AC in R21 Question?

[cruz-in]

Hi,

Is the AC in the R21 a true 12 Volt system now? Or does it use and inverter?

Also what is the BTU?

Thanks
Dan

 

[Capt’nKarl]

Dan
The AC installed at the factory is a 12 volt system and runs off two additional batteries stored in the aft port space. It reportedly is a 5000 Btu unit. I HAD one. It was worthless when temperatures went above 80-85 degrees. I now have a 110 volt 6,500 Btu unit. Works great but I do have to have shore power at a marina. When on the hook we use our 12 volt fans.

Cheers,
Karl

 

[cruz-in]

Thanks Karl,

My understand is until 2012 or 2013, the factory AC was MarvAir 5000 BTU Unit. Folks report, if configured properly, getting acceptable performance out of it.

In the 2013 timeframe, MarvAir quite making the 12 volt AC. At this point Ranger went to a 3500 BTU unit that had an inverter in it to convert 12V to 115v to run the AC. Seems across the board folks have reported unsatisfactory performance from this unit.

hence my question, as Ranger explicitly (and in bold) listed the AC as 12 volt, have they changed and now installing a more suitable unit.

 

[rt11002003]

I had a 2009 R21EC with AC. I now have a 2014 model, with AC. Neither did much good in this 90+ GA sunny days. I suspect 12 volts is not enough power to really run a high capacity AC. My Rosborough RF-246 had a roof mounted 110 volt AC, 13,000 BTU, I think. After it started, a Honda 2000 genset would operate it. That's about 110 volts, 15 amps from the Honda. It needed a special starting circuit for the Honda to start it.

As to pricing question in your other post, my 2014 was listed at $70,000+. It has everything but the full canvas enclosure and radar. I think. I'd have to do an item by item comparison to see if there has been an overall increase.

My tug is listed in the for sale section. Gives you an idea of prices. If you want to do an item by item comparison, contact me; I'll send you a list from my boat.