Has anyone tryed to run an ac unit from a big power inverter? Thinking about looking into this. Thanks for any info!
Robert

I have a Xantrex Freedom 458 inverter (5000 watt surge) I'll sell you. I ran the a/c unit in our old Formula with it.

Was a thread on this about this time last year. If I remember right someone posted the power requirements and there was some good info on why it wouldn't work because of the amount of batteries it would take. If I can find the thread I will post the link.
SD

gonna take LOTS of batteries! The runtime will be about 2 hours with moderate batteries. There are some other threads on here that talk about inverters and AC if you search a little.

is there something worth rig'n up so you can run the AC while the motors are running?

If i could keep it cool down there while running and be able to fire it up every once in a while to take the edge off.

I've had good luck running a small CabinMate system from a 2500 watt inverter and a pair of deep cycle Group 31 batteries. Maximum run time with the engine off is 1.5 to 2 hours, but will run forever with the engine on (160 amp alternator). I use it for cockpit cooling (canopied) as well as cabin cooling. 2500 watts is just barely enough to overcome the startup surge of the AC unit.

I ran a 5000 Btu Mermaid Marine unit in my 28 Daytona with 2 group 24's and 2 group 27 cabelas AGM batteries and a 1750 Xantrex inverter i bought at costco for $150. Worked great would run all night, camped out on it several times. I would all run it all day at the sandbar with the stereo going and I never had an issue with the batteries. Never! And it would get to 70 degrees in the miami heat in 30 minutes.

So the simple answer is yes it will work

By the time you add the cost of batteries, cables and an invertor, let alone the space/weight involved........I know you aren't interested in a gen, but I'd give it some thought. We have alot of people that put them on their bow when used.

What are you going to do when you stay out 2 nights in a row? 4 dead batteries to charge.

I have a bluesea acr and plan to recharge all batteries when I run the next day. Im just searching all my options, I want something that is more permanent on the boat without having to pack a genn, fuel ect.. plus would like to run my fridge, small tv (dvd's for the kids) and maybe the microwave and not have a genn running while doing so...I know that would probably be the way to go but still the hondas are like $1K new plus the ac unit..

Rebarbox, what kind of price ya talking about, I know that would at least run my fridge, microwave and tv..?