Built in AC for small cruisers.

[dtfeld]

This comes up all the time, people looking for air conditioners for small cruisers.

Solution: A 12 VDC AC unit from Dometic. -->https://www.dometic.com/en-us/us/support/dometic-cuddy-dc-ii-_-21015.

Only limited by your battery capacity, but a 400-600 Ah house battery might run this all night.

For smaller boats (especially up North), this might easily provide enough cooling/dehumidification for a good nights sleep no generator required.

Edit: I was thinking smaller boats...not Larger.

 

[sbw1]

This comes up all the time, people looking for air conditioners for small cruisers.

Solution: A 12 VDC AC unit from Dometic. -->https://www.dometic.com/en-us/us/support/dometic-cuddy-dc-ii-_-21015.

Only limited by your battery capacity, but a 400-600 Ah house battery might run this all night.

For larger boats (especially up North), this might easily provide enough cooling/dehumidification for a good nights sleep no generator required.

I don't think so.

 

[dtfeld]

I think so. There are systems being developed to run everything on your boat off battery power, with the side benefit of not having a separate gas/diesel genset. Including AC. Some interesting things coming down the pike.

 

[sbw1]

It's only 3500 BTUs.

 

[2016FLD]

I think so. There are systems being developed to run everything on your boat off battery power, with the side benefit of not having a separate gas/diesel genset. Including AC. Some interesting things coming down the pike.

I agree, have been following the DC based installs / systems from Mabru, they look very promising, have seen good feedback from users on other forums. They go up to 12.5k BTU

https://mabrupowersystems.com/#self-contained-air-conditioners

Their YouTube page.... https://youtube.com/c/MabruPowerSystemsINC

 

[dtfeld]

3500 Btus in a V-berth at night is still overkill.

 

[b_arrington]

View attachment 98131 It's only 3500 BTUs.

Sure, it's not a big system. But it could be just the ticket for a small cabin to enable comfortable sleeping. Even if it just removed the humidity in the cabin it could be helpful. May be it would be an option for folks considering a household window AC unit run by a Honda generator?

 

[dtfeld]

I agree, have been following the DC based installs / systems from Mabru, they look very promising, have seen good feedback from users on other forums. They go up to 12.5k BTU

https://mabrupowersystems.com/#self-contained-air-conditioners

Their YouTube page.... https://youtube.com/c/MabruPowerSystemsINC

Haven't seen those guys, but that looks promising!!

The other side of this is a large DC systems consisting of large high output alternators attached to your main engine(s) and large LiFePO battery banks and an inverter (or strait 12/24/48 VDC) to power things instead of a generator. Basically can charge up these huge banks in 1/2-1 hour.

The blowbote guys are already doing away with generators... https://integrelsolutions.com/. Claim similar cost to a genset without the hassles and CO issues.

Others are putting multiple High output on their twins to accomplish the same thing. https://electromaax.com/Projects/

I think Tom (Ttmott) is looking to do something similar on his boat, ie be able to run AC all nite on battery only.

 

[2016FLD]

Sure, it's not a big system. But it could be just the ticket for a small cabin to enable comfortable sleeping. Even if it just removed the humidity in the cabin it could be helpful. May be it would be an option for folks considering a household window AC unit run by a Honda generator?

But I like my Honda generator!!!!!!

LoL, I think the generator/window AC folks will choke on the price, I was quoted 12-15k turn key installed by Mabru for my 260, depending upon battery bank sizing, did not include upgrading my alternator. It's expensive but cheaper than adding a Genny and required less space for the install.

 

[2016FLD]

Haven't seen those guys, but that looks promising!!

The other side of this is a large DC systems consisting of large high output alternators attached to your main engine(s) and large LiFePO battery banks and an inverter (or strait 12/24/48 VDC) to power things instead of a generator. Basically can charge up these huge banks in 1/2-1 hour.

The blowbote guys are already doing away with generators... https://integrelsolutions.com/. Claim similar cost to a genset without the hassles and CO issues.

Others are putting multiple High output on their twins to accomplish the same thing. https://electromaax.com/Projects/

I think Tom (Ttmott) is looking to do something similar on his boat, ie be able to run AC all nite on battery only.

Mabru claims they use true 12v DC compressors, not simply using a converter to run an AC compressor. They say that lowers the initial start up and continuous amp draw; their videos of amp draw tests look promising and the units are quiet. The demonstration videos mostly show 28 - mid 30 ft boats.

 

[Craig]

I had a 5k btu Marinaire unit in my previous 27 with 3 grp 31 agms & 1000 watt inverter.
Set on 78 it would cycle on and off 2-3 time an hr all night with 50% battery drain. Made a huge difference. Not perfect but made it bearable. Also had a 5e to recharge in the morning. Many of these newer units have soft start capability.

 

[dtfeld]

I think the argument is that these systems will be about the same installed cost as a generator system. I would think they would be roughly comparable.

You have to feed a generator fuel and Mx...the electrical systems a little less fuel and batteries eventually...