Air conditioner question for 21 EC

[Capt’nKarl]

We are getting into the cruising season here in Florida and I'd like to get some feedback from those of you who have AC in your boats. The original air conditioner on my 21EC is dead... kaput. It never worked so I don't know if the cooling capacity of the unit was sufficient for the hot weather we have here in Florida. The original unit ran off 12 volts and was rated at 5K BTU. I've been told the unit didn't cool that well in hot weather even when new. I want to replace the unit with a 110 volt unit since we only use the AC when docked at a marina and I've run wiring to accommodate a 110 volt unit. I don't want to overkill the BTU capacity but certainly don't want to sweat all night. I'm looking at a 6K BTU unit but have enough space for the 9K. Any input is appreciated. Thanks

Captn'Karl

 

[RProffer]

I did not get the air conditioner with my R21-EC because they said it would only work at the pier, and would not work underway or at anchor. Our first night sleeping in the boat was at a C-Dory Rendezvous and it was horribly hot. The next day I went to West Marine and purchased a 12 volt box fan and that did the trick. We have since purchased a 12 volt oscillating fan and it works good. The 12 volt fans can be used at the pier or on the hook. Good luck.

 

[pugtug613]

In Md., fans may work. In Fl. no way. Get the A/C. 6k or 9K, I would research on line. You have to know the cu. ft. of the cabin and go from there.

 

[RProffer]

In New York you may not even NEED an air conditioner. 😉 Living here on the water in Maryland, things can get very hot and humid. Maryland is known for humidity. :evil: I have also lived in Florida four times, so I know what it is like down there. 😳 Never used A/C on my boat down there. Whether a person uses fans or an air conditioner may be a personal preference. I just offered an alternative to the air conditioner.

 

[walldog]

In Md., fans may work. In Fl. no way. Get the A/C. 6k or 9K, I would research on line. You have to know the cu. ft. of the cabin and go from there.

Get the 9K, in Fla, like Texas, the bigger the better. Do not believe that old wives tale about letting it work harder to take the humidity out.....COOL that rascal...it is going to be humid in the summer anyways. There are going to be days in the summer when there is no breeze at all and its is 99d F in the shade...if there was any, and even with the 9K you will wish you had 18K. Seriously, you may want to consider one that lets you run the fan continuous and cycle the compressor, makes for better sleeping.

 

[pugtug613]

That's very true. I remember visiting my parents in Fl and they would use ceiling fans vs. the A/C. I guess some people like the heat? Personally I prefer A/C. In NY we only really need A/c on the water late July thru Aug.

 

[bbrh842]

My vote is for the largest A/C you have room for. I never met a boat that had TOO much A/C.

 

[Mystical]

Be careful on choosing btu output. If the unit is too large, It will not work right. You need the correct return air flow to work right. I have installed two units in two different boats and used these guys. http://www.oceanbreezeac.com/. great to work with and have all the answers you will need. I would give them a call and get their advise

 

[wefings]

Karl , I can probably help with that . We have done a bit of development on the R21 A/C systems . 6K BTU is plenty for that small space . The big questions are 120 Vac or 12 Vdc , and do you want to be self contained or only working on shore power .
Ill give you a call.
Marc