Hi everyone,
Looking towards powering a continuously cruising wide beam and have been offered differing opinions about what alternators to use, AC/travel power set up or DC 12/24V.
Plan is to have the following appliances; washing machine, dish washer, microwave. (not to be run all at the same time!). All run through a 3KW victron inverter (quattro if ac alternator, multiplus if dc), currently have one alternator set up for the engine battery on a 52HP canal line.
I'd appreciate if those with experience could offer advice to the pros and cons of each set up (AC or DC)
Specifically
1) cost - AC vs DC and reliability of buying second hand / reconditioned?
2) Ease of installation - DC seems to require more equipment and headaches such as connecting 24V alternator to 12V system, am I correct in thinking this?
3) Engine Revs - I've noticed on some large 12V alternators require engine revs @4000+ to get higher amps out of them, rather have the engine idle. Is this the main advantage of AC alternators?
I've read previous threads but was hoping we could directly compare ac / dc, not looking to get too technical (that will come later...) but would appreciate any ideas or warnings before taking the plunge with one system or the other.
Thanks,
Adam