R27-OB Air Conditioning and Heating

[bigcountry]

The Ranger website shows that "shore" air conditioning and reverse cycle heat are available for the R27-OB.
1) Does this mean that the R27-OB would only have a/c and heat available while hooked up to shore power?
2) Does reverse cycle heat mean that heating and cooling via a heat pump?

 

[GypsyMoth]

I have the R27OB Luxury with LiOn batteries. The 600ah LiOn batteries and the inverter can run the AC or the heat pump for a limited amount of time when not connected to shore power, but running either overnight will be a big hit on the batteries. If I plan to be anchored for several days (i.e. not running the OB) I'll bring a portable genset. If anchored and not using the AC or heater my two solar panels will keep the house bank charged even when I have the frig running, night time lights, and occasional use of the microwave or coffee maker.

And, yes, the heater is the AC in heat pump mode.

 

[DMD3]

I have the R27OB Luxury with LiOn batteries. The 600ah LiOn batteries and the inverter can run the AC or the heat pump for a limited amount of time when not connected to shore power, but running either overnight will be a big hit on the batteries. If I plan to be anchored for several days (i.e. not running the OB) I'll bring a portable genset. If anchored and not using the AC or heater my two solar panels will keep the house bank charged even when I have the frig running, night time lights, and occasional use of the microwave or coffee maker.

And, yes, the heater is the AC in heat pump mode.

Assuming you added the second panel? Or replaced original with two new ones?We’re there any other upgrades required to support additional solar panel?

 

[JeffRad54]

... I'll bring a portable genset. ...

Portable gensets on boats are generally a very bad idea.
CO issues are one. The portable genset is not grounded is another.

Just saying.

 

[Submariner]

... I'll bring a portable genset. ...

Portable gensets on boats are generally a very bad idea.
CO issues are one. The portable genset is not grounded is another.

Just saying.

It's also another thing to lug around and take up space.
It's also noisy, especially in an anchorage with others. Nobody wants to listen to a generator running.

I replaced the factory solar panel with a pair of 200 watt panels. Solar can be a fantastic alternative.

 

[JeffRad54]

... I'll bring a portable genset. ...

Portable gensets on boats are generally a very bad idea.
CO issues are one. The portable genset is not grounded is another.

Just saying.

It's also another thing to lug around and take up space.
It's also noisy, especially in an anchorage with others. Nobody wants to listen to a generator running.

I replaced the factory solar panel with a pair of 200 watt panels. Solar can be a fantastic alternative.

Did the pair of 200 watt panels fit in the footprint of the factory panel? Curious b/c I carry a kayak next to the factory panel.

Thanks,

 

[Submariner]

Did the pair of 200 watt panels fit in the footprint of the factory panel? Curious b/c I carry a kayak next to the factory panel.
Thanks,

I installed them as a port and starboard panel. So I have no room up top for a kayak. However...

I know of another boat (Annie Time) who put the two panels on the port side only, one forward, one aft (end to end). They can carry their kayak up top on the starboard side and run two panels.

 

[JeffRad54]

Excellent.
Thanks.

 

[Submariner]

Excellent.
Thanks.

Here's an illustration of 2 solar panels mounted forward and aft, port side, with a kayak up top.
Start at 8:20.
https://youtu.be/OYR5uLLgcmU?t=500

Fast forward to timestamp 11:00 in that same video and you'll see Annie Time (2 panels and a kayak), Channel Surfing (port and starboard panel) and Thistledown (factory panel). All from up above the boats.

 

[bigcountry]

Thanks for the replies everyone!