Reverse cycle AC running off inverter

PeterPalmieri · Post by **PeterPalmieri** » Oct 21st, '19, 10:54

Curious what your guys thoughts are.....Recently watch this boat review on Florida sportsman, say what you want but it beats whats on cable. They talk about the AC running on battery power and the inverter. The boats website shows an option of reverse cycle heat and AC. I also watch a show on youtube about sailboat travelers who use a soft start to run their AC off their battery system. I realize it would use up the battery pertty quickly but I am curious is this is something new that really works well or just a bad idea....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6SnGEsRV44

https://www.sailfishboats.com/sailfish-boats/360-cc/

https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/produc ... g-off-grid

mike ohlstein · Post by **mike ohlstein** » Oct 21st, '19, 11:51

I've never cared that I don't have A/C on the boat. This isn't Louisiana.... But I do like having heat, and I don't want to drain my batteries or run the generator constantly. To that end, I installed furnace over the winter. I've already used it several times this year. I have one in my van as well, and it's great there too. As someone who probably spends more nights sleeping on his boat or in his truck than most, trust me. These things are great. They use almost no fuel, and are extremely gentle on the battery.

https://www.eberspaecher-na.com/product ... arine.html

Carl · Post by **Carl** » Oct 21st, '19, 12:03

Peter,
Without taking a look at the videos I'll add my .02.

Medium size deep cycle house battery can run my 1200 continuous amp inverter for about 20 minutes when pulling a good load, then needs to be recharged which for deep cycle is a while. I can also run the motor and charge as battery discharges...but mine does not quite keep up when I run the microwave.

I'll liken an AC to running the microwave...it will work, but not for long with just your single house battery.

You can have motor running to charge up the battery, but if like mine you'll see the power slowly dwindling. In that case its a bigger house battery or batteries and a larger alternator. Comes a tipping point when it makes more sense to install a generator.

I love the inverter for a quick bit of AC power when out. Flip the button and plug into the shore power its AC to all my outlets for a pot of hot coffee, bag of popcorn in the microwave, heat up some food, blender. But that's about it unless motors are running, then I'd use for longer term use to charge phones, Ipads, run a fan, laptop or charge my AC fridge. I guess could also be done with a wind and solar generator too.

If more then that I'd really need to add battery storage and go with a larger alternator...but inverters are very inefficient and if I was looking long term demand I'd be looking into a generator.
I'd lean that way if I wanted AC in our boats with a larger cabin and lots of windows.

But hey, I've been wrong before.

PeterPalmieri · Post by **PeterPalmieri** » Oct 21st, '19, 12:20

I still don't think I need or want ac/heat on the boat. Was just curious of what technology is out there. We do have 4 batteries on the boat; 1 for each engine and two house batteries. Planning on installing an inverter so I can use some small home appliances, electric griddle, immersion blender, charge a phone without an adapter etc. Mostly when I'm on shore power but it's nice to be able to use them for short use when not on shore power. That all being said the reason I would consider AC is to keep mold at bay in the cabin over the summer. With the original windows I've never had the need for heat, we spent the day in the ocean fishing over the weekend and the sun keeps the cabin plenty warm.

Carl · Post by **Carl** » Oct 21st, '19, 14:28

A 5000BTU AC unit runs at 4.8 amps...never mind startup. That's not much time on an inverter with two batteries, or two batteries and a solar panel...and wind gen. Even half that size and consumption is alot to draw on a pair of batteries....then what charges them for the next days usage?

Then comes the issue with, do I really want to leave my inverter on unattended. And that's a big NO. Big ol heavy cables go into that inverter and it generates some good heat...even when not being drawn on.

What I did and it made a difference was I installed a solar vent in the cabin ceiling. I really should have done two as that is what was called for...and should have changed the rechargeable batteries after a few years...but that's another story.
Without the vent it was nasty hot and humid going into the cabin on those cranking hot days in the afternoon when I got there. The vent made it somewhat bearable to go in and open up the windows and hatch.

Dug · Post by **Dug** » Oct 21st, '19, 15:28

Tropic Star is running their ac units off the serpentine engine belt on the port motor. Truck style. I don't know that its reverse cycle and hence only produces cooling, but still pretty cool! Literally...

Carl · Post by **Carl** » Oct 21st, '19, 15:33

That is pretty cool Dug, pun intended too.
I was going to ask why that's not the norm for boats...but then our boats are not always running. Not really good for making friends at the dock or moorings.

