thanks for the quick replies..
In response,
1) The batteries are brand new accoring to the guy I bought it from. I believe him. He replaced the batteries, did bearing and a couple other things before selling it. They are deep cycle group 24 marine batteries.
2) Reverse polarity as suggested by BoonDocker might be my issue.. When I use a outlet diagnostic tool I get "Hot neutral/reverse". My understanding this means the hot and neutral are switched at one or more outlets.
Boondocker- where do I find the reverse polarity fuses at the convetner? I can't get to my converter easily, but by feeling it and the little I can see it doesn't look like there are any fuses on it or inline fuses to it..