Best Boat Inverters of 2026
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Boat inverters are essential for any boat owner who wants to have access to electricity while out on the water. These devices convert DC power from the boat's battery into AC power that can be used to power appliances, electronics, and other devices. Boat inverters come in a range of sizes and capacities, so it's important to choose one that suits your specific needs. Some models are designed to be portable and can be taken on and off the boat as needed, while others are designed to be permanently installed. Whether you're looking to power a small fridge or run a larger appliance, there's a boat inverter out there that can help you get the job done.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Boat Inverters
Xantrex 2000W 12V Inverter/Charger
The Xantrex 81-2010-12 Inv/Chgr is a 2000W 12V inverter/charger with a hardwire AC output, a built-in transfer switch, and power sharing capability. It features a 3-stage battery charger with a battery temperature sensor and temperature compensation for optimal charging of deep cycle batteries. The inverter also has a high surge capability and a customized setting that can be programmed with the Freedom Basic Remote or Link 1000 panels. This product is ideal for boats and marine applications.
Xantrex Freedom XC PRO 3000W Inverter Charger
The Xantrex Freedom Inverter offers powerful and reliable performance for your marine power needs. It can handle sudden power surges by boosting output to twice its continuous power for short bursts, perfect for starting motors. Its true sine wave output ensures smooth and safe operation for sensitive electronics and motor-driven devices. You can easily control the inverter using a 12 VDC ignition signal, which helps save battery by turning it off when your vehicle’s ignition is off. Plus, it supports a wide input voltage range, making it compatible with many modern vehicle alternators, providing consistent power without worry.
Xantrex Remote Control for Freedom X/XC
The Xantrex Freedom Remote lets you easily manage your Freedom X and XC inverters from a handy location. With this remote, you can keep an eye on important electrical details like the voltage and current going in and out of your AC system, helping you ensure everything runs smoothly. It also shows your battery’s voltage and current, so you always know its condition. The remote uses a clear status bar to display how much power your inverter is outputting, giving you quick insight. Plus, it alerts you to any faults or errors, so you can fix issues before they become bigger problems.
Xantrex 806-1020 Inv/Chgr, Free-HF 1000W 12V 20A M-Sine
The Xantrex 806-1020 Inv/Chgr is a powerful inverter designed to power various appliances and electronic equipment such as microwave ovens, TVs, DVD players, and small appliances. It comes with a removable digital display that shows the system status. The inverter also features an automatic three-stage battery charger, battery protection, automatic overload and short-circuit protection, and ground-fault protection. Additionally, it has a built-in 30 Amp relay that transfers between inverter power and incoming AC utility power.
Victron Energy MultiPlus-II 3000VA Inverter Charger
The Victron MultiPlus-II Inverter is a versatile power solution that combines inverter and charger functions in one unit. It delivers clean, pure sine wave power, ideal for sensitive electronics. With PowerAssist technology, it helps prevent overloads when using limited power sources like generators or shore power, saving you from unexpected shutdowns. In case of grid failure or power loss, it switches on rapidly within 20 milliseconds to keep your devices running without interruption. Additionally, you can connect up to six units in parallel to increase power output, offering flexibility for larger power needs. This makes it a reliable choice for marine, vehicle, or off-grid use.
Victron Energy 375VA 24V Pure Sine Wave Inverter
The Victron Energy 375VA Inverter lets you power household devices that need 120V AC or 230V AC by using 24-volt leisure or automotive batteries. This means you can run your equipment easily when away from traditional power sources. Its pure sine wave output ensures clean and reliable power, offering 375VA continuous and up to 700W peak power, which is great for sensitive electronics and tools. The inverter also features a low power draw in ECO mode, saving battery life when your devices are not in use. Plus, you can monitor and control it remotely through computers or smartphones with the VE.Direct port, adding convenience to your setup.
Xantrex Freedom XC PRO 2000W Inverter Charger
The Xantrex Freedom XC PRO is an all-in-one inverter charger designed to simplify your marine power needs. It combines a true sine wave inverter, a powerful battery charger, and a transfer switch, so you can easily manage your boat’s electrical system without extra equipment. Thanks to its integration with the Micro-C NMEA 2000 connector, you can monitor and control your system through a single app on your phone, making it very convenient. Its strong power boost lets you run heavy appliances like microwaves and compressors without trouble. Plus, the fast battery charger quickly revives even deeply drained batteries, keeping you moving without long waits.
