Thread: inverter vs Battery

What do you need the 120 volts for? That is what an inverted does. I have a small one that runs an aquarium pump for my minnows. I use it as a backup in case my regular one dies or if I have 2 buckets of minnows.

I use an inverter for an aquarium pump as well, for minners and livewell both. I can see running some leds lights off the inverter at night, cheaper and fairly easy to get.

I've already got 12v bubblers for the bait tank & 12volt led lights for under the pontoon. The only other lighting I think I need is for shining on the rods, I have a 12v overhead light on a pole.
I've never done the night thing on my own boat so I'm not sure if I need the inverter, I get if I wanted toast for a sandwich or to run the microwave...but what else would I need?

It takes a heavy duty inverter to run anything that uses resistance heat or an appliance like a microwave. We had one in our RV that would run our TV and Sat dish receiver, but I ran the generator for AC and microwave. Coffee maker will make it hum too and they will suck batteries down too.

Heck, I just remembered you got a pontoon. Put a flat screen in and a dish on the roof. Watch Monday Night football waiting on the fish to bite. Probably have some company too. Take plenty of snacks and beverages. OK this is getting out of hand.

Doesnt sound like you need a converter. I used one when nightstalking because I ran the low energy household bulbs overhead. (Those were very little pull on batteries and ran off 110 AC current.

i think I'll have enough light under the boat. Here's a picture I just took
Searay the toaster thing was a joke.
I hope the light is far enough away from the top of the boat to keep some of the bugs away

That is looking good. I think you don't have to worry about your lights.