A/C Question

[manticore999]

We currently use a portable a/c in our cabin (33' Carver) and it's time to replace it. It's 9k BTU's and it's 'good enough', but we want something that'll really cool it down. I was looking into a more powerful portable when I started thinking ... what about R/V air conditioners? I have a hatch leading from the cabin to the bridge. We removed the ladder since we never used the hatch anyway. I'm thinking that I could mount an R/V unit in that hatch. It would vent to the bridge which wouldn't be a problem since we're only on the bridge when we're underway and the AC wouldn't be running then.

Has anyone else done this? Is this a stupid idea?

Appreciate any input you folks have.

Thanks.

 

[mixman]

I know a guy who installed such a unit to air condition his bridge. It's been working fine for him since before I knew him (so over 6 years). The only two issues I can think of are having enough power for it (are you 50 amp?) and what the marine environment will do to it. However, there are plenty of house boats with them (granted, not usually in salt water), but your installation sounds like it will be very protected.

The only negative I can think of is if you ever sit in your bridge and relax with a cold one. That might be a little hot and noisy with that thing.

 

[Shadowcruzr]

I see lots of boats with them. Just keep it rinsed.

 

[cwms]

No question that a RV AC unit is good and it's cheap. But there's nothing like an installed marine AC unit. Very small for the BTU's put out and very efficient. You can hide them in many places. RV units take up a lot of space.

 

[boatcomfort]

Dear Manticore999!
There are two different thoughts.
a) having an Rv unit on the boat is the same you cut a square hole and install a room air conditionner and on the end you say I saved a lot $$$$$$.

b) installing an air Cond made for marine use is completely different that was made for that use. and doesn't interfere on the looking of your boat. Everything depends on which way you pretend use your boat. My suggestion is use SHE as a boat not a floating barrack. Sorry I'm not intending to offend anybody. Cost you more but looks nicer.

 

[OLD HOUSEBOATER]

RV air conditioners work well on boats if the area for installation is suitable. Roof mounted air conditioners work very well because cold air falls.

 

[Frank_J]

Where will the condensate go?

 

[David M]

Go with a marine unit. It's a simple DIY. The biggest hurdle is drilling through the hull for the dedicated pickup.

Saint Max has a 12K heat/air and it does her very well in Central VA summers and winters.

If you don't care about the heat part of the equation, subtract about 30% from the price.

Of course if you want an RV air conditioner for an RV boat, there are very many for sale.

Here's one.

I have seen folks regret going your anticipated azimuth too many times to count.

In the end, it's your call....and your insurance company's should anything go kattywhampus.

 

[manticore999]

Thanks for the comments, folks. There's no issue with looks, as the 'hatch' opens to the bridge. It would be invisible unless you're sitting on the bridge - even there it would be 'guarded' by a railing as this used to be hatch one would climb through to get to the bridge. We never use it for that. It would be covered with canvas, so spray isn't an issue either. Honestly, it's really something I'm considering so I don't have to haul the boat out and put (another) thru-hull in. If I get one that has heat it could also help us avoid floor-standing heaters in the winter, as we use the boat year round here.

I think I'll look into this further ...