But not sure Peter would want to leave his boat sitting at the dock "unattended" with both the motor and AC running.

Bruce · Post by **Bruce** » Oct 21st, '19, 21:34

Nothing new. But a lot of it is smoke and mirrors and not practical.

Tony Meola · Post by **Tony Meola** » Oct 21st, '19, 21:54

Dug wrote:Tropic Star is running their ac units off the serpentine engine belt on the port motor. Truck style. I don't know that its reverse cycle and hence only produces cooling, but still pretty cool! Literally...

I would think that running the AC off of the belt would increase fuel consumption. How much on a diesel engine, not sure. On a gas engine I would say that you would probably notice the difference in fuel consumption.

For Tropic Star lodge, it is a short run every day for them, so fuel consumption is a non issue. Plus they need to have happy customers, but then again, are the customers there to fish or sit in the boats cabin.

Yannis · Post by **Yannis** » Oct 21st, '19, 22:59

Just a minute...

Carl is saying that a 5K BTU runs at 4.8 amps. Wow, Really?

If so:

2 X 130 W solar panels (like mine) / 12 V = 21.7 Amps per hour
21.7 Amps X 10 hours of sun (useful sun) = 217 Amps per 24h
Assuming 300 A in the house bank (3 batteries of 100A each), of which 60% useful = 180 useful Amps
180 A / 4.8 A = 37.5 hours of running the A/C per day!

From this, subtract the whatever loss in converting 12V to 110V (or 220V)...

Does it seem it's doable?

Carl · Post by **Carl** » Oct 22nd, '19, 06:15

The real good inverters are about 90% efficient and the lower end units about 75%.

Almost seems doable till you factor that in...plus the unit makes heat that you'll need to cool and startup draw I'd expect to be about twice the running load. The good news there is the AC unit at 5000 BTU's, I believe is about half what most use in our boats, so it will always be running and may not need to worry about startup draw.

Also need to keep in mind that just having the inverter on it will be drawing a couple amps.

Inverters are great, but I see them more for a quick draw and shut them down.

Dug · Post by **Dug** » Oct 22nd, '19, 07:54

Keep in mind TSL is only using AC while underway. Not at the dock. I have AC but only run it at the dock when connected to shore power as I don't have a genset. As Mike said up here I generally don't think its needed particularly when under way vs. down south or the jungles of Panama!

Never thought to try running off my inverter...

Dug

Yannis · Post by **Yannis** » Oct 22nd, '19, 08:02

Does anyone know how many WATTS is this 5K BTU A/C?

PeterPalmieri · Post by **PeterPalmieri** » Oct 22nd, '19, 08:36

Yannis wrote:Just a minute...

Carl is saying that a 5K BTU runs at 4.8 amps. Wow, Really?

If so:

2 X 130 W solar panels (like mine) / 12 V = 21.7 Amps per hour
21.7 Amps X 10 hours of sun (useful sun) = 217 Amps per 24h
Assuming 300 A in the house bank (3 batteries of 100A each), of which 60% useful = 180 useful Amps
180 A / 4.8 A = 37.5 hours of running the A/C per day!

From this, subtract the whatever loss in converting 12V to 110V (or 220V)...

Does it seem it's doable?

Extended trip sailors are very good at using solar power, check out some these folks videos and articles...
https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/living ... v-sailboat

David Davidson · Post by **David Davidson** » Oct 22nd, '19, 08:54

I installed a little 3.5kw "Whisper Power" genset specifically to run the a/c. it uses 12 litres fuel per 24hrs apparently, so 8hrs overnight around 4 litres. A small price to pay to sleep well IMO.
I can't hear it in the cabin, but can feel a very slight vibration.
Boat shipping to the Carib at the end of Nov, so I may need the a/c!!

https://www.whisperpower.com/4/2/287/pr ... arine.html

Carl · Post by **Carl** » Oct 22nd, '19, 10:01

http://myboatsgear.com/2017/01/14/m5-52 ... nditioner/

Yannis · Post by **Yannis** » Oct 22nd, '19, 10:20

Pete,

If you can do without a hairdryer and a/c (this latter now being debated), then solar and natural gas can do all the rest.

Consider: I have a fridge and a freezer, all lights, all music, all pumps, toilet (electric), all phones, pads, laptop charging, even my anchor windlass if need be, mini hoover for cleaning, all these are solar.

