Best small Marine AC???

[Lee Scott]

removehtml]Anybody got any recommendations on who's got the best small self-contained marine AC units? I've got a Catalina 27, and I've promised the admiral that I'll install one before the heat of summer arrives. I think I'd like one in the range of 5,000 to 6,000 BTU so that I can run it off a small Honda generator, but will that provide enough cooling in 95 degree heat for my size boat? Aside from cooling capacity, any info on reliability, warranty support, or other issues I might need to be aware of will be greatly appreciated!Error: Error: expected [/URL], but found [/removehtml] instead[/removehtml]

 

[MKing]

Opinion

Lee, sort of like a 'which anchor is best' discussion you will get many opinions on this subject and most have merit. I've installed most of the major vendors and can't think of a big issue with any. I personally like the units from Flagship Marine as bang for the buck. Tried and true design using many locally available components rather than proprietary where possible. They also carry a large selection of pumps so you may upgrade from the cheaper versions that many vendors supply with the unit in addition to a host of installation accessories. I think the humidity in your area is going to be as much of a problem as the temperature. Others here may disagree but I'm just not sure 5000BTU is going to be enough to make the Admiral happy in your neck of the woods...Just my two centsHave a great day!

 

[Ken Honeycutt]

Had a 6K Mermaid Unit in 31' Hunter

Boat was on lake Michigan. Unit ran fine on a Honda 2000 but wouldn't start with a Honda 1000 even though it was advertised that it could run on one (the water pump draw put it over the edge on startup). On hot days (over 90 degrees) it would cool the cabin down to around 85 degrees - if you augment the AC with some fans it will probably do a borderline job keeping you cool, but the humidity may still be a problem as the other poster mentioned.

 

[Bob4203]

Heier 9K Btu

We bought a standing (very mobile) Heier 9k btu unit at Target of all places a few years back to cool our Catalina 30 at dock. I believe it was just a few hundred bucks or so. What made this unit so great is that the exhaust is through an accordian type hose that expands and can fit through any small opening port. This allows mobility of the unit, say to cool down the v-berth compartment when needed. The condensation gets evaporated in the exhaust so no bildge water or drain issues.It would be very easy to strap the unit to the side of the companionway ladder on your 27. Its about 3.5 feet tall, by 18-inches wide and deep. I preferred this over the standard winter mound home type ac unit because it does not interfere with the companion way. I also nixed the portable "marine" units made for the front hatch based on the high $$$ and limited cooling area. I beleive they are only 6K or 7K btu's. Their are stand up units available with higher btu's on the market. Home Depot and Lowes starts selling them in the spring. If your not going to install a permanent AC unit onboard, then these standing units are a great choice.BobCatalina 30

 

[sonofasailorsailing]

Mermaid

I bought a Mermaid 9000 BTU unit for my boat. She is a 33' Glander Tavana. The interior volume is similar to a more modern 27-30 footer. The thing I liked about the unit is that it came with a complete set of instructions on how to install it. Mermaids customer service is unbeatable. I had a problem with the water pump and they sent me a new one right away. The person I talked to actually wrote the manual for the unit. This was not some guy in a foreign land. The unit cools our boat very well. We live in the panhandle of Florida so it gets a bit warm here. On retrospect, a 12000 btu unit might have been better. But I am happy nonetheless.

 

[Tom S]

I second Mking

I like the Flagship Marine unit. There are a few reasons that come to mind. the link below lists some of themhttp://www.flagshipmarine.com/comparison.html/

 

[Bill C320 Papillon]

heier

I tried one but the heat from the exhaust hose negated any cooling. I took it back. I have now modified a hatch board to accept a small window unit . It cools well and the condensate drains into the cockpit. I can also sail with it in place, the only inconvenience is stepping over it to get in and out of the cabin. I think I have $75 tied up in the whole thing.

 

[Lee Scott]

Thanks,

It's good to see that Flagship gets 2 positive reviews. I had been to their website, and it's mid-1990's web design kind of turned me off. Kinda gives the impression you might be dealing with a guy working out of his garage.

 

[sailortonyb Allied Mistress 39]

I would ask the

I would ask the AC manufacturer for recommendations of which size would work for your boat not someone on here. I had a Mermaid (I think a 16K unit) on my Catalina 30. It would freeze us out on the hottest days in Ms. and Fl. We also had the heat exchanger with it and it kept us warm even on the coldest days. Customer service was excellent when I had to trouble shoot some problems over the phone, they sent me parts free since it was still under waranty. And, the problem i had was that the previous owner had crushed some of the vent hoses to get through smaller areas. I widened the space and all was good. Also, i would consult the Generator Manuf. to see which size Gen set you will need to run the AC unit. Not sure how much difference there is between AC compressors and shop air compresors, but, the Generator size needed to run it is a Horse Power issue not current/wattage issue. Tony B

 

[John Howitt]

A/C

Move to Canada,you won't need it.

 

[Lee Scott]

That's very helpful, John. Thanks!

And how much is that move to Canada going to cost me? And who's gonna sleep with my wife after I'm gone??? She grew up in Massachussets and is refusing to move any farther North than where we are right now. Tony B, that's a good suggestion to get the manufacturer's help in sizing the unit. But, their recommendations as to who makes the best unit I can already guess. Somehow, I have the funny feeling they'll all suggest their own - playing up what they consider their unit's strong points and glossing over the weaknesses. That's just what salesman do.For example, I would not have thought about the issue with generic vs proprietary components and how much more expensive repairs might be. Once I've decided who I want to deal with, from recommendations like these, I'll certainly listen to their recommendation as to what size unit I need.Glad to hear you had a good experience with Mermaid. In the end, it may come down to which unit fits best in the teeny amount of space I've got. I think my best options are:1. Up in the fore-peak under the v-berth (but how do I get return air flow to it since the holding tank is in the way) or 2. In the port lazarette (but I'll need to relocate the batteries)