2002 Sun Dancer 260 - Adding an inverter

[Chris Cro09]

So I just bought a 2002 Sun Dancer 260 and didnt realize it doesnt have a generator. It has AC, but it can only be run on shore power. Instead of adding a crazy expensive gen, can I just add a 3000w 12v inverter if I want to run the AC for about an hour or so with the motor/boat running? I am not looking to run it long term or with the boat off. The boat should keep the batteries charged while running the inverter/AC right? I was looking to add something like these:



https://www.homedepot.com/p/Renogy-3000-Watt-Pure-Sine-Wave-Inverter-12V-DC-to-120V-AC-Converter-for-Off-Grid-Solar-Power-w-Built-in-5V-2-1A-USB-Port-RNG-INVT-3000-12V-P2/308843258

or



https://www.amazon.com/Power-TechOn-Inverter-Outlets-PS1003/dp/B0131NFWX2



I know another option would be using a portable generator, but I am hoping to use the AC while the boat is in motion and the portable gen seems like it would move around too much.

 

[Brite Idea]

I installed a Xantex 3000 on my last boat but they are NOT spark/ignition protected so they can't be mounted in the engine compartment. I'm not sure of the math but AC units have a big load on start up so maybe not. Also remember that your alternator isn't designed for that kind of load. The inverter can only have about a six foot run of cables from the batteries. When I would use mine it was mostly for the microwave(short bursts) cell chargers and TV.

 

[NoMoreIdeas]

I used a kill-a-watt meter to measure my AC draw on my 2001 260 at around 600 watts, so even a 2000w inverter should do fine. I doubt the alternator would keep up with that draw. If your looking at that small of a time period, you could just get a $300 100ah lifepo4 battery, that should run it for 2 hours.

 

[aerobat77]

3000 watts at 12 volts are 250 amps . Obviously your alternator cannot do it .

I agree the ac does not draw that much but it draws enough to overload your alternator .

In worst case you wreck your electrics , in best case you drain your batteries since for a while they will buffer the load .

You can install such an inverter but you cannot run the ac for a longer time

 

[SloBurn]

I do this on my boat, with a 2KW inverter, I run for 10 minutes max, and continue to run 10 min. after shutting off A/C.

 

[Eric Kennedy]

Would this 2000W rechargeable run the AC at night? How would you hook it up to run AC? Thanks mucho https://www.amazon.com/Jackery-Explorer-Portable-capacity-Emergency/dp/B0BD59QDH4/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2V0ED95PDLVBU&keywords=jackery+2000+pro&qid=1689025529&sprefix=jackery+2000,aps,161&sr=8-4&th=1

 

[Fumita305]

did you ever fix this problem? dealing with similar problem

 

[bobeast]

Assuming your AC draws 6 amps at 120V (720 Watts) while running, that translates to around a 66 AMP draw from your battery, not accounting for inverter inefficiencies. So with a 100 Ah battery you might be able to run the ac for 30 - 45 minutes before drawing your battery below 50%. (which you shouldn't do). This also does not account for the startup surge which a 3 kw inverter would have a difficult time handling.

A more reasonable setup might be a 4 kw inverter with 100ah / x4. That way you'd be able to run the ac long enough to actually cool things down.