I want to get an inverter for my boat, but I'm clueless as to what I need.

I would like to run a small TV, maybe blender on occaision, small coffee maker in the morning etc.

What size inverter do I need? Can I run this straight off the engine battery? What kind of inverter should I buy and size?

Any help is appreciated.

I am no expert, but here is some information that should help.

You need to calculate the total wattage each of these appliances will draw while in use on your boat.
Volts x Amps = Watts

Here are some estimates:
TV - 50-100 watts
DVD-50-100 watts
Blender - 500 watts
Coffee Maker- 1000+ watts

If you were to use all these appliances at the same time (which I doubt you will) you would need a minimum of 1700 watt inverter. Some appliances will also "spike" when they turn on (i.e. compressors in refrig)

Batteries
Here is a little formula:
AC Watts ÷ 12v x 1.1 x Hours Use=Amp hours
For example:
TV 50 watts, use 2 hours per day.
50/12v x 1.1 x 2(hours per day)=9.16 Amp Hours

So you will need 9 amp hours of the battery just for the TV.
You can run this calculation for the appliances as you see fit.

Heat producing appliances (toaster, coffee maker, etc.) really suck the juice out of batteries.

I would suggest you not use a "house" battery that is not the same as your engine battery.

Hope this helps.

For marine environments, Xantrex power electronics provide clean, quiet AC power so you can enjoy the comforts of home on your boat without relying on shore power or a noisy generator.

Get a seperate Inverter for the coffee maker (check the wattage first and find the appropriate inverter) and get another inverter for your TV and other appliances that you think will be using very often. Buying a seperate Inverter will eliminate interference to your other appliances TV for example, it will also make it safe for your boat will cost more though.