Air conditioning options

[redmen62]

I'm looking to put an AC our big boat and am considering a few different options and am looking for some thoughts or opinions. As I see it, I have 3 options

1) Boat is already wired for a standard marine AC, but the previous owners pulled it and the pump because the condenser and pump were leaking; so I can pretty easily put a marine unit back in as the power, plumbing, and ducts are already there

2) Portable hatch unit. Easiest of the 3 to get done, but not very nice looking and would be another hassle when going out on the lake

3) Not sure about this one... but has anyone used a RV roof unit on their cabin? I saw some low profile units that look like they're about the size of the hatch and are a little cheaper and better looking and look to be easier to manage than the marine hatch units

 

[airdvr1227]

What size boat? Those hatch units blow some cold air. Problem is the hatch is usually right over the v-berth. A hatch unit might not get the job done for the rest of the boat. Good question about the RV units. I've wondered that myself. We replaced our marine unit in the off season. Not an inexpensive job for sure but it's nice to have a cool boat to step into.

 

[redmen62]

It's 30' long with a 10' beam. I have 2 hatches, one I've the v birth and one in the middle of the cabin, so I was thinking the middle hatch would be a good location.

The RV units have my attention because I can get a 13,500BTU unit for like $550

 

[shrew]

I would opt for a proper marine AC. RV AC is going to require you cut a huge hole in the deck. The hatch model would be klunky and inconvenient.

 

[hemi rt]

RV A/C units mount on a 14X14 inch hole, but how are you going to power it? You need 110 Volts and if you think an inverter will work it's going to have to be a really large inverter and just think of the weight of the massive battery bank you'll need plus then how are you going to charge the battery bank?

 

[redmen62]

I was finding that same size when I was looking online... I'll have to measure my hatch when I'm back at the lake, but I think it'll be close.

I have a generator on board, but this is for when we're at the slip on shore power. I already have a dedicated breaker for it with nothing wired to it since the previous owner took out the old unit

 

[FunInDuhSun]

In my opinion this is a no-brainier. The boat is already setup for marine a/c so the hard parts are done.
Buy a proper a/c unit. It will go right in, distribute the air better, can also provide heat, and will increase the resale value.

 

[redneck joe]

Go marine i did mine which was a replace forward Around 1600 but well worht the extra. Drop in and go, better for resale. A hack job will be a hack job and the hatch will be cooold.

 

[shrew]

I have a generator on board, but this is for when we're at the slip on shore power.

That seems backwards. Shore power runs the 120VAC system. The Generator is to run the 120VAC system when there is no shore power (e.g on achor or mooring). I've never seen anyone run a generator in the marina if shore power is available.

 

[redmen62]

I was answering Hemi RT's question about how I'm going to power it. The AC is for when we're at the slip... there's a generator if we want it underway. I've fired it up up a few times to watch football games on the water, but I don't see any need to run the AC on the lake