T&T: Air Conditioner replacement opions

[Mark Richter]

Duane,
We have a 5200 BTU a/c in the aft sleeping cabin (14x9x6.5'), which is more 
than enough in S. Florida at night.  Less cycling and lower humidity are 
advantages.  We like it about 78 F.  And we can easily run the unit from the 
batteries through the old Freedom 1000w inverter, but only if we will be 
traveling a longer distance the next day so that the batteries (8 golfcarts) 
get a good recharge (we have no genset).

Mark Richter, m/v Winnie the Pooh, Ortona, FL on the Okeechobee waterway

> Time to replace a 30 year old Cruiseair split unit. I am looking at a one 
> piece unit for my aft cabin to install in the closet where the old unit 
> sits. The size needed is around 6500 btu by the square foot calculation. I 
> am looking at a 5000 btu and a 9000 btu with only a $150 price difference. 
> The only reason to consider the small unit is the possibility of running 
> off an inverter. This could be a plus and make anchoring out in the summer 
> enjoyable. I don't like running the generator at night when sleeping. I 
> realize it may not be the best on a hot sunny day but i'm not in that room 
> anyway and the main cabin AC is by the doorway. So is bigger better or 
> small good enough for night time use? Maybe someone has made this mistake 
> and can offer advice.