Converting 12 Volt DC to 110 Volt AC ??

[Dave S]

Recently purchased an electric fillet knife that runs on 110 Volt AC. In the late fall/winter/ early spring many of the fish cleaning stations are closed and I would like to be have the option of powering the electric fillet knife from my 12 Volt boat batteries. Any sugestions on where one might be able to purchase an inexpensive power invertor?

[Juice]

Try West Marine. Get one big enough to staisfy the draw of your knife (which shouldn't be too much).

[Dman142]

I believe Walmart even has converters. Should be inexpensive if that is the only thing you are going to run. Overtons.com should have them for sale too.

[rock2me]

You should be able to find one at K-Mart or Walmart for cheap. They come in different wattage models. I'm not sure how many watts you need but it should say on the label of your knife. If it tells you an amperage rating just multiply it by 110(AC) and you'll have the wattage rating that you need.


Good Luck

[Mike Michalak]

You'll discover the smallest of these tend to run about 140 watts and can run everything from a VCR to a laptop computer, cellphone or a fan. This is more than enough to handle your fillet knife. Average price is around $50.

[Boatnut]

Dave,
try ebay....type in "inverter" then look for one around 140 watts. plugs into your cigarette lighter and your good to go.
I just bought one on there, its a "tripplite", 140 watt and brand new.
Got it for $19 plus shipping. If you plan to use one for heavier applications like a drill or power tool, check the wattage to make sure you buy one that will handle it.

[Hawgeye]

You would be able to get by cheaper by just purchasing a 12volt filet knife. I have one of each. In fact now there is also a battery operated one on the market. I have used my 12VDC on very frequently when accesses are rough, just plug it into the cigarette lighter and filet away! Works great.

I think American Angler makes both versions.

[Jeremy_WI]

Actually it may be cheaper just to buy a 12 volt electric fillet knife

[Dave S]

Thanks everyone for your help. I checked at Walmart this evening and they carried several sizes of inverters which I found in their car sterio department. Prices ranged from $40 - $50 depending on the wattage that one can draw from them. As Mike stated appears you can run a variety of electrical appliances from them as long as your power requirements do not exceed what the invertor can furnish. Looking at the outside of the invertor packaging it appears they are very popular for people to plug in laptops, tvs, sterios, etc. when traveling in a car or boat.