You can run a 5000 btu unit with a Honda EU2000 strapped on the swim platform. Anything larger and it is real genset time. Aside from the AC unit you have to run the seawater pump (1-2 amps) and any other device you want to crank up (fridge/blender/laptop). If you are worried about weight look at the Westerbeke in gas or the Panda in diesel. Both are smaller, quieter and more efficient than the typical big boat genset. Batteries are a no starter due to the size and weight (and cost) involved.

My buddy runs that little honda gen on the swimdeck and it runs the ac, frig and everything else on low mode.... small, portable, quiet....

If you go the battery route, let us know your findings, I'm sure a lot of people would be interested... Good luck!!!

I have a eu2000 honda that runs my 7000btu a/c with no problem.best $$$ i ever spent.

Ditto

Would I have to put the small Honda gen. on the swim platform or could I put it under my engine hatch as I have more than enough room? I realize I would have to vent the exhaust but could I turn on the blowers.

Bad idea. If the exhaust doesn't kill you, the heat could start a fire. Then there's the fact it's not spark arrested, now you've got the potential for an explosion.

Just make friends with people in cruisers. When they're not looking, plug your shorepower into one of their outlets!

BTW, are you boating on LOTO?

I've done this in one of my other boats. I used four 6-volt golf cart batteries, wired in series and parallel, as the power source for the invertor.

Crazyhorse, how long could you run the AC on those batteries? How much does each one of those batteries weigh??

Yes, I boat at LOTO and I guess I will scratch the idea of putting the gen under the engine hatch. I think unless I get a boat gen, I will have to look at the battery option. But it doesn't sound real promising.

I have a 2000 watt prosine inverter to run my a/c and other 120v accessories when out on the water. I have a 4D gel battery that will run the a/c about 4 hours then I charge it back up overnight with my shorepower pluged in. the 4D battery weighs about 130lbs.