Then: Unlimited hot water on demand for showering, all cooking on the stove top, therefore all coffees of all types, even a portable gas oven which holds a full chicken, al these are gas driven.

To thinly chop onion and the like I have a manual slicer where you pull a cord and it revolves the razors...

I cannot have heating (which is completely needless here), I cannot have a hairdryer (...) and I cannot have an a/c (I could consider it if it was possible). Also, I can have a 12v water maker, but I hear that those 12v ones are a bit too delicate and I’m not too delicate with electronics. Instead I carry 400 liters of water. No big deal.

So, I sit in my boat drinking my drinks with my own ice, wandering around all those who upon arrival rush to the plugs so that their fridge contents remain edible, and their wine cool. Or they have to listen to the genny all day and night.
In 90% of the places I visit, there is always a house and a room with family awaiting...I always stay on the boat and I invite them to a 3 course meal if I so wish. I spend 100 days per year on the boat,...., those sailors have very little to tell me!

Yannis · Post by **Yannis** » Oct 22nd, '19, 10:33

Carl,

Magnificent.
Now let’s see...where do we put the a/c, where do we put the genny...

Carl · Post by **Carl** » Oct 22nd, '19, 12:54

Yannis wrote:Carl,

Magnificent.
Now let’s see...where do we put the a/c, where do we put the genny...

How needs a genny...more solar panels!!

Yannis · Post by **Yannis** » Oct 22nd, '19, 12:59

No room d@mn it.
Those flex ones are no good, twice the cost per real estate, PLUS, half the output. As for the solid ones, we’re not like the sailboats where they can hang them on the rails...and expand them out when at rest.

Tony Meola · Post by **Tony Meola** » Oct 22nd, '19, 21:51

Yannis

I have a feeling that female company is only with you for short periods of time. Us married guys have to put up with blow dryers and curling irons.

Yannis · Post by **Yannis** » Oct 23rd, '19, 04:30

It's a choice, Tony, like any other.
In the restricted space of a boat, it's a good choice.

Tony Meola · Post by **Tony Meola** » Oct 23rd, '19, 20:14

Yannis wrote:It's a choice, Tony, like any other.
In the restricted space of a boat, it's a good choice.

Yannis

My choice will be the same as Peter's, Happy wife Happy life.

bob lico · Post by **bob lico** » Oct 24th, '19, 17:51

my boat is in the water 9 1/2 to 10 months a year and i am getting on in age my cousin say it the best '' BROTHER how many good years due we have"that being said i don`t know about you guys but it is a great feeling to walk into a heated,DRY, cabin to warm up with hot chocolate or coffee . sorry guys i have a differant values i want my genny and heat or a/c depending on time of year NOT going to leave 2 million inheritance AND THE BOAT ----seriously got to think of number one
.

Tooeez · Post by **Tooeez** » Oct 24th, '19, 20:45

Yes, you can run an a/c off an inverter--but the compromises you have to accept to make it work may not be worth it.
My first mate can really be bothered by the heat at times, so when we moved to Florida I knew I was going to have to figure a way to get a/c without a generator. A good rule of thumb for inverters is to take the a/c load and times it by 10 to get the d/c draw, so in order to keep an a/c going for a while without the engines running I figured I needed to keep the d/c load at around 70 amps. That meant my a/c had to use no more than 7 amps, which limits how large a unit you can use. I chose a Mermaid 5200 btu cool only unit, rated at 6 amps, mostly because they advertise it as being able to operate off a 1,000 watt inverter. Here's what I had to do to make it work: I have a Xantrex 2000 watt inverter and 4 110 amp hour group 31 deep cycle batteries, normally arranged 2 on the port engine, 2 on the stbd. engine. I have a selector switch with which I can put one, or both, of the stbd. batteries in parallel with the port side bank. The inverter and other house loads are on the port side, so when I use the a/c I put 3 batteries together, giving me about 330 amp hours of capacity. I had the standard 55 amp alternator on the port engine, feeding the batteries through a #8 wire and 40 amp fuse. I installed the a/c unit, and had no issues using shore power. Getting the inverter to work took some trial and error.
First issue: the unit would not start on the inverter--the starting load was too great. That was solved by installing a soft start capacitor. Next issue: when underway the alternator supplies some of the amps, and the batteries make up the rest. At this point the unit was drawing about 75 amps, so the alternator was operating at about 100% of its capacity, which it did for about an hour before it burned up (and I do mean burned--it was smoking). I replaced it with a 105 amp alternator, which can put out the steady 35-40 amps the a/c uses without straining, which led to the next issue: the factory installed #8 wire and 40 amp fuse could not handle the higher amperage. The fuse blew underway, and was so hot, along with the #8 wire, that I could not touch either one. I solved that by replacing the feed wire with a #2 cable and 100 amp circuit breaker. The last piece of the puzzle came together when the water pump supplied with the unit burned out. I discovered that pump was using 3.5 amps, and was way too big for the size a/c I have. I replaced it with a smaller pump that draws .8 amps, which brought the total draw for the a/c down to around 55 amps.
So how does it work? I can run the unit on three batteries for about 6 hours before I get a low voltage alarm from the invertor. If I'm trolling or drift fishing I can run it as long as I want. That's the up side. The down side is that the a/c unit is really too small for the boat--it struggles during the heat of the day, and can only bring the cabin temp down to the low eighties (which feels like stepping into a meat locker on a Florida summer day). It does remove the humidity from the cabin, which makes it real comfortable and stops the mildew from growing. So that's the compromise: an a/c big enough to cool the cabin is probably too big to work off an inverter; an a/c that can work off an inverter is probably too small to cool the cabin.

