A/C install and Group 27 batteries under fridge on port side?

[tribologist]

I'm getting ready to order a 10k BTU Dometic A/C unit and put that in the hole for the heater unit.

I'm thinking that I am loading up to much weight on the starboard side (lot of that is lard too..) so I probably need to shift something over to the other side. Has anyone fitted batteries in the icebox hole. My cad model indicate that it is plausible but the model it is not 100% accurate. It takes some effort to remove the fridge sliders and to lift the batteries out of the location under the helm so I thought I check if anyone have done it.

On a sidenote.. the model is available in Onshape.com with a free account if someone like to build one. It uses sliders from McMaster-Carr. We have been very happy with it. I think the electric fridge was about $350.

Ulf

[dkirsop]

My boat had 2 6V golf cart batteries in this location when I bought it. They were below a slide out shelf that supported the Engels fridge. It worked well but I did not need the extra capacity, or weight, so I removed the batteries once they reached the end of their life cycle. With an AC unit on board you will definitely need the additional capacity.

[tribologist]

The A/C is on shore power only but that’s sounds promising. I will make a mock-up battery and take a look. I would need a better shelf than the 1/8 plywood thats in there. (Or fiberglass both sides of it)

[DesertAlbin736]

I will make a mock-up battery and take a look. I would need a better shelf than the 1/8 plywood thats in there.

Yeah, you'll want to reinforce that shelf. 6V golf cart batteries are 75 lbs each. I had to do that, adding 1x2 slats underneath the plywood when I relocated my batteries, 3 group 27 12V dual purpose AGMs from the original location next to the engine to the starboard bench seat lazarette locker as part of the project to install a 20 gallon holding tank.

Nice rendering by the way.

Head tank sketch1.jpg

DSCN3419.JPG

DSCN3463.JPG