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Air Conditioning

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unclaimed baggage
1st Mate

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USA
45 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/15/2010 : 08:40:12

Since teh summers here get into the 100's with 90% humidity, I was curious if the is any recommendations. I was hoping that there was small unit to plug in while on shore power that didnt take up the cabin. The west marine one looks like a pain to haul to and from the boat everytime. I wouldnt even mind installing one.

Suggestion?

Eric F Martinez
1985 Fix keel, Tall rig

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2010 : 09:22:13

This has been discussed a lot. Search the archives for details.

A lot have simply purchased a $100 5000BTU window unit at Home Depot and figured out a way to temporarily mount it level at the top of the companionway stairs and modifying or creating hatchboards to allow access to the face from below. It blocks (or at least makes difficult) emergency egress up the stairs so I've chosen to "enjoy" the heat rather than attempt this.

Others have rigged a way to mount the same kind of unit using the forward hatch with some version of a tent or wind scoop directing the air flow downward.

Either of these applications require some way to accomodate condensation run-off.

Of course, you could always go with one of [url="http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/7091/377%20710/0/air%20conditioner/Primary%20Search/mode%20matchallpartial/0/0?N=377 710&Ne=0&Ntt=air conditioner&Ntk=Primary Search&Ntx=mode matchallpartial&Nao=0&Ns=0&keyword=air conditioner&isLTokenURL=true&storeNum=5002&subdeptNum=12&classNum=583#"]these[/url] but, I think I'd pass for a 25 year old boat that may well be a "pass-thru" boat when you want to move on to something longer.

Edited by - John Russell on 04/15/2010 09:26:58

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2010 : 10:27:32

I believe Frank (Pastmember) Hopper has posted a photo of his ordinary window unit mounted in the plywood bulkhead between the quarterberth and the "dumpster"--not sure where the photo is. I presume he leaves the dumpster hatch wide open to run it, and that the condensation runs into the bilge...

Edited by - on

andypavo
1st Mate

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USA
51 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2010 : 11:42:59

I've got a unit designed to sit on top of the forward hatch but I'm at work and I'll have to get you the brand and model when I get home. It runs off the smallest honda generator they make. It's got a canvas sock that fits over it after you hang it on the ledge of the hatch. DANG I wish I could remember the name brand of it. I'll even try and post a picture of it.

Edited by - on

andypavo
1st Mate

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51 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2010 : 11:49:21

Ahh! I'm back..I found one on the internet like mine. It's called "carry-on". The controls are on the part that hangs down into the forward berth. I also saw a used one for around $500.

Edited by - on

andypavo
1st Mate

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51 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2010 : 11:50:34

forgot the link for the ac. http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/81098?&cid=chanintel&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=81098

Edited by - on

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3321 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2010 : 12:36:19

I bought a 5,000 btu unit from Home Depot (on sale for $59) and built a stand to sit on the top step of the companionway. The front of the stand is 1" higher than the back, and with the rear of the unit overhanging the threshold the condensation runs into the cockpit
(and usually evaporates in the Texas heat...). I cut 4" thick foam pieces to fit on each side and under the top hatchboard. When I egress the cabin I remove the foam and the hatchboard and climb over the unit - a bit of a pain but worth it. The unit even came with a remote!
The hardest part is lifting it off the boat when we go racing!

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2010 : 13:12:49

Has anyone tried out a non-window type AC like this [url="http://www.sylvane.com/haier-cprb07xc7-ac.html"]one[/url]?

It says it handles the evaporation and just needs a hose to vent air. Could that hose go out the hatch or even be affixed to a Nicro vent hole??

Edited by - Nautiduck on 04/15/2010 13:13:38

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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4382 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2010 : 14:29:17

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dave Bristle
 I believe Frank (Pastmember) Hopper has posted a photo of his ordinary window unit mounted in the plywood bulkhead between the quarterberth and the "dumpster"--not sure where the photo is. I presume he leaves the dumpster hatch wide open to run it, and that the condensation runs into the bilge...

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Here's the thread with Frank's dumspter air conditioning unit

http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=21204

Edited by - OJ on 04/15/2010 16:09:29

windsong
Captain

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USA
318 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2010 : 15:35:04

I adapted a $100 unit from Lowe's to fit over my forward hatch. It works great. Here's the link to the forum thread:
http://catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=20384& SearchTerms=air,conditioning

Edited by - on

NautiC25
Admiral

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USA
957 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2010 : 09:54:53

I also have a Carry-on that sits in the front hatch. Luckily I got it free with the boat.

Edited by - on

NautiC25
Admiral

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USA
957 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2010 : 09:59:52

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by andypavo
 It runs off the smallest honda generator they make.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
What do you mean by this? I thought about getting the EU2000i, but even that one might not have enough for when the compressor kicks on. What generator are you using?

The Carry-on draws 21 amps.
The EU2000i provides only 16.7 amps.

Shouldn't work.

Edited by - on

PCP777
Master Marine Consultant

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1225 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2010 : 11:36:12

Guys, you don't want it in the companionway as the exhaust makes the cockpit unlivable and it's a huge obstacle. Get a nice cheap window 5000 BTU + unit and set it in front of the forward hatch to where the hatch cover lays down just on the top front of the unit. I put a small block of wood under the front of the unit so that the unit lays at back at an angle towards the bow and the condensation rolls back. Lay the hatch down and cover with a few beach towels to cover up the top and the sides. Best of all, you can ship the unit through the forward hatch and store it in the V berth. Get a couple fans to help push the cold air out of the V berth into the main cabin.

