Anyone run A/C while cruising?

[Z-Worthy]

We have a '97 400DA that's new to us this summer. I've been cruising with the salon A/C on to keep the generator under load. But I always worry that in rougher seas the intake will be pulling in a lot of bubbles and air. Is this something to worry about? What do you guys all do with the A/C while cruising?

 

[mistercomputerman]

Turn it on before leaving the dock.

Turn it off after returning to the dock.

 

[fwebster]

Never boat in Florida in August………. huh??

The real worry is trash in the AC strainer. Run it and enjoy the air conditioning, just check the strainer frequently.

 

[JimT]

Run it anytime the temp is over 75.

 

[sbw1]

We use it to heat our helm station in the spring and while long distance cruising when Lake Michigan temps are low.

 

[Georgia SeaDawg]

Never leave home without it on!

 

[Time To Relax]

Always have it running ! Docked or cruis

 

[Graham Lorimer]

I would like to add an extension to this query.

If the Generator is running while cruising, do you leave the AC Converters (Battery Charger/s) switched on, allowing charge to go into the batteries from the alternators and the battery chargers at the same time?

Graham

 

[FootballFan]

I would like to add an extension to this query.

If the Generator is running while cruising, do you leave the AC Converters (Battery Charger/s) switched on, allowing charge to go into the batteries from the alternators and the battery chargers at the same time?

Graham

My understanding - it depends on the charger. Older chargers there was a problem with the double charge coming from the alternator. Local SR Dealer service person told me that on my previous boat (2007) the charger was smart enough to switch off when there was current from the Alternator.

Previously I had always turned them off, after being told it was ok, I left the switch on from then on.

 

[GrandMaster]

I would like to add an extension to this query.

If the Generator is running while cruising, do you leave the AC Converters (Battery Charger/s) switched on, allowing charge to go into the batteries from the alternators and the battery chargers at the same time?

Graham

Even if you can, why would you? Not suggesting its a stupid question, I was just wondering if there is something in the question that I may not have considered.

 

[kaz911]

My understanding - it depends on the charger. Older chargers there was a problem with the double charge coming from the alternator. Local SR Dealer service person told me that on my previous boat (2007) the charger was smart enough to switch off when there was current from the Alternator.

Previously I had always turned them off, after being told it was ok, I left the switch on from then on.

old or new charger should not matter. The guy (charge circuit) with the most power will deliver the most charge.

Alternators will usually win over A/C chargers since they usually output a slightly higher voltage than your charger would do. Then the charger will see the higher voltage and consider the battery charged and turn it self to a lower amp output. And it is not because of the charger being smart - it is due to Ohms law. In reality it is a bit more complicated but not much

Q: would you think twice about putting 4 batteries in parallel if they are slightly unevenly charged? No not really. Alternators and Chargers are just that - a kind of battery with a higher charge when running. Power will flow from the "higher" powered circuits into the lower powered circuits - because they all want to be equal...

The only issue that you can get is if the Alternator has damaged diodes. Then you will get a bit of trouble. So for safety once in a while - switch of the A/C powered charger so you can see the true output of your alternator. You will/should see the performance of your A/C powered charger every time you switch off the engines and are on shore power.

 

[spirt320]

Mine is going all the time, whether in the slip or out.

 

[spirt320]

hey Time To Relax, are you over at The Reserve?

 

[Hifirush]

I turn the AC down when we arrive at the boat and turn it back up before we leave. When we cruise, I turn on the genny and keep AC on, its nice having a place to get out of the Texas/OK heat.

Matt

 

[All's Well]

hey Time To Relax, are you over at The Reserve?

That's where the picture was taken but his slip is at Rough Hollow.

 

[spirt320]

That's where the picture was taken but his slip is at Rough Hollow.

Ahh, ok thanks! I'm at over at The Reserve. I knew it looked familiar.

 

[All's Well]

Ahh, ok thanks! I'm at over at The Reserve. I knew it looked familiar.

Tell Gary we said Hi

 

[spirt320]

Tell Gary we said Hi

Will do, Gary is a great guy!