Yannis · Post by **Yannis** » Oct 24th, '19, 23:24

Very interesting!

Mind you, you could possibly render the ac more effective by limiting the cabin losses, like, always closing the door, separating the front cabin with a curtain when not in use, making sure the air leaks through the windows are sealed, etc.

However, as I have noticed in my boat, the worst enemy in raising the cabin temp is the window framing!
This alum framing gets so hot during the day when exposed directly to the sun, that it gets literally untouchable. You can burn your fingers if you let them on it for more than a few seconds.
So, to minimize this problem, I cut and hung on the inside stb window this thin alum covered bubbly thing they put on car dashes.
It makes a big difference, on that side at least.
The prevalent winds here are mainly N, NE or NW. Therefore when at anchor (but also in ports that are mainly constructed to protect against north winds), the stb side of the boat is mostly always exposed to the west and the hot sun hours. By protecting the stb window (the rear portion that does not open in a 28), reduces the frame’s radiation into the cabin.

For the stb portion of the forward window, which is also greatly exposed to the sun and gets equally Very hot, I have thought of either creating some sort of shade on the outside (like a white canvass strip clipped under the outside protrusion/eyebrow and attached by strings to the bow rail on the far side, or, putting around the window (on the outside) those prefab alum sandwiches with the isolated core they use in shutters or in other industrial applications. I’ll have to see how it will look as neutral as possible.
If I manage to reduce the heat radiation of the stb frames I believe the cabin temp will become much more pleasant, this summer’s trick with this dash bubbly thing proved it!

My cabin fan which draws air from the top, where the air is by definition hotter, was way more effective too, as that air was now cooler.

Carl · Post by **Carl** » Oct 25th, '19, 07:27

bob lico wrote:my boat is in the water 9 1/2 to 10 months a year and i am getting on in age my cousin say it the best '' BROTHER how many good years due we have"that being said i don`t know about you guys but it is a great feeling to walk into a heated,DRY, cabin to warm up with hot chocolate or coffee . sorry guys i have a differant values i want my genny and heat or a/c depending on time of year NOT going to leave 2 million inheritance AND THE BOAT ----seriously got to think of number one
.

I'm not so sure its different values...I think you may have bust your hump a bit to get your wife, life, kids and country squared away to where they are now. You made your sacrifices, now you get to sit back and reap the rewards. Your very much entitled to think about number one.

Yes, a warm cabin on a cold day is the cats meow.

Me...on a cold Fall day trolling spoons inside my canvas enclosure with the smell of fresh coffee being brewed ranks right up there FOR ME and my wife. Taking that first sip, oh...

An AC is nice on a hot day and will not argue that...but if its that hot, I go home to AC and the pool. Or I go to the beach with the boat, indulge in a cool beverage or just cruise. Only time I have really wanted one is on vacation with boat. Those cranking hot, humid nights with no breeze. Then again walking up to a light breeze in the morning can more then make up for it. Add a hot cup of coffee, sitting on the deck in peace and quiet....
Something about shutting yourself inside closing out that which I wanted to enjoy is backwards for me.

I'm also not a fan of listening to a generator or the trickle of water of an AC. Underway, trolling its all good. Drifting, bottom fishing or just drowning worms to get away...I look forward to the quiet.

