Marine Air Conditioning

[Jim Moore]

Have been reading about Refrigeration on this web page. Refrigeration makes air conditioning possible. I would like to see more emphisis placed on this usage for refrigeration by boat manufacturers. In this age of building comfort into the recreational scene an add on package should be made available for the cruising public.In my particular case I'm considering on buying a 42' used boat and have contacted Catalina but they have no provision for an after market add.This leads me to wonder if they offer an OEM package.Present day suppliers of add on kits seem low capacity and somewhat crude.

 

[Rico]

A/C units not marine exclusive

While it's probably true that marine A/C units are constructed to very high standards, there are units made for R.V.'s that are very durable and WAY cheaper. A buddy installed a coleman unit on his Pearson 36. While it is inteded for use on a land yacht, after 5 years of use in the tropics it is still running strong. It was a very unassuming installation in practice and aesthetics.Regards, Rico

 

[Jim Moore]

RV Air Conditioning Systems used for Boating

Thanks RICO for your comments. An RV unit certainly would work at sea as well as at dockside. Several disadvantages that I can see: 1.efficiency of an air cooled unit vs a watercooled2.the need for a condenser fan with its contributing noise. The noise I guess could be overcome with proper placement and sound insulation.3.possible non-availability of a large enough supply air fan in a standard RV package to adequately handle the longer ductwork pressure drop. We can of course custom make anything, but there goes the pocketbook.These are things I'll have to look into.Thanks again for the thought.Jim Moore

 

[Hank]

air conditioner drain

Just found the cause of a big leak in my 352-- the air conditioning pan drains in between the liner and the hull-- the water never makes its way to the lower bilge for pump out. This was a factory air unit and I was told it was designed that way. When the boat heels over the water comes over the floor boards if you don't hand pump it out! Does anyone know if B'toe really designs them this way? By the way the dealer rep said that because of the location of the cooling unit it is impossible to run a hose to the lower bilge. I need a solution.