Portable AC or Water Cooler Suggestions

[John Marrone]

1987 Catalina 22 New Design
First Summer and not sure staying overnight in this Humid Hot N Florida Weather will be a pleasant experience. We can do transient slips with utilities or just anchor far off a barrier island, just not sure where the comfort level needs to be until we try it first.
In limiting some of the experience we thought about these low voltage battery USB called "ChilWell" where chilled water is used but not sure it will do the job.
Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Working on a July 4th Overnight out on the boat.

 

[Benny17441]

Those water evaporative coolers do not work in Florida's summertime high humidity. Those mini versions of a "swamp cooler" are only suited for dry climates like the Arizona desert. Your best bet would be to purchase a 5,000 btu window air conditioner ($120), install it in the companionway opening and run it from your shore power connection or an extension cord. If you are a Florida boater you might consider investing in a portable generator. The Honda 2000 is the standard used by boaters and will easily run the 5k btu A/C while charging your batteries simultaneously. This will allow to be able to run the A/C at anchor away from shore power. Familiarize yourself with the dangers of having gasoline aboard and the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning from the generator exhaust gases. I would suggest installing a carbon monoxide alarm. Many take proper care and precautions and run the generators safely as the only way to really enjoy boating in Florida in the summer. An A/C unit with manual switches work best and also happen to be cheaper. Them electronic units with remote controls are sensitive to the voltage drops experienced in the boat world and will cut off if the power demand is not met within seconds. When it is 85F with 90% humidity at midnight I can guarantee you will not spend a good night on the boat without A/C.

 

[justsomeguy]

In limiting some of the experience we thought about these low voltage battery USB called "ChilWell" where chilled water is used but not sure it will do the job.

A mini swamp cooler. They don't do nearly as well in humid conditions.
ChillWell AC Review: Keeps You Chill Without a Sky-High Electric Bill

 

[kloudie1]

When not in a marina, the Windscoop things that funnel breeze into the boat can really help.

 

[JBP-PA]

Battery powered true AC units that can run for several hours on a charge are becoming more popular. Acorn to Arabella just did a review on the upcoming EcoFlow AC that looks like it would be good for an overnight or two. I've seen a couple other brands too.
Fans alone make a huge difference too.

 

[brockangelo]

We picked up an IcyBreeze for our trip to Lake Erie as a backup in case any of our hotels get cancelled. My wife isn't a camper, so we're planning for the worst. I haven't slept overnight in the boat relying on just the cooler-AC, and I'm not in Florida humidity either, but so far it definitely blows a lot and cools right away. IcyBreeze Portable Air Conditioner & Cooler - icybreeze if you want another to look at

 

[pclarksurf]

Can't help myself-- you could just move to the PNW where its always freezing

 

[John Marrone]

Those water evaporative coolers do not work in Florida's summertime high humidity. Those mini versions of a "swamp cooler" are only suited for dry climates like the Arizona desert. Your best bet would be to purchase a 5,000 btu window air conditioner ($120), install it in the companionway opening and run it from your shore power connection or an extension cord. If you are a Florida boater you might consider investing in a portable generator. The Honda 2000 is the standard used by boaters and will easily run the 5k btu A/C while charging your batteries simultaneously. This will allow to be able to run the A/C at anchor away from shore power. Familiarize yourself with the dangers of having gasoline aboard and the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning from the generator exhaust gases. I would suggest installing a carbon monoxide alarm. Many take proper care and precautions and run the generators safely as the only way to really enjoy boating in Florida in the summer. An A/C unit with manual switches work best and also happen to be cheaper. Them electronic units with remote controls are sensitive to the voltage drops experienced in the boat world and will cut off if the power demand is not met within seconds. When it is 85F with 90% humidity at midnight I can guarantee you will not spend a good night on the boat without A/C.

Thanks Benny.......Good stuff on the humidity with swamp cooler. Will start hunting down small window units

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Can't help myself-- you could just move to the PNW where its always freezing

.................... and we always have personal climate control in bed at night. Too cold, pull on another blanket. Too hot, throw off a blanket.

And scenic beauty galore ! ! ! ! ! The most beautiful place on earth ................ on both days it doesn't rain .

 

[Rick Webb]

During the day you'll need to create shade. Something as simple as a Hobo Freight plastic tarp will make a huge difference. Silver will reflect more than the blue, however anything that shades you will make a huge difference.

 

[w4swk]

We picked up an IcyBreeze for our trip to Lake Erie as a backup in case any of our hotels get cancelled. My wife isn't a camper, so we're planning for the worst. I haven't slept overnight in the boat relying on just the cooler-AC, and I'm not in Florida humidity either, but so far it definitely blows a lot and cools right away. IcyBreeze Portable Air Conditioner & Cooler - icybreeze if you want another to look at

I built one of those several years ago. I used a heater core as the evaporator and a muffin fan…it worked pretty good but went through ice rather quickly…

 

[brockangelo]

Yes, it can melt a big bag of ice in a couple hours

 

[w4swk]

Yes, it can melt a big bag of ice in a couple hours

Did I mention it was Texas and middle of summer? LOL