boat in the winter and I feel better about actually using the boat during the summer. So, Michigan weather does have some advantages. Unfortunately, I have to admit that sometimes the Admiral is right (but don't tell her I said that).