Need to run a/c mooring, no gen?

acmecoyote · #1 (**permalink**) 11-11-2002

OKay. have read some place about this, not sure if it can be done or how much trouble it would be. But something about having inverters and using your engine to charge while running an a/c. When I am at the dock I know I will have no problem running the a/c. What I am trying to figure out is using the a/c wihtout a generator. For I have seen that it is rather expenisive and then troublesum to place one in if not already there.

What can be done? Look to run a/c for temoperorary measures during day sailing. Any suggestions that have been proven to work?

- Gordon

Sailmc · #2 (**permalink**) 11-12-2002

You would need a very large battery bank and a high powered inverter and you would need to keep your engine running 90% of the time. It is possible but really impracticle to do.

FTHOMSON · #3 (**permalink**) 11-12-2002

acmecoyote...

I too have given this some thought and while I haven''t researched this very well (I''m waiting till I go home to Canada for Christmas) it is an idea that occurred to me.

If you have ever been in a campground with RV''s you may have noticed that Coleman AC in top of a number of 5th wheel trailers. Some fit over the vent and are 12v. With a little imagination and fabricating a mount I think you could have a removeable AC unit.

Everybody: Please feel free to punch holes in this idea.

-Cheers,
Fred
s/y Polonaise

acmecoyote · #4 (**permalink**) 11-12-2002

I will check into that about the coleman thing. But not sure how effecient it would be exposed to the salt water so much.

As for running the engine 90% or even 100% to maintain the a/c would be okay. Would not burn that much fuel. it is not something that would be continually. With putting wear and tear on a deisel engine versus getting a generator and placing it into the boat and maintain it as well just seems to be a heck of alot of money. I hoep to find a boat with genset on it, but if not, to get a good deal want to make sure I can run teh a/c if needed set up some other way. I think it was hook up a large enough altenator, run that to the investerters or straigth to the a/c on a second switch and run it while the engine is going. I mostly need this for a naop in the afternoon possibly or in an extreme case of heat exaustion. I know I can take a cold shower and drink ice water, but want something that can be okay if needed.

Thanks for the input to guy and gals.

- Gordon

SloopSailor · #5 (**permalink**) 11-19-2002

Carry a small generator, float it out on your dingy if you don''t want it close to the boat. A 2500 Watt generator would easily run a 5000BTU airconditioner.