[tedmonson]

Can the AC only be operated from shore power or power from the generator Can it not be operated when you're just running the boat engines

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To add this is a 1998 Tiara Open

[Misdirection]

Generally speaking, you need AC (alternating current) to run the Airconditioner. AC is supplied by shore power or generator power. When running the motors, they are generating DC (Direct Current), which can charge the batteries.

So, no you can not run the Airconditioner with out shore power or the generator on.

The exception to this is if you have an inverter generating AC from a battery bank. But that is still not from the motors.

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[Sans Peur]

As above only 3 options. Shore power, generator or inverter with a good bank of batteries. You would probably have to put larger alternators on the engines just to keep up with the drain on the battery bank and even then it isn't going to stay ahead of it.

An air conditioner pulls alot of power and with an inverter using house batteries will draw them down quick. Make sure of having separate battery systems for the inverter and engines. Setting at anchor and not being able to power up the engines would suck.

[tedmonson]

There is an inverter, but it's unclear at the moment how and what it's connected to, I have not been able to find the generator battery or batteries there are 2 house batteries under the large set on the bridge, the generator acts as if the battery is low and just clicks when you try to start it, and since I replaced both the house batteries it must be connecting to some other battery source..

[MC1600]

Highly unlikely your ac is connected to your inverter. Primarily for the reasons stated above. Typical components on an inverter are fridge, freezer, ice maker, at least some outlets, and maybe microwave/coffee maker.

[Sapphire]

There is an inverter, but it's unclear at the moment how and what it's connected to, I have not been able to find the generator battery or batteries there are 2 house batteries under the large set on the bridge, the generator acts as if the battery is low and just clicks when you try to start it, and since I replaced both the house batteries it must be connecting to some other battery source..

With genset and shore power off, look at circuit breakers still "lit" (assuming inverter is "on") and you will quickly see what inverter powers.
My genset is started from house batteries, yours may too.

[Sans Peur]

If the generator clicks then it is getting power. Have you metered the power to the starter solenoid? That will tell you volumes. First confirm there is full power to it. Then put your meter on the switched side of the solenoid and try to start the generator. If no power to that side, it is the solenoid. If power flows through move to the starter and check it.
Also, have you tried to start it with the switches mounted on the generator itself? I had a problem with the remote switches once. They wouldn't do anything but click but it would start fine on the internal.panel.