How do you keep your cabin cool?

[broark01]

Re: How do you keep your cabin cool?

I have AC but if I didn't this is what I would do:

Buy small 5000 BTU AC - $110
Buy waterproof hatch bag from Carry-On marine AC - $200
Buy Honda EU 2000 - $1000
CO Detector for cabin and cockpit - $100
Total - $1410

Put hatch bag on small ac unit and set on open hatch while anchored (use adjustable starps to secure ac unit and bag to hatch).

Put Honda on swim platform, plug in AC and enjoy.

Also will allow you to charge batteries, run microwave, etc, while on the hook.

I use this AC / hatch bag set up when the boat is in the driveway plugged into house electric.

 

[JoLin]

Re: How do you keep your cabin cool?

Yes, but the AC draws 500 watts at 120 volts.

Man, I really screwed up the basic math. Sorry.

 

[Todd157k]

Re: How do you keep your cabin cool?

Not!

Power is power.

500 watts @ 12v draws 41.7 amps
500 watts @ 120v draws 4.17 amps.

it's still 500 watts.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: How do you keep your cabin cool?

psst... 500 watts = 4.2 amps@12V, not 50. (amps=watts/volts)

Recheck your math.

Yes, but the AC draws 500 watts at 120 volts.

See above (recheck your math).

Not!

Power is power.

500 watts @ 12v draws 41.7 amps
500 watts @ 120v draws 4.17 amps.

it's still 500 watts.

Thank you. I was gonna say that both of their math equations and solutions are wrong. At least someone else was paying attention.

The easiest answer is to install an alternator that is capable of producing 80 amps below 1000 rpm (they do make make them, you are an adult, you can google it yourself), get a marine A/C unit, get an inverter capable of powering the A/C unit, and get a couple of Group 31 deep cycle house batteries. When you want to run the A/C, start your engine to keep the batteries charged...don't wait for them to become discharged...

 

[rwidman]

Re: How do you keep your cabin cool?

I wouldn't feel comfortable running my boat's engine all night long to provide airconditioning and I think most other folks would feel the same way. It would cost quite a bit in fuel and wear and tear on the engine. Prolonged idling is not good for engines.

There's no good, practical way to air condition a boat that's not connected to shore power except with a generator. There are a lot of safety and convenience issues with portable generators designed for camping or construction site use.

That leaves a permanently installed, water cooled, marine genset as the practical, safe solution if one must have airconditioning on a boat away from shore power.

 

[rwidman]

Re: How do you keep your cabin cool?

Not!

Power is power.

500 watts @ 12v draws 41.7 amps
500 watts @ 120v draws 4.17 amps.

it's still 500 watts.

No matter how you name it, it's not going to work on a boat without 400 lb of batteries and an oversized alternator to recharge them.

 

[The Hammer]

Re: How do you keep your cabin cool?

http://www.articbreeze-truckac.com/pdf/aboutbatteries.pdf

 

[LadyAnya]

Re: How do you keep your cabin cool?

What do you guys think of this: http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?r=view&i=419425&aID=606E4&cID=FROOGLE_419425

 

[broark01]

Re: How do you keep your cabin cool?

... There's no good, practical way to air condition a boat that's not connected to shore power except with a generator. There are a lot of safety and convenience issues with portable generators designed for camping or construction site use.

Like what?

Both make CO but the Honda is air cooled with no impeller or battery connections. It has no explosion risk because it does not go in the bilge. It is easier to maintain and can be used for camping or to run the refregerator when the electricity goes out at home. The only real issues I can see with a generator on the swim platform is that CO can get trapped under the swim platform and there is always the risk that it could get dropped overboard.

OH and as far as the O2 Cool? 1086 Cool Box Personal Air Conditioner - don't waste your money if you really want to be cool.

 

[JoLin]

Re: How do you keep your cabin cool?

What do you guys think of this: http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?r=view&i=419425&aID=606E4&cID=FROOGLE_419425

Any of these can help... maybe. The downside for people who live in hot, humid climates is that all of these 'box full of ice' coolers ADD humidity to the cabin air. That means your perspiration won't evaporate, and that means you won't feel cooler.

I wouldn't spend my money for one on Long Island- we have too much humid weather as it is.

My .02

 

[SuperNova]

Re: How do you keep your cabin cool?

I wouldn't feel comfortable running my boat's engine all night long to provide airconditioning and I think most other folks would feel the same way. It would cost quite a bit in fuel and wear and tear on the engine. Prolonged idling is not good for engines.

There's no good, practical way to air condition a boat that's not connected to shore power except with a generator. There are a lot of safety and convenience issues with portable generators designed for camping or construction site use.

That leaves a permanently installed, water cooled, marine genset as the practical, safe solution if one must have airconditioning on a boat away from shore power.

Um, yeah, whatever....J/A

No matter how you name it, it's not going to work on a boat without 400 lb of batteries and an oversized alternator to recharge them.

Umm, yeah, whatever..J/A...http://store.alternatorparts.com/marine-alternators.aspx?page=2

http://www.articbreeze-truckac.com/pdf/aboutbatteries.pdf

Now there is some good useful information. Some real facts that actually pertain to the question at hand and not just personal opinions.