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Is the air conditioner worth it?
- Thread starter DMcD
- Start date
jimbeam
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2019
- Messages
- 173
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-248 C
- Hull Identification Number
- FMLT2545G708
- Vessel Name
- waite & sea
You bet it is. I live in Norfolk Va and I have it on my r25. Hot, humid summers make one mandatory. I would get a small
portable for your r21. That should be sufficient. Not sure how to hook it up to your battery though.
Jimbeam
portable for your r21. That should be sufficient. Not sure how to hook it up to your battery though.
Jimbeam
lproulx
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2018
- Messages
- 199
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-24 C SE
- Vessel Name
- Red Owl
I also have a 21ec with factory AC. This subject has been rather thoroughly discussed . Check previous threads.
But . . . My 2 cents worth, which I think fairly summarizes a lot of the previous discussion: The factory unit has two major problems. At 3500 BTU, it really isn't big enough. Second, there is no way to run it except under way with the engine alternator providing the power. There are two dedicated AC batteries, but combined they would be lucky to run the AC for 30 minutes. The factory battery charger is only good for 20 amps, and the AC setup uses more like 50 or 60, so plugging in shore power doesn't help much.
The system in my boat uses what are really 110 volt components (AC unit and cooling water pump) run by a dedicated inverter. The older systems may have been true 12 volt, which even further limits your options.
I don't really want to spring for a new larger unit, so I have made some changes that make things much better. If you are very handy, it's not an impossible job. I ran a new 110 volt line from the stern inlet connector up to the area where the AC lives (not easy). I then re-wired the AC (fairly complicated) so it has a regular 110 v power plug and cord. The result is that you can plug the AC into shore power, not depending on the batteries or charger and it will run forever just fine. Under way, you move the plug over to the inverter. I also moved the AC to the area to the left of the mate's seat, which it fills nicely, opening up all the space under the sink and stove for storage. It still won't cool the boat very well on a bright sunny day - the heat gain through the thin fiberglass and all the windows is huge - but in the evening and sleeping it is great.
In a nutshell unless you are willing and able to greatly improve the factory setup it may not be worth paying much for it. Dometic, who makes the AC unit has a 5000 or so unit that looks about thee same size as the factory one. You might consider having one installed, although that seems to cost about $5k
If you would like more details on the upgrade described above feel free to send PM>
Larry
But . . . My 2 cents worth, which I think fairly summarizes a lot of the previous discussion: The factory unit has two major problems. At 3500 BTU, it really isn't big enough. Second, there is no way to run it except under way with the engine alternator providing the power. There are two dedicated AC batteries, but combined they would be lucky to run the AC for 30 minutes. The factory battery charger is only good for 20 amps, and the AC setup uses more like 50 or 60, so plugging in shore power doesn't help much.
The system in my boat uses what are really 110 volt components (AC unit and cooling water pump) run by a dedicated inverter. The older systems may have been true 12 volt, which even further limits your options.
I don't really want to spring for a new larger unit, so I have made some changes that make things much better. If you are very handy, it's not an impossible job. I ran a new 110 volt line from the stern inlet connector up to the area where the AC lives (not easy). I then re-wired the AC (fairly complicated) so it has a regular 110 v power plug and cord. The result is that you can plug the AC into shore power, not depending on the batteries or charger and it will run forever just fine. Under way, you move the plug over to the inverter. I also moved the AC to the area to the left of the mate's seat, which it fills nicely, opening up all the space under the sink and stove for storage. It still won't cool the boat very well on a bright sunny day - the heat gain through the thin fiberglass and all the windows is huge - but in the evening and sleeping it is great.
In a nutshell unless you are willing and able to greatly improve the factory setup it may not be worth paying much for it. Dometic, who makes the AC unit has a 5000 or so unit that looks about thee same size as the factory one. You might consider having one installed, although that seems to cost about $5k
If you would like more details on the upgrade described above feel free to send PM>
Larry
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