Air Conditioning Question

[Garciatr]

Hi All,

I’m new to the forum. I currently own a Sea Ray Sundancer 320. I’m looking to downsize to a trailerable Ranger Tug. I’m looking at either a R23 or R25. I’m doing a lot of research. I’m sure I’ll have a lot of questions over the winter.

My first question for everybody is Ranger Tug running the Air Conditioning off of the inverter. I’ve never seen anybody else running the air conditioning off of DC power. I heard they’re doing this on the new R25. Can anybody tell me how this is working out? Does the engine always have to be running? Are they going to be doing this with the R-23? I see the generator on the R-23 is no longer an option on the website when building the boat. Can an older R-23 be modified to run the Air conditioning off of the inverter?

Last question. Does anybody know what size (btu) air conditioner is in the R-23 and the new R-25?

Thanks.

 

[CaspersCruiser]

Even if the inverter installed on those boats is capable of running an air conditioning unit, the house battery capacity would be quickly depleted.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Unless something has dramatically changed I agree with CaspersCruiser in that you’d drain your house batteries down quickly. My knowledge is that you need shore power or a generator. Any other thoughts?

Jim F

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

The start-up load of an air conditioner would trip an inverter.

 

[Garciatr]

I would normally agree with you guys 100%. I saw the new R25 at the Fort Lauderdale boat show. The guys from pocket yachts were explaining to me that they are able to run the A/C off of the batteries/inverter. But at the time I didn’t ask any further questions. I was hoping that maybe Andrew Custis could chime in here and tell me a little bit about what Ranger Tug is doing with this.

 

[Martin610]

More specifics are required for someone to help you. Andrew, or anyone, would need to know which inverter you have and which specific air conditioner you have as all devices have specific power requirements.

As an example I have a Cutwater 28 with the a ProMariner 1500 watt inverter and a Dometic air conditioner. One formula I use is watts=(amps)x(voltage).

The L-2230 Dometic has a paper spec of 15 amps.

So 15 amps times 115 volts is 1725 watts. Over the limit for my inverter's capacity of 1500. Other variables apply here such as start surge for the Air Con.

Some newer boats have 2000 watt inverters. Might start it, but will drain batteries real quick. Run the engine? Might put some strain on the alternator.

This is a reason that many of us with Air Con have a generator.

Some other things apply here too, such as a modified sine wave inverter versus a pure sine wave.

If Andrew has the build number for your boat he may be able to be more specific.

-martin

 

[Andrew Custis]

Hello,

We are now going away from generators on the 8.5' beam models. We have found a low startup Air unit and low power consuming unit. The idea is (which we have now done) is the unit will work at the dock as usual and underway while running the engine at any RPM over 2000. The current draw of the AC unit is around 27 amps while running on the inverter. We have upped the size of the house bank for this unit which will give a stand alone run time of about two hours or unlimited while running the engine.

If someone wants a generator still, we are asking our dealers to organize the installation. For most, this setup we are now offering will work great.

Best regards,

 

[Toucan]

To Andrew Custis,

What is the make and model of the new small air conditioner Fluid Motion is now using?

Thank you.

Barry Thompson
TOUCAN, 2017 R27 Classic

 

[Andrew Custis]

Hello Barry,

We are researching a few brands. The one we have confirmed works is the Velair unit produced by Uflex. The one we are now searching and working on developing is by Webasto.

Thanks Barry,

 

[Larry1030]

Andrew, that is a great modification for the newer models. We have a 2019 R27OB which we maintain on a lift in Pensacola. Our primary use is Day Trips where AC is needed only during the summer travel periods. Would be great to run the AC while moving without running the generator. Also, if the AC unit is self contained it would allow us to run that unit while out of the water on our lift. Great idea. Wonder how difficult it would be to upgrade to the new self contained AC. Could still use the generator to run the AC when anchored. Great idea

 

[lproulx]

Nearly all marine air conditioners use sea (or lake, or river) water to cool the condenser. You will still need to be in the water, or provide some method of supplying water to the AC.

 

[Martin610]

If you changed your AirCon you might have to consider a larger capacity inverter to run HVAC off batteries. Bigger inverter means you have to look at the boat's current wiring and fusing from your batteries.

-martin

 

[philbyrd]

Andrew, so if the house bank was switched to lith-ions, it is theoretically possible to get get a full night of AC without running the engine and without a gen-set?

 

[Our Idea]

I have a new 23 and my wife and I love the new a.c. System. We had a 29 for ten years here in Florida and had to run the generator any time we needed AC while cruising (which is all the time). The 23 has a bank of large lithium batteries plus a solar panel so we cruise with ac on all the time which has changed my wife’s perception of cruising. The ac will run 4+ hours on just the batteries so you can stop and fish etc. I only wish I could find a car that works the same way. Would be nice to leave my do in ac while we have lunch etc! The generator was loud and now we cruise in comfort and quiet!

 

[Matty]

Recreational vehicles can now run a/c for 7 hours off lithium. Not sure the limitations boats have that rvs do not but looks like improvements are coming.