Think it gets chocked up to one of dads favorite lines "different strokes for different folks"

PeterPalmieri · Post by **PeterPalmieri** » Oct 25th, '19, 09:00

Tooeez some great information, very informative.

Bob I get exactly where you are coming from, I kind of wish I had a slip with shore power I'd be more inclined to keep the cabin temp regulated more for dampness, mold and humidity. That being said with the original glass windows you get a solarium effect, I've had my parents (79 and 83) out in the ocean on cold November days and the cabin is plenty warm. I generally don't have interest in using AC out on the water, all my windows open. Dockside sleeping at night the temps and a small breeze I can deal with, the bigger problem is listening to everyone else's AC and water discharge running all night. Not to mention even quiet late night walks down the dock wake you up when the windows are open. I weathered both Irene and Sandy in my slip and the boat stays in the water year round, I winterize the systems from Christmas to Valentine's day only. I have used a small electric space heater in January when the temps are in single digits to allow me to do some work in the cabin while she is buttoned up. So a reverse cycle that runs off shore power for overnights a couple times a year I'm not sure is worth the effort in my case.

To keep my costs to a minimum and my time free not maintaining things I want to keep the boat as simple and maintenance free as possible, I don't ever see a generator as a want. Although I can appreciate it's convenience.

Here is my life; Friday night we went to a Gala with the kids. Saturday morning we had a soccer game and two basketball practices. Went straight to the boat with lunch packed and ran to the ocean and fished until dark. Cleaned up the boat and got home in time to eat something and put the kids to bed. We had two soccer games on Sunday, along with a family dinner with my wife's side of the family. Got a small punch list of things that need cleaning, maintenance and repair on the boat. Only free time this weekend is Sunday so no fishing (bad weather) but should be able to check off the to do list. Rinse and repeat next weekend. Not a minute during the week to do much more than check she is floating.

Carl · Post by **Carl** » Oct 25th, '19, 11:49

Pete, before you start thinking about reverse cycle heat you need to know they only work down to a certain temperature. Once below 45 or 50 degrees or something the heat stops working. Lousy that when you need it most it say, nope, too cold. Wait for it to get warmer and I'll think about it.

Your schedule sounds a bit too familiar, except its swim in place of soccer and work on the boat is done instead of fishing. I do get down once in awhile after work to get some stuff done...but its rare and I Do Not recommend fiberglassing in the dark. Kinda sounds like a song, no?
Saturdays are tough to work on the boat...every car that comes in stops by to say hi, how you doing, make any progress, think you'll get it in this year. OR they bring me club problems to deal with. I should have moved boat before the yard started filling up.

bob lico · Post by **bob lico** » Oct 27th, '19, 10:53

carl don`t forget i try not to keep in mind no male in my family ever live beyond 67----- SOOO that factor comes to play along with the niche with federal government contracts. getting back to subject i put small heating coil in reverse cycle ductwork so below water temperature of 45 degrees the coils heat the cabin. the super coftable salon seats with overhead LED light is quiet and a great place to concentrate on contracts,stock market --oh and the wine always cool. got to make every minute count till the check engine light goes off!!!

Carl · Post by **Carl** » Oct 28th, '19, 06:07

So you have to warm the water to get the heater to work...at that point a small space heater gets a cabin toasty in short time.
But that's me, I love simple and...well thats pretty much it- the KISS method- "Keep It Simple Stupid"

But again, you paid your dues, kids are set, paid your bills...now you get to step back and enjoy life. Toasty helm seats, a warm cabin in the cold weather, cool in the summer...why not. Add a little Red Corvette...
It is some of lifes little pleasures of just being able to enjoy whatever it may be that makes the inside smile a little.

bob lico · Post by **bob lico** » Oct 28th, '19, 07:58

no i don`t heat the water for heat.heat sensing relay blow return air thru heating coils.heats cabin in minutes and goes on and off with thermostat for AC/HEAT on wall next to sink in galley.just set temp for winter ,summer and also dehumifier.blankets ,throw pillars in V-birth dry all the time.just think what you want to accomplish on your 31, make a spreadsheet and start one project at a time. i got to be honest quite a bit of work installing stereo,vhf combintion 3db,6db,9db antennas they automaticlly switch when you key the mike but for real i use 9db except bridge opening 3db. this plus tv became involved and really not needed unless you use stereo/vhf in the bay.rarely used fold out TV and a job to installed.

