Portable Power Bank vs Internal LiFe PO4 battery

[Wayfarer]

I recently purchased a 2013 R-25SC after losing my 2009 R-25 Classic to Hurricane Milton in 2024. I use my boat primarily for day trips in and around the Gulf in South Florida. My new boat is not equipped with a generator so running the AC while underway is not an option. At times it can get a bit steamy.

I'm looking for solutions to run the air-conditioning while under way, my questions are:

1 - how much power does the AC draw?
2 - if I was to get a small gas generator what make and model is recommended to power the AC?
3 - if I was to get a Portable Power Bank (something like a Jackery, EcoFlow, Anker) how large should it be in order to run the AC for 4 - 6 hours?
4 - as an initial installation of a LiFe PO4 batteries with an Inverter and charging via shore power, how large should it be in order to run the AC for 4 - 12 hours? Does anyone have a schematic and parts list?
5 - as a more elaborate installation that includes LiFe PO4 batteries with an Inverter, solar panels, charger via alternator and shore power, , how large should it be in order to run the AC for 4 - 12 hours? Does anyone have a schematic and parts list?

Thanks in advance.

 

[KKRCRACE]

I have a C242 Cutwater and I use an older 2000 Honda generator. The new Ones are 2200 watts. My boat has a 9000-10,000 btu AC and the generator works fine with it. I made an aluminum tray that the generator sits in and is mounted on the swim platform and is raised 2 inches and has 2 inch sides to give it 4 inches of protection from backwash on the platform. I also made a small exhaust pipe that is bent 45 degrees so I can easily direct the exhaust away from the back of the boat. I only use it on the swim platform when the water is fairly calm. If it’s to rough I just set it on the other side of the transom where it’s protected. Check to see just how big your AC is and how many watts to run it. I have used other cheaper generators and in my opinion Honda is the best.
KKRCRACE

 

[freedomvango]

I recently purchased a 2013 R-25SC after losing my 2009 R-25 Classic to Hurricane Milton in 2024. I use my boat primarily for day trips in and around the Gulf in South Florida. My new boat is not equipped with a generator so running the AC while underway is not an option. At times it can get a bit steamy.

I'm looking for solutions to run the air-conditioning while under way, my questions are:

1 - how much power does the AC draw?
2 - if I was to get a small gas generator what make and model is recommended to power the AC?
3 - if I was to get a Portable Power Bank (something like a Jackery, EcoFlow, Anker) how large should it be in order to run the AC for 4 - 6 hours?
4 - as an initial installation of a LiFe PO4 batteries with an Inverter and charging via shore power, how large should it be in order to run the AC for 4 - 12 hours? Does anyone have a schematic and parts list?
5 - as a more elaborate installation that includes LiFe PO4 batteries with an Inverter, solar panels, charger via alternator and shore power, , how large should it be in order to run the AC for 4 - 12 hours? Does anyone have a schematic and parts list?

Thanks in advance.

typical calculation is 100ah of lithium per hour you want it to run.

This is the dumbed-down version of what I did in my boat and few others now. We have all the parts and pieces available to do it if you so desire as well.

Tehcnically speaking, portable generators are not approved by ABYC and you run a huge risk of insurance denial if an issue arises while in use

 

[croakz]

I thought this was a good primer for power sizing.

 

[Wayfarer]

I have a C242 Cutwater and I use an older 2000 Honda generator. The new Ones are 2200 watts. My boat has a 9000-10,000 btu AC and the generator works fine with it. I made an aluminum tray that the generator sits in and is mounted on the swim platform and is raised 2 inches and has 2 inch sides to give it 4 inches of protection from backwash on the platform. I also made a small exhaust pipe that is bent 45 degrees so I can easily direct the exhaust away from the back of the boat. I only use it on the swim platform when the water is fairly calm. If it’s to rough I just set it on the other side of the transom where it’s protected. Check to see just how big your AC is and how many watts to run it. I have used other cheaper generators and in my opinion Honda is the best.
KKRCRACE

Thanks for the recommendation. I was thinking along these lines, this is probably the most affordable solution. Raising the generator slightly above the swim platform is a great idea as well.

 

[Wayfarer]

typical calculation is 100ah of lithium per hour you want it to run.
View attachment 25354

This is the dumbed-down version of what I did in my boat and few others now. We have all the parts and pieces available to do it if you so desire as well.

Tehcnically speaking, portable generators are not approved by ABYC and you run a huge risk of insurance denial if an issue arises while in use

How much would a system like this cost? If you could let me know supplied and installed as well as supply only. My boat is near Fort Myers.

 

[freedomvango]

How much would a system like this cost? If you could let me know supplied and installed as well as supply only. My boat is near Fort Myers.

DMed you