[C320-list] A/C on Portable Generator

[Peter Clancy]

In the Bahamas with summer temps in the mid-90's and humidity close to 100%, we've used the 4,800 btu hatch-mount Cruiseair A/C unit to sleep quite comfortably on AROBAN. Granted, it takes a couple  hours or more to cool down the interior and it's of little use in direct, daytime sunlight. But, the only time we ever need A/C is for sleeping. And, the rather long cooling cycle does effectively remove moisture from the air. Believe it or not, crew sleeping in the salon or v-berth usually have to adjust the temp around 3-4 AM as the cabin gets too cold! Cruiseair now makes a 7,000 btu portable A/C which should cool a little faster. When not in use, we store the A/C unit in the port lazarette.

Peter Clancy



  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Judy and Rick Luce<mailto:jluce3 at rochester.rr.com> 
  To: C320-List<mailto:c320-list at catalina320.com> 
  Sent: Friday, July 21, 2006 4:13 PM
  Subject: Re: [C320-list] A/C on Portable Generator



  Pete,

  When you size an A/C unit... smaller IS better b/c a large unit will  
  bring the temp down too quickly...
  producing a lot of cold but wet air.  A smaller unit with a longer  
  cycle time will produce much more comfortable results.

  Your geographic location is of no consequence since 98 degrees,  
  overhead sun and 98% humidity are the variables... who care what your  
  latitude is?

  One more thing... don't scrimp on the control unit... the better  
  models will provide an economy mode for humidity reduction...  
  separate from temp control.

  Rick, Echo #488



  On Jul 21, 2006, at 12:44 PM, Peter Clancy wrote:

  >
  > FYI ..... I've confirmed with two marine A/C manufacturers that  
  > their 12,000 btu units can be run with the Honda EU2000i portable  
  > generator (in cool mode). These include Mermaid Marine Air and  
  > Dometics Environmental who manufactures the Marine Air units.  A  
  > larger generator would be needed to run a 16,500 btu A/C. It  
  > appears the Marine Air unit has slightly lower starting and running  
  > amp requirements. The little Honda generator makes it convenient to  
  > run A/C on shorepower at the dock and with the generator at anchor.
  >
  >
  > Peter Clancy
  > AROBAN  C320  #222
  > Miami, FL