What is AC btu?

[BiXLL]

Hi all. Am thinking about adding a portable gen. for my 1989 Carver Santego 3067. Can anybody tell me what size/btu rating the air is on my boat? Want to get a Honda IU generator, can I get away with a 2000 watt or will I need the 3000?

[RGrew176]

First you need to determine the size of your AC unit. There should be a plate that states the BTU's of the unit. My last boat had a 10000 BTU reverse cycle AC/heat unit. I purchased a Honda EU2000i portable generator. It powered my AC quite well. When the boat was newer I could use the eco throttle setting on the generator and when the AC cycled on it would throttle up and run until the unit cycled off. As the AC unit got older it took more of a power draw upon startup so I had to discontinue use of the eco throttle setting. It still powered the unit quite well.

Last year when I bought my current boat the Carver 3007 Aft Cabin I tried the generator but it does not have enough power to operate the AC on this boat. Unfortunately I cannot see the data plate on the AC to determine its output but it must be more than what I had on my last boat. I am thinking it could be a 12000 or more BTU unit.

Hopefully someone here with the same boat will be able to answer your question.

BTW the Honda also serves me at home when the power goes out so it serves a dual purpose.

[mjk1040]

When it comes to gennies, I'd go bigger or go home. Mike

[Viper]

You're looking for amperage draw not the BTU spec. In any case, it's doubtful it will draw more than 15 amps which a 2000 watt genny should handle. A 3000 watt unit will allow you to run more things at the same time like make coffee while the AC is on or the hot water heater, or microwave, etc. Either way, you'll need to manage your power consumption.