ProMariner 06200 2000W 12V Inverter
The ProMariner 2000W Inverter offers a powerful 2000-watt output that converts your 12-volt battery power into usable AC electricity, ideal for running household or marine appliances. Its 12-volt design makes it compatible with most boat electrical systems, giving you flexibility and ease of use. The universal fit feature ensures it can be installed in a variety of setups without hassle, making it a convenient choice for your boat or other off-grid needs. With the trusted Marinco brand behind it, you can count on reliable performance and durability while on the water.
Blue Sea Systems 7703 24V DC 500A Solenoid
The Blue Sea 7703 Solenoid lets you control power to your boat’s engine and electronic devices from a distance, adding convenience and safety. With the included ML-Series Remote Control Contra Switch 2145, you can easily manage power settings without needing to be near the battery switch. This solenoid supports a continuous 500-amp rating, making it reliable for running engines, inverters, house loads, and combining emergency batteries. Whether you want to protect your electrical systems or simplify power management, this solenoid provides a robust and user-friendly solution for your boating needs.
Samlex PST-1000-12HD Pure Sine Wave Inverter
The Samlex PST-1000 Inverter offers adjustable low voltage shutdown settings, allowing you to protect your battery by setting the voltage level that triggers the inverter to turn off. It also features a buzzer that can be turned on or off, giving you control over alerts. Additionally, there’s a low voltage alarm to warn you before shutdown, with an option to disable the buzzer if you prefer silence. Designed for heavy-duty use, this commercial-grade inverter can handle continuous operation and emergency backup, making it a reliable choice for demanding situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does the inverter do on a boat?
A boat inverter converts DC power from the boat's battery bank into AC power, allowing you to use household items on your boat without relying on shore power or a generator. It provides a convenient and cost-effective solution for powering various devices while on the water.
2. Can you use a regular inverter on a boat?
It is not recommended to use a regular inverter on a boat. It is best to use a marine-specific inverter designed to withstand the unique conditions of a marine environment. Marine inverters are built to handle the power demands and challenges of boating, ensuring safe and reliable operation.
3. How long will a marine battery run an inverter?
The runtime of a marine battery powering an inverter can vary depending on factors such as battery age, condition, and the power demand of the equipment connected to the inverter. In general, most automobile and marine batteries can provide power for 30 to 60 minutes, even when the engine is off.
4. What will a 500 watt inverter run?
A 500-watt inverter is capable of running various household-type devices such as lamps, computers, chargers, and other electronics. It provides sufficient power for smaller devices and can be used for charging power tool batteries, work lights, and similar equipment.
5. Does an inverter drain the battery?
Yes, using a car power inverter for an extended period can drain the battery. Car batteries are not designed to directly power electronic devices and have limited capacity. It's important to monitor the battery and avoid excessive drain to ensure it doesn't get depleted beyond a safe level.
6. How long will a 12V marine battery last with an inverter?
The duration a 12V marine battery will last with a 1000W inverter depends on factors like the battery's capacity, average drain depth, and the inverter's efficiency. As an estimate, a 1000W inverter would run for about 34 minutes on a 12V, 100Ah deep-cycle battery with a 50% average drain depth.
During our boat inverter research, we found 24 boat inverter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,978 customer reviews through our big data system to write the boat inverters list. We found that most customers choose boat inverters with an average price of $702.15.
The boat inverters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of boat inverters, including Xantrex, Victron Energy, ProMariner, Blue Sea Systems, Samlex America. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 225 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.
Boat Inverters Comparison Table
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| Brand | Xantrex | Xantrex | Xantrex | Xantrex | Victron Energy | Victron Energy | Xantrex | ProMariner | Blue Sea Systems | Samlex America |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | - | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | - | Battery Powered | - | Battery Powered |
| Model Name | 81-2010-12 | - | - | 806-1020 | MultiPlus-II | Phoenix Inverter | Inv/Chgr, Freedom XC PRO, 2000W, Marine | Inverter 2000W 12V Modified Sine | - | PST-1000-12HD |
| Recommended Uses For Product | - | Spying | - | Home | Recreational Vehicle, Boat, Off-grid living, Camping | Car, RV, Boat, Workshop | Spying | Recreational Vehicle, Boat, Office, Home, Camping, Travel | - | - |
| Wattage | 2000 watts | 3000 watts | - | 20 kWh | - | 700 watts | - | 2000 watts | - | - |
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