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Chris Grubb's question about needing more "umphf" for his anticipated
air conditioning addition reminded me that I will likely be adding
another A/C unit to the CALYPSO soon to help cool the main cabin down on
hot days. We have only a single 16,000 BTU (120 VAC) which we duct to
the area of concern (i.e. main cabin for day time hot weather activity,
and aft cabin for sleeping). It was added when we moved to Florida from
San Diego where none was needed. It is not really adequate for the main
cabin when air AND the water we're sitting in are both hot. Generator
power is a 7.5 KW Onan MDJE. My plan is add another 120VAC-powered A/C,
possibly as big as 16,000 BTU. Original unit is a packaged unit under
the settee while new one will be split with compressor in the ER.
Estimates at this point are that the genny will handle them both running
ok, but the potential for both units starting simultaneously is not
viewed with joy. A timing circuit between the two to prevent such an
occurrence is planned. For shore power, we have two 30-Amp inlets with
the current A/C unit being the exclusive user of one of them. The cord
gets a little warm (not hot) when first cooling off the boat from a
beginning temp of around 90-plus F sitting in 86-degree water
(compressor running continuously for 6 hours). I am thinking of running
the second AC off the other shore power 30-Amp input with care given to
shedding it off the bus when powering other high energy use devices like
the electric stove/microwave/etc. Typically at the pier the second
shore power circuit has very little beyond two battery chargers, and
under counter reefer, and maybe a 1.25 KW water heater going. When
cruising, the water heater will seldom be powered by electricity, and
the reefer can be run off a dedicated 800W inverter, if it and the new
air conditioner have trouble sharing the circuit. The initial (not
actually aboard the boat) power estimate by the marine air conditioner
guy I plan to have come give me a more complete look is that the power
available is adequate.
I may have to downsize the new A/C unit to fit the power available, but
with a timing link between units and attention paid to what's consuming
power, I am hoping to be able to move ahead as presently theorized. I
really do not want to introduce 240VAC and 50-Amp cabling etc to this
32-year old GB woodie. I just want to run a bit cooler when mother
nature forces me inside to escape her punishment for daring to be living
in Florida in the summer.
I am hopeful that those of you with similar sized boats with multiple
air conditioning units installed as well as the usual suspects on the
T&T who so generously share their expertise and experiences will point
out some options/pitfalls to me on- or off-line, as you deem
appropriate.
Thanks.
Rich Gano
CALYPSO (GB42-295)
Southport, FL
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