How to power accessories?

[mikelong]

Hey everyone!

I live in Sarasota, Fl and I just picked up a 1974 30' Hunter that I will be living aboard off the hook. I have been sailing for awhile, but mainly on lasers and J14s. The main problem I am having is deciding how to power my accesories, and determining what accesories I will be able to have.

Accesories I would like to have:
- A/C unit (Maybe)
- Mini Frig (Maybe)
- Ability to charge computer/cell phone/etc.
- Stereo
- Fan(s)
- Chartplotter/GPS
- Lighting in cabin
- Running lights

Basically, I am just looking for a few pointers on how others have set up their boats who have similar models/sizes.

Is there anyway to have A/C or Mini Frig without a generator? I would prefer not to have one, but I know both draw a lot of power.

Thanks in Advance for your help!

 

[Ed Schenck]

Mike, you need to study and then complete an "electrical spreadsheet". If you use "Search" with those two words you will find several posts about calculating battery needs. Here is one example, a PDF:
electrical spreadsheet .

Bottom line is that you can do everything except the A/C with a very good battery setup AND an expensive charging system. Air-conditioning is going to require a generator. I can run my 12k btu a/c with my Honda 2000, about a $1000. option.

 

[Bill Roosa]

and don't forget the other nice to have

coffee pot (same category as AC unless you get a stove top model)
interior lights
cooking fuel
engine fuel to charge the batteries (which everything else depends on) or solar, wind generators to accomplish the same
water
With the exception of the coffee pot all the above are pretty easy to do but they do need to be factored in or you are going to be "on the hook" and making lots of trips to shore.
FWIW