A/C and Generator
03-01-2005 | 06:48 PM
#12
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Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Lake Norman, N.C.
Re: A/C and Generator
I am just before adding A/C to my 41'. I am going with 12 volt though. I do not want to add the wait of a generator. The 12 volt system will allow you to run the A/C continuous for 8hrs without recharging. Crank the engine and the alternator will recharge the battery in under an hour. But with the shorepower plugged in you can run it indefinitely. With Gel batteries it only takes two and the total system weighs in when installed, at around 600lbs. I have already seen 2 of them in service and believe they will be the ticket.
03-01-2005 | 06:52 PM
#13
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 149
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From: Pitman NJ
Re: A/C and Generator
Originally Posted by Poorsche
I've got a 5KW Kohler genset and a 10,000 BTU reverse cycle A/C unit on my Formula SR357.
The 5KW is probably more than needed--3KW would be plenty. A real issue with generator is that the genset needs to run once a week for 60 minutes under load. Keep that in mind also.
Think about putting in a system that will let you run a/c and genset off the hose of boat is stored on trailer or out of water.
The 10K BTU A/C is by Mermaid Air--Formula installed it because it has a very compact footprint--that is key issue on a new install. I've found that the Reverse Cycle on A/C is necesary and only adds a few bucks to cost.
There are several made here in FL that will sell direct and are first rate products---but check the dimensions of unit and cabinet. Also check on how you can routhe the coolant water from the thru hull to the unit and check how you are going to dispose of the condensate. I installed a "CONDENSATOR" that picksup condensate and throws it overboard with the cooling exchange water.
The 5KW is probably more than needed--3KW would be plenty. A real issue with generator is that the genset needs to run once a week for 60 minutes under load. Keep that in mind also.
Think about putting in a system that will let you run a/c and genset off the hose of boat is stored on trailer or out of water.
The 10K BTU A/C is by Mermaid Air--Formula installed it because it has a very compact footprint--that is key issue on a new install. I've found that the Reverse Cycle on A/C is necesary and only adds a few bucks to cost.
There are several made here in FL that will sell direct and are first rate products---but check the dimensions of unit and cabinet. Also check on how you can routhe the coolant water from the thru hull to the unit and check how you are going to dispose of the condensate. I installed a "CONDENSATOR" that picksup condensate and throws it overboard with the cooling exchange water.
03-01-2005 | 08:08 PM
#14
Platinum Member
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 5,769
Likes: 150
From: tn
Re: A/C and Generator
I've owned boats with generators for over thirty years. The only problem I've encountered with gensets that sit for long periods, is that they will tend to "lope" for a while until they get the "creaks out of their joints".
For Steet, I have to add that a 4kw genset and A/C system is FAR LIGHTER than the 600 pounds he will be adding via the 12v system, and a good chunk of change cheaper also. As far as running a 5k BtUh A/C on nonstop compressor cycle for 8 hours? If it's hot out, you'd better plan to have 8000 Ah of batteries (that would be 75 group 27 batteries, or equivalent, weighing in at approx 2000 pounds). It would take the world's biggest alternator to recharge those bad puppies inside of an hour.
I'm not being critical, but you either need to revisit your math, or please run your combo by a local electrical engineer to verify your thoughts...
I assure you that if people could have A/C, and run it for an 8 hour day in the summer on batteries, only to spend one hour to recharge them - nobody would ever sell gensets...
mc
For Steet, I have to add that a 4kw genset and A/C system is FAR LIGHTER than the 600 pounds he will be adding via the 12v system, and a good chunk of change cheaper also. As far as running a 5k BtUh A/C on nonstop compressor cycle for 8 hours? If it's hot out, you'd better plan to have 8000 Ah of batteries (that would be 75 group 27 batteries, or equivalent, weighing in at approx 2000 pounds). It would take the world's biggest alternator to recharge those bad puppies inside of an hour.
I'm not being critical, but you either need to revisit your math, or please run your combo by a local electrical engineer to verify your thoughts...
