After-market Install of Air Conditioning on a Ranger 29?

[Smokeyham]

Hello,

I am doing research in preparation for doing the Great Loop and am drawn to the "Classic" Ranger 29 (probably a 2013 model year). I definitely want air conditioning. My question is: should I only look at boats which have factory-installed air conditioning, or are there after-market air conditioning systems which you have had experience with which work well and which could be relatively easily installed by a qualified technician?

I would want the same capabilities as a factory installed version, i.e. ability to cool the main cabin, forward berth, and lower berth area. I would want to have A/C available underway, so would buy a model with a generator installed.

Thanks for any thoughts.

Gordon

 

[R Baker]

I think you would be further ahead, not to mention dollars in your pocket, to buy a boat with factory installed ac. Why do want an after market system ?

 

[Smokeyham]

Thanks for the response. My thinking is that if I find a boat that meets all of my other requirements, but does not have factory installed air conditioning, should I reject it or are there after-market alternatives?

 

[Boont Boater]

There are Ranger 29's for sale on yacht world and some of them certainly have the generator/reverse air package. My boat came with that package and I think that there a lot of them. Just be patient and the right boat will come along. It seems like a lot of expense and a reinvention of the wheel to install generator and air, after market. Also a R29 without generator/air would probably have a nice diesel heater which would then become redundant.

My 2 cents worth - have a great time on the hunt.

 

[Smokeyham]

Thanks..... I think what I am hearing is that it is better to put the air conditioning on my "must have" list and to wait for the right boat to come on the market. I've read that it is hard to retrofit A/C when a boat does not have it as an original install, and what I am hearing here backs that up.

Gordon

 

[Irish Mist]

When A/C is installed in the factory it is installed during construction so they are able to do the install before they install the floor 1/2 of the boat . So it is much easier.. After market install is labor intensive as you are now trying to work in pretty tight quarters. An alternative if you find the perfect boat without air is what is called a carry on portable unit. It fits in the overhead hatch in the bedroom and you would need to plug it into 110 volt power. The built in air is much nicer but this would be an alternative. .and a fraction of the price..

 

[Smokeyham]

Thanks! Based on what I am hearing I have added air conditioning to my "must have" list!