air conditioning upgrade

[George16743]

I've managed to stumble across an upgrade that will keep the cruising family happy on the Chesapeake in July and August. Found a Cruzin Cool portable marine "Suitcase" air conditioner. 10 years old, no longer made, no longer supported, original manufacturer out of business. Pulls raw water from overboard through a hose, exhausted warmed water out another hose. Works well. Found some decent directions online describing how to install the guts of the machine permanently into a boat.

Has anyone ever done this? Any hints, warnings?

Thanks

 

[Benny]

I'm familiar with the Samsonite unit and they work quite well but I would not recommend a permanent install of a 10 year old unit. Besides you would loose portability.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Begin with the end in mind

I all you want to do is get cooled off the take a dip in the bay. Be sure to avoid the jelly-fish, they sting.
If you want to sleep in 90+ then get a 12 volt or battery powered fan and a forward hatch air scoop.
Investing in some sun screens for mid-ship and forward offer some distinct advantages. They lower the temp in the boat by 10-15 degrees if you use white material. They can be set up to collect rain water and pipe it to the fresh water tanks. OOOOOOH AAAAAAH clean SOFT potable water. Nothing like it for silky hair. They keep the boat warmer on clear winter nights also and are easier to clean bird poo off of than the deck.

The cost is probably less, I did two mid ship, one forward sunscreen, and two battery powered fans (4" diameter) for less than $150. They worked well during the 100+ deg F temps last summer. There was a noticeable difference almost immediately after putting up the screens and having some air blowing over you is heaven. Just remember to stay hydrated (I prefer beer) so you can keep sweating.

 

[Dan Johnson]

Hey Bill...

We got no stinking jellyfish up here in North East! :dance: