power inverter ?s

[lynnboy021]

this year I wanted to add a/c to my boat, I want to use a cheap wally world $80 window a/c... my ? is what kind of inverter I need for a 5,000btu a/c??? is a 1k/2k watt inverter enough for just the a/c?????

 

[NYBo]

Re: power inverter ?s

Terrible idea. Between the current requirements of the A/C and the inefficiency of inverters, your run time with a reasonably sized battery bank is very short. A generator is the way to go, IMO.

 

[lynnboy021]

Re: power inverter ?s

yes true but generators are so loud and not really looking to have a big item on the boat.... I only have a 23ft boat and also the small Honda one is around $1500... do they even make 12v a/c????

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: power inverter ?s

Price out camper units. But the expense of making 120 vac from a battery bank if a huge. Even with a generator it will need to be a 2000 to 3000 watt unit.

 

[lynnboy021]

Re: power inverter ?s

so how does people keep there boats cool when out fishing or something????

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: power inverter ?s

A 5000btu AC is realistically going to draw ~5 amps at 125vac. That's ~600 running Watts.
Staring power is much high but a 2Kw Inverter should do the job.

Now the bad news....

600 watts at 12v is ~50 amps.
A group 31 Deep Cycle battery will deliver 100 AH if you run it nearly dead. (Not Good!)
Add in conversion inefficiencies and aging of the battery and you would expect the battery to last a little over 30 minutes. Just enough to start cooling the cabin before you lost power.
The generator starts to look small when compared to 6 Batteries.

If you want to keep cool while fishing, Bring 40# of ice, and don't fish from inside the cabin. :facepalm:

 

[lynnboy021]

Re: power inverter ?s

Lol we'll I really don't fish.... Just wanted to keep the cabin cool for the kids and to sleep ok.. I seen people put ice in a cooler and hook up a fan but I don't think the ice will last long...... How about if I keep the front window open and install a small fan, you guys think that will help????

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: power inverter ?s

Lol we'll I really don't fish.... Just wanted to keep the cabin cool for the kids and to sleep ok.. I seen people put ice in a cooler and hook up a fan but I don't think the ice will last long...... How about if I keep the front window open and install a small fan, you guys think that will help????

Is this guy for real?

 

[lynnboy021]

Re: power inverter ?s

Well I am real cuz I am talking to you so ? Is are you for real????

 

[gm280]

Re: power inverter ?s

Well I am real cuz I am talking to you so ? Is are you for real????

stated.

I'll give you my 2 cents worth but use your discretion in using it...

I have seen lots of folks take frozen 1 gallon milk jugs and put them in a cooler type enclose with a fan installed in the top like you stated and some outlets (some type of 3" or 4" PVC piping out the sides) to keep the cooler closed. That 1 gallon will last about 4 hours. So take a few frozen jugs and there you go. At night with everybody settled down, it will give everybody some cool air. May not turn the area into the Artic, but I bet it would suffice quite well... Do some searching on YouTube for that exact type air conditioner and watch how they do...

 

[agallant80]

Re: power inverter ?s

The battery and power inverter idea will never work. You will need a huge amount of batteries, you will have to balance them on your boat because they will be heavy enough to make the boat list, inverter will run the bank dry in no time. you will spend about $1000 on an inverter and some batteries that will run your AC for 20 min.

I use a 2000W portable generator on the swim platform to run the ac when on the hook. You don't have to keep it running. The cabin will hold the cool for about 40 min or so. As for the noise some are louder than others. I would go with the Honda

And of course you understand the risks of C0 and water and electricity. That is another debate that had been had many times on this site. Not going to get in to it just make sure you be safe what ever you do.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Re: power inverter ?s

They do make 12 and 24VDC air conditioners. They are not cheap and they will require a large battery bank. Google "12vdc air conditioner". Big yachts that operate in the tropics actually have a heat exchanger connect to the hull.

Some people do run a small window A/C like you are referring, but only when they are anchored up in a calm area. They lash an inverter generator to the swim platform and shut id down once it gets dark.


The good news is that as hybrid vehicles become more common, 12VDC A/C is becoming more common in light vehicles. They are still very expensive compared to a traditional automotive A/C pump, but the price IS coming down. If you are a real DIYer, you might be able to get a compete system out of a salvage yard for under $500.

 

[lynnboy021]

Re: power inverter ?s

Thanks you guys are giving me real good tips..... Yes I seen a lot of YouTube videos on 12v ac and homemade ac and they are really good videos and I can do them all but I just thought the easy way was just a cheap ac n inverter..... I guess I will do the cooler trick.... All I wanted was just some ideas that's all.... Thanks guys

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: power inverter ?s

Is this a real problem or are you anticipating a problem?

I see you are in Mass. which is nothing like Fla.
If you are planning the sleep period at night you may find that a fan and the coolness of the water at night is all that is required.
If it is a clear night, the upper decks are going to get mighty cold.
By midnight you may be putting on blankets.

The secret word of the day is Swamp Cooler

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: power inverter ?s

a simple $6 clamp on fan from walmart plugged into the power outlet (cigarette outlet) is what I use. just to keep the air moving.

the fact that your boat is sitting in water, and the water temp is usually cooler than the air helps keep the cabin cool.

I would even look into a hatch fan.

putting A/C on a 23' cuddy is almost laughable.


However if you really want A/C, they even make 3500btu hatch units. however they are heavy and require two people to move around.


Here is an alternative to a freon A/C unit and it runs off of 12 volts
!12-Volt Air Conditioning Systems for After-Market Boats, Campers, Vehicles. etc.

 

[lynnboy021]

Re: power inverter ?s

I am only asking a question that's all.... All I wanted to know was about using the inverter on the ac and what you guys use to cool your boat...... I did not buy anything yet that's why I came here to ask first before I go buy something.... Don't want this thread to be a big deal about a dang ac...... Thanks

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: power inverter ?s

..Don't want this thread to be a big deal about a dang AC...... Thanks

The lake is still frozen solid and we all have cabin fever.
Just talking about boating gets us all riled up! :biggrin1:

Have Pity! :yield: