Camanos 31 Owner's Handbook Manual - page 30
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Hot Water Heater
Fresh water is heated by the engine when the boat is underway. Two hoses, with shut off valves are
located at the forward end of the engine and go directly to the hot water heat exchanger that heats the
domestic water. When shore power is available, hot water is also provided through an electric heater.
The heater draws a significant amount of power and, when used along with other applications, can
overload 15 amp shore power systems. It should be turned off if you are relying on shore power to
keep the boat warm during winter.
Inverter
The inverter takes power from the house batteries and converts the 12 volts DC into 110 volts AC.
There is no connection between the inverter and shore power -- they are completely independent of
each other. The inverter is located behind the power panel and the switch is located on the inboard side
of the helm on the vertical face. The only outlet for the inverter is in the galley alongside the shore
power outlet. If you want to use the microwave or any 110- volt appliance while underway or at anchor,
this is the only outlet that you can use. The system has been deliberately designed this way so that none
of the 110-volt systems on the AC side of the power panel can be powered by the inverter. The reason
is simple. Inverter systems that provide battery power to the main electrical panel are potentially
hazardous to your batteries. If something like a hot water heater is left on when you settle down for the
night at your favorite anchorage, your batteries will be completely discharged in a matter of minutes.
This is why your system can only power whatever you knowingly plug into it. You should be aware of
the power your inverter is taking from your batteries while you are using it. For larger loads you might
want to run the engine at about 1000 RPM for about double the time of the load involved so your
batteries will stay at the previous level of charge. In the standby mode, the inverter draws very little
power. If you are anchored out one night and hear a high pitched buzz coming from behind the
electrical power panel, it is probably the inverter telling you that the batteries are low and that it should
be turned off. If you want to install another inverter outlet somewhere on the boat, there is an empty
socket on the inverter that makes this a relatively simple job.
Microwave Oven
The microwave oven can be operated either through the inverter (if so equipped) or by shore power by
plugging it into the appropriate outlet on the galley wall. If you use the microwave on the inverter, run
the engine about twice as long as the microwave was run if you wish to recharge the batteries to their
previous charge.
Propane Alarm
The propane alarm should always be switched on at the main panel whenever anyone is onboard.
When first turned on the alarm will emit several beeps until it senses normal conditions. It will then
become quiet until it senses a problem. It will not shut off the propane supply, it is only an audible
warning.
Propane Tank and Pressure Gauge
The propane tank is located in the propane locker under the bridge stairs in the cockpit. Although the
locker is fitted with a drain, it is a good idea to open the locker cover and allow it to air out. A fair
amount of condensation can accumulate around the propane tank. The gauge on the tank is for testing
purposes only, it does not indicate the amount of propane left in the tank. To test the system, turn the
tank valve on momentarily and then back to closed. The gauge will show the pressure in the system