This way you can still enjoy your cockpit.

It might look a bit red neck yacht club, but it cools down my C-25 here in Texas.

Edited by - on

NautiC25
Admiral

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USA
957 Posts

Response Posted - 04/22/2010 : 11:50:53

Speaking of:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cruisair-CO-7000-carry-on-portable-air-conditioner_W0QQitemZ250618825187QQcmdZViewItemQQptZBoat_Parts_Accessories_Gear?hash=item3a5a0bc9e3

Not a bad deal!

Edited by - on

panhead1948
Captain

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345 Posts

Response Posted - 04/24/2010 : 09:09:38

Well I have shore power so I took a window fan added some pices on the side to fit the companion way.The fan is the type that expands to fit different size windows. The fan is plastic and rotates so it can blow fresh air in or out. It doen't take up alot of room and keeps the boat cooler.

Edited by - on

andypavo
1st Mate

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USA
51 Posts

Response Posted - 04/25/2010 : 12:48:56

I drug my ac unit out of the garage and put it up on the boat and took some pics because I'm all about the visual.

[URL=http://s45.photobucket.com/albums/f70/andypavo/?action=view&current=boatac3.jpg]

[/URL]

[URL=http://s45.photobucket.com/albums/f70/andypavo/?action=view&current=boatac2.jpg]

[/URL]

[URL=http://s45.photobucket.com/albums/f70/andypavo/?action=view&current=boatac1.jpg]

[/URL]

Edited by - on

NautiC25
Admiral

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USA
957 Posts

Response Posted - 04/26/2010 : 10:20:05

^^^Can you tell me what model # generator you're using?

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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3444 Posts

Response Posted - 04/26/2010 : 10:32:07

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by PCP777
 ... I put a small block of wood under the front of the unit so that the unit lays at back at an angle towards the bow and the condensation rolls back.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">How bad is the vibration noise down below while it's running? I was thinking that some kind of foam pad under the AC unit would quiet it down considerably. Maybe those foam flooring squares you can buy at Home Depot, et al.

Edited by - on

PCP777
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1225 Posts

Response Posted - 04/26/2010 : 10:43:15

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by John Russell
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by PCP777
 ... I put a small block of wood under the front of the unit so that the unit lays at back at an angle towards the bow and the condensation rolls back.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">How bad is the vibration noise down below while it's running? I was thinking that some kind of foam pad under the AC unit would quiet it down considerably. Maybe those foam flooring squares you can buy at Home Depot, et al.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Not bad at all, typically I use a piece of foam or towel to brace the AC unit back so that the condensation runs backwards.

Edited by - on

andypavo
1st Mate

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51 Posts

Response Posted - 04/27/2010 : 20:00:14

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by NautiC25
 ^^^Can you tell me what model # generator you're using?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Honda eu3000is

In the pic I plugged into the garage. Can't post a pic because a relative borrowed my generator. I think it puts out 27 amps.

Edited by - on

NautiC25
Admiral

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USA
957 Posts

Response Posted - 04/28/2010 : 05:35:46

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by andypavo
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by NautiC25
 ^^^Can you tell me what model # generator you're using?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Honda eu3000is

In the pic I plugged into the garage. Can't post a pic because a relative borrowed my generator. I think it puts out 27 amps.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Ah ok. I was confused because they make 2 models smaller than that and they shouldn't work by their specs.
Have you taken it on the boat for overnight use? Is it too loud, bulky, or cause unwanted vibrations?

Edited by - on

andypavo
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Response Posted - 04/28/2010 : 08:05:04

No. I would use it if I were tied up to the dock at the state park. I would chain it to something on the dock and run a cord out to the boat. It's quiet but I think it would keep me awake if it were on board. If I'm anchored out in the ocean I use a windsock thing that pops in the front hatch and blows wind through the boat.

Edited by - on

PCP777
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1225 Posts

Response Posted - 04/28/2010 : 14:31:35

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by andypavo
 No. I would use it if I were tied up to the dock at the state park. I would chain it to something on the dock and run a cord out to the boat. It's quiet but I think it would keep me awake if it were on board. If I'm anchored out in the ocean I use a windsock thing that pops in the front hatch and blows wind through the boat.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

My solution is for docks with power only.

While we're on the topic, does anyone know of any good DC powered fans?

Edited by - on

John Russell
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Response Posted - 04/28/2010 : 15:43:20

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Have you taken it on the boat for overnight use? Is it too loud, bulky, or cause unwanted vibrations?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I seem to recall that Paul (Britinusa) sails with a small generator and A/C on his C250. Surprised he hasn't yet chimed in.

Edited by - on

GaryB
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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 04/28/2010 : 20:38:15

The E3000IS is a sweet generator. It only runs as fast as it needs to to run what's plugged into it and being an inverter style generator you can run your TV and laptop without worrying about the spikes that can kill them.

I was at an outdoor flea market one time a couple of years ago. I talked to one of the vendors for about 15 minutes before I realized there was a EU3000 running about 5' from where I was standing. I was amazed at how quiet it was.

This will tell you more than you want to know:
http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/products/modeldetail.aspx?page=modeldetail§ion=P2GG&modelname=EU3000IS&modelid=EU3000ISAN

How do you get this link down to just a name? I can't remember how to do it.

Edited by - GaryB on 04/28/2010 20:41:51

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