21EC FACTORY AIR CONDITIONING

[paulspbe]

I purchased a 2015 21ec with the domestic 3500 btu a/c and converter factory installed ... On a warm overcast day the unit barely drops the interior temp to bearable ... If the sun is out .. It's useless..!! What results are others having with their $4000 option a/c..??

 

[rt11002003]

Two of my R21EC's have had the factory air. Never used either. According to others on this board, it's pretty hopeless. I'm convinced that an opening windshield would be a better option.

 

[Two killicks]

An opening windshield window would be awesome, I wonder if there is a place to get a custom window done that would fit our tugs? I'll look it up one day!

 

[Capt’nKarl]

Useless is the right word for the factory installed A/C. The only advantage I found from this option is the raw water intake and A/C discharge thru-hulls were factory installed thus eliminating the concern of drilling holes in the hull. I removed my unit and replaced it with a 110 volt unit that will freeze you out of the cabin even on a hot Florida day. We haven't had any issues being too uncomfortable on the hook using a 12 volt fan so we only use the A/C in a marina although the unit can be run off an inverter.
CaptnKarl

 

[Andrew Custis]

Hello Paul,

Could you let us know who you purchased the boat from and which unit you have installed? Would also like to know your hull number on the boat if you could please email me directly which is located on my signature. If you have an issue with the boat, feel free to reach out and let us have the opportunity to make it right.

Thank you,

 

[chas5131]

Have been curious about how trawlers are inside with all the windows blocking airflow.
As an aging sailor I wonder how hot the operator gets when the sun is on the windows.

 

[rt11002003]

chas5131. In GA, where Summer temps reach into the 90's, with all the hatches and windows open, it can get uncomfortably hot in a R21EC when underway. Impossible, when stopped. In the cockpit, with a bimini top, it's comfortable.

When I bought my first tug, in 2009, the glass mgf. offered an opening front window. For whatever reason, I didn't get one. When I bought my current tug, I attempted to contact them, without success. However, that was in Dec. 2015. When I was unable to contact them; I lost interest in pursuing an opening window.

With the arrival of the R23, I became interested in one. Because I'm undecided about getting a new boat; I've done nothing.

As a former sailor, I found, as I aged, the ideal solution was a dodger with opening hatches and a bimini top. This worked well during all Seasons, as long as the Winter days were mild.

In a former trawler with an open aft end of the helm house and opening front windows, the breeze kept things comfortable.

 

[Captain Nice]

Diamond Sea Glaze, Ranger's glass supplier, offers a top-hinged operable unit that I've contemplated replacing the center window with. These are custom made to order and, when I checked about 6 months ago, would cost about $1000 crated & shipped to the US. One small difference is that Ranger's windows have 3-1/2" radius corners (I think); the ones DSG offer are 3" radius. This would not be hard to overcome in the rough opening. I'm not 100% convinced (yet) that the 21EC moves fast enough that this would make a worthwhile difference; I may remove the center unit temporarily as an experiment. I've corresponded with a 21 Classic owner (operable center window) who can't imagine being without it. The helm is directly behind the center window in that instance however. I've installed a small electric fan which helps considerably as an interim measure...

CN