KoolerKoozie · Post by **KoolerKoozie** » Oct 28th, '19, 09:42

how about using golf cart battery's 2 6 volt 240 amp hrs. my 1400 btu runs about 6 hrs the start up is the hard part

Carl · Post by **Carl** » Oct 29th, '19, 06:20

KoolerKoozie wrote:how about using golf cart battery's 2 6 volt 240 amp hrs. my 1400 btu runs about 6 hrs the start up is the hard part

Electric is not my thing by a long shot. But going 6 volt...doesn't that need bigger batteries and heavier cables? Then a way to charge 6 volt batteries...I
I'd think if going through that trouble I'd go 24 volt, easier startup, cooler running motors, lighter cables.

But no matter how you play the game with an inverter, bigger and or more batteries, lots of heavy cables, an upgraded way to charge the system unless the idea is for a couple hours of cool with depleted dead batteries to be recharged when back on shore power or some other alternate like solar or wind. Hey...maybe charge them up all day when out and about then get a few hours of cool when retiring to bed when suns down.

In my head I see an inverter as a quick way to get some 110VAC for some home conveniences. To generate lots of 110AC or for longer periods I'd turn to a generator unless it was a sailboat or trawler that is not space cramped or worrying about extra weight, has long intervals to slow charge.

Comes down to using the right tool for the job...not to sure an inverter is the right tool to run an AC under most circumstances for us.
Can it be done, yup.

Yannis · Post by **Yannis** » Oct 29th, '19, 07:42

Carl,

I remember I was once thinking of buying a small genny, like a Honda or Yamaha 1000 or similar, and putting it inside a big cooler which I would buy for that purpose, to which I would make a few holes to breathe. I thought that the cooler’s insulation would dampen the noise significantly.
I also thought I would put it outside on the swim platform for further noise reduction.
But I didn't finally do it, so now I’m thinking if this is even doable...a genny in a cooler...

Carl · Post by **Carl** » Oct 29th, '19, 08:06

You can put it in there...you could even run it in there.

But then comes the issue it needs fresh air so you have to pipe that in.
Running in a cooler...you have exhaust and heat to deal with...by the time you put enough holes to let the heat and exhaust out I'm not too sure your damping enough of the sound.

If it were me...I could have the calmest water all week long without a ripple getting close to the swim platform...that is till I put the generator on the swim platform. within minutes you can expect a rogue wave to wash over the platform.

My aversion to generators may have something to do with fishing with my dad. We used to troll later Friday afternoon, all night, all morning then head back late afternoon on Saturday as the boat had no food or beverages unless I brought...and since I was coming from school on a Friday I didn't bring either.
I'm off track as usual...dads boat didn't quite like trooling with the cockpit lights on as it drained the batteries when idles where down low...so he bought a small generator that he put up front at the bow. And for a few minutes it was nice to have light to see the cockpit...the noise got to me after 10 hours. Actually I wasn't too found of it after a few minutes. Now I just cringe when I hear generators..even the quite ones.
That said...the small Hondas are real quite and I'd use to charge up something or run a microwave...basically the same thing I'd use an inverter for. Long term...a generator needs to be installed in a soundproof box with a good wet muffler.

bob lico · Post by **bob lico** » Oct 30th, '19, 09:42

carl i am rather embarrass i have no idea what your talking about. lets get off topic for a minute when a home has a heat pump like many homes from SC on south to FL. they work up to 32 degrees than they rely on electric heating coils in the ductwork to maintain 70 degrees. the Bertram has a special reverse cycle unit normally used on a large sport fishing boat with a air condition bridge. the fan is three times as strong to make up for rapid A/C or Heat loss on open bridge. this unit was put inside the bathroom vanity with 2" dense foam sillent at all times there is no "exhaust" or need for outside air althrough air filtration from under door in capanion way does come into cabin there are no other leaks cabin is sealed below and above deck . i hope we are on the same page now.

Carl · Post by **Carl** » Oct 30th, '19, 09:46

Bob, I was responding to the idea of Yannis running a portable generator inside a cooler to dampen the noise.

Before that was a response to Koolerkozie using 6volt golf cart batteries to run the inverter to run the Air Conditioner.

Little 110VAC nick nacks being run for a few minutes when away from shorepower I see as a perfect time to have and use an inverter.
Running something substantial or for long periods of time...get a generator installed.
Offshore, lights, electronics and charging up the batteries is generator territory.
AC or heat on the hook or drift...generator.

But to each his own