I assure you that if people could have A/C, and run it for an 8 hour day in the summer on batteries, only to spend one hour to recharge them - nobody would ever sell gensets...
mc
03-02-2005 | 03:45 AM
#15
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,243
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From: Melbourne, FL
Re: A/C and Generator
The Kohler manual is specific about running genset under load for 30 to 60 minutes a week. I think that's a little much but that's what it says. I didn't follow that regimine and after a while it started the searching routine for a while till it got the condensation or whatever out of the fuel system. THen it became hard to start--then it just wouldn't start. When the mech from Kohler started he had to replace the fule pump, carb, and ultimately the exciter board in the controller. THankfully it was under warranty cause the parts were more than the damned genset.
I was at boat last weekend and it wouldn't start so I'm back to sqaure one.
The real upset is tha Kohler used a Kawasaki lawn mower engine and I've had thos things sit all winter and crank right up using old varnish for fuel.
Must be becasue it's on a boat--
I was at boat last weekend and it wouldn't start so I'm back to sqaure one.
The real upset is tha Kohler used a Kawasaki lawn mower engine and I've had thos things sit all winter and crank right up using old varnish for fuel.
Must be becasue it's on a boat--
03-02-2005 | 07:48 AM
#16
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,682
Likes: 4
From: Boca Raton, FL
Re: A/C and Generator
If your boat doesn't already have one, be sure to install a CO detector in the sleeping areas.
You can't be too careful with carbon monoxide. You can't see or smell it and you go to sleep and never wake up.
You can't be too careful with carbon monoxide. You can't see or smell it and you go to sleep and never wake up.
03-02-2005 | 09:19 AM
#17
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,909
Likes: 9
From: Northeast,Fla
Re: A/C and Generator
Originally Posted by mcollinstn
For Steet, I have to add that a 4kw genset and A/C system is FAR LIGHTER than the 600 pounds he will be adding via the 12v system, and a good chunk of change cheaper also. As far as running a 5k BtUh A/C on nonstop compressor cycle for 8 hours? If it's hot out, you'd better plan to have 8000 Ah of batteries (that would be 75 group 27 batteries, or equivalent, weighing in at approx 2000 pounds). It would take the world's biggest alternator to recharge those bad puppies inside of an hour.
I'm not being critical, but you either need to revisit your math, or please run your combo by a local electrical engineer to verify your thoughts...
I assure you that if people could have A/C, and run it for an 8 hour day in the summer on batteries, only to spend one hour to recharge them - nobody would ever sell gensets...
mc
I'm not being critical, but you either need to revisit your math, or please run your combo by a local electrical engineer to verify your thoughts...
I assure you that if people could have A/C, and run it for an 8 hour day in the summer on batteries, only to spend one hour to recharge them - nobody would ever sell gensets...
mc
He's pretty much Always right .....
03-02-2005 | 09:29 AM
#18
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,255
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Re: A/C and Generator
I recently heard about the new Cigarette boats having an AC unit installed which will work off an "Ice" cooler. haven't researched it but from the initial conversation was supposed to be a big hit.
Originally Posted by RLopez9014
I am looking for feedback on boaters who have a generator and A/C on their powerboats. I live in South Florida and I am looking at a new 39ft V bottom boat. I think a generator and A/C would be a good idea if is is not too much trouble.
03-02-2005 | 10:17 AM
#19
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,909
Likes: 9
From: Northeast,Fla
Re: A/C and Generator
Some info on DC ... AC ....
http://www.dcbreeze.com/finding_power.htm
Ice Cooler ..........
http://www.compactappliance.com/xq/J...%3Etwelve+volt
http://www.dcbreeze.com/finding_power.htm
Ice Cooler ..........
http://www.compactappliance.com/xq/J...%3Etwelve+volt
Last edited by offthefront; 03-02-2005 at 10:30 AM.
03-02-2005 | 10:26 AM
#20
artselectricinc.com
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 703
Likes: 27
From: Longview, WA, USA
Re: A/C and Generator
Originally Posted by Steet
I am just before adding A/C to my 41'. I am going with 12 volt though. I do not want to add the wait of a generator. The 12 volt system will allow you to run the A/C continuous for 8hrs without recharging. Crank the engine and the alternator will recharge the battery in under an hour. But with the shorepower plugged in you can run it indefinitely. With Gel batteries it only takes two and the total system weighs in when installed, at around 600lbs. I have already seen 2 of them in service and believe they will be the ticket.
Steve H
