A/C power needs
 

My wife and I have a newborn (8 days old!) and need to put A/C in the cabin. I'm thinking of getting a 6,000 BTU unit, which should be enough to take the bite off during the hottest summer days. I have four optima blue top d31m batteries. Will this be enough power to run the A/C for a while or do I need a generator too?

you can run a inverter to run a small a/c mermaid has a couple small unit that feature soft start compressors, but on battery still only going to get hours of run time(depends on the size of the boat and outside temp) I would look at the honda gen's on swim platform, or tie up in a marina that has power...battery deal not great

Get a small portable gen. It will be the best route in the long run

I used to have a 4D CAT battery to run the A/C. It would last about 30 mins, which was a lifesaver on certain days. Finally bought a generator, and am I am glad I did. Much, much better!

How hot does it get in Grand Rapids?

The average is around 80 for the summer months. My youngest is 9 DAYS old at this point, meaning he'll be 6 months give or take during peak boating season. I don't want to have to stay home on a gorgeous afternoon because it's too hot to hang out in the cove with a baby!!

What type of 6,000 BTU unit would you use?

I've had my eye on this unit, but haven't done as much research as I would before I make the purchase. I don't really need the cabin to be that chilled - I just want the edge taken off a bit. Open to suggestions/recommendations....

There's some good write ups in the fountain section of guys adding air to 32s iirc. I friend runs his 12k unit of a Honda 3000.

I do agree with you wanting it to be able to increase your family boating, my kids love to get out of the sun and kick back

Most summers mid 80's to 90's, but 2 or 3 summers ago it was mid to upper 90's almost every weekend. I some times cherish the AC on my cruiser.

Are you looking to use some sort of portable ac unit?
I'm just curious because I'd like to do the same. I have a small 2000 Honda generator that is very quiet. It would run a 6,000 btu unit.

Forgot to include this link earlier when asked what unit I was looking at....my bad.

http://www.marineair.com/Internation...h-115V60Hz1-Ph

I'm pretty fussy about the look of the boat, so I'd like to get something that looks top notch. Not sure how a portable system would or wouldn't support that, but would be willing to consider something like that if it worked out.

I'm thinking I'll have this boat for another few years, but not much longer than that. I'd be willing to drop some change for this, but if it gets too expensive, it just wouldn't make sense considering it probably won't add much to the value of the boat.

Nice looking unit. An AC unit would be nice I'm just not sure how often I would use it. Of course that's what I say now. This summer, in South Louisiana, it would be greatly appreciated.

I was in the same "boat" as you with the new born. I figured I needed something to cool the cabin off to let my lil boy take a nap. Sooooo. I ended up buying a product called, "Koolerair"

I did test it in South La. heat and it cooled down the cabin, but never used it b/c we always let him sleep under tent on the beach we were on. It did work good, but never needed it for kid!!!

I have a pretty nice d/c to a/c converter from our rolling showroom that was used to run a couple furnaces if you`re interested.

I agree. My kid was on the boat at 3 months old, and never had an issue. You just have to keep them out of the sun.

I had 5000 btu units in both my 91 Baja 260 and 03 Baja 302. I installed the ac in the 260, factory installed on the 302. They did have shore power but wanted ac while anchor, if needed. Bought a Honda 2000 portable and worked perfect with power to spare. Now, a Honda 1000 will work as friend who bought my 260 had this and used often. With a 6000 btu, I would buy the 2000.

Here's a pic of the gen on transom of the 260 but its better to put it on the bow, out of the way as in the second pic on my 302 with the 260 next to it.
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...cinstall32.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...%20302%203.jpg

I'll keep it in mind if we end up going that route!

Regarding keeping them out of the sun, this is more than a wife thing than anything else. I'm fine with just giving him some shade, but considering I'm spending a lot of cash on things that I want (rebuilding engines, upgrading stereo components, etc.), this will make her happy! It's in my best interest for her to like the boat!!!

I have a 5000btu Dometic a/c. It will run with a 1000 watt continuous Duralast (Autozone) inverter for 2hrs on one group 31 Sears Platinum (made by Odyessy) battery. After 2 hours the inverter will turn off because of low voltage. If I remember right the battery voltage was 11.2 after 2 hours. After the inverter turned off I was curious if the same battery would start my 496. It started right up as if the a/c was never on. I was shocked to say the least.

If you run the a/c on 2 of your batteries I would think they should run the a/c for about 4 hours. IMO a generator would not be needed for day trips.

That would be huge! The number of days where we would have to run the air continuously for very long is basically zero, so this might be a good solution.

and worst case scenario you have to start one engine for 15 minutes to charge batteries back up.

Just dont even go for this scenario...you will look like a tool infront of your boating friends.

Whatever makes you and your family happy do it!
Who cares what some douchbag with a boat thinks most are tools themselves.

I wouldn't charge the batteries with the alternator. The batteries or alternator well not like it. A stand alone charger would be a better bet. When you get home charge the batteries. The batteries and alternator will last longer.

Evidently you have never been next to this person in a tie up....they look stupid. Every couple hours have to make sure noone is around the rear of the boat...and then listen to him/her rev the motors enough to get the alternator to put out a decent charge, drowning out whatever good tunes and good times are happening. Its annoying and it ruins the mood of a nice relaxing day.