Northwest edition in the Northeast?

[idratherbeboating]

I'm based in Boston and considering a new-to-me RT, but it would be the 'northwest' rather than 'luxury' edition.

I know that means diesel heat but no a/c & genset and curious if folks think that is shortsighted... anyone else in New England / Northeast owns a 'northwest' edition boat? Any regrets?

Also on my mind if anyone wants to comment...
-Has anyone had experience later adding a genset?
-And can A/C even be added or am I trapped at that point?
-Am I going to get burned on resale if have the 'wrong' boat for the region?
-And finally, can anyone recommend a practical use for the downrigger plugs and pads to a non-fisherman? Or should I start learning how to fish? 😀

 

[chicagosam]

The Northewest has remarkably similar weather to the Northeast.
You Bostonians only have a couple of months of +80 degree weather.
Shore power AC is easy to hook-up.
A genset is not very easy to hook-up and would entail a seperate seacock and thru-hull with electrics and fuel thrown in.
Not to mention a marine specific genset is a pretty penny by itself.

Can you live without on-the-water AC?
If not, but you dont want to spend $10k on a genset, then try one of these:
https://mabrupowersystems.com/air-conditioner/sc05dc
Its a 12v System, but you'll need bigger house batteries.

 

[Bobby P.]

When I was shopping for our R31CB, I did my homework on buying a Northwest and adding a genset and a/c. The fact is, even if I did the install myself, it would be very expensive. And yes, you would be adding through holes in the boat and doing a good bit of wiring, running duct work and gutting up varying parts of bulkheads, etc. After all my homework and research, I realized that if I wanted a/c and genset, it was much wiser to get the luxury addition.

Regarding whether or not one needs a genset is person specific. I've had lots of boats, both with and without. The multiple benefits of the genset has made it part of our boating lifestyle.

Happy to talk more about this if your are interested.

Best,
Bobby

 

[ixlr8]

We opted to get the NW edition rather than the Luxury edition on our 27OB, couldn't justify the extra $$$, we are in Maine. So far we have not needed AC or a generator, but our overnights have been very limited. We wanted the storage space provided by not having the generator. I have picked up a 2000w inverter generator in case we ever find the need for one. I use it around the house several times a month anyway. If push came to shove and we needed AC, I would get a small window AC unit and make a panel for the cabin door to put it in. This would give me AC and generator, with a little work for about $1K, a far cry from the $15K Ranger was going to charge. There is the question on what effect no AC/generator will have on resale. At the moment we are not worrying about it.
You can buy the same generator that RT puts in the boats for about $3.5K, then you will need to install thru hull ports for the water cooling. Installing a marine AC unit will also need a supply of raw water for cooling/heating. Adding marine AC and generator after build will not be easy or cheap. How and where you will use your boat will be key to whether or not you need/want the Luxury edition or the NW edition.

 

[Scotty Mac]

If you have thoughts or plans to head south, then AC is a good thing. We had a 25sc with out gen so under way no ac. Very hot in summer in SC. Now have a 31cb with gen, much more comfortable in summer and at anchor.

 

[Matty]

I am biased being from Fl and could not do without a/c. Having said that it does depend on how you use the boat. You may be able to work around many situations that you want a/c. We also use the generator for the outside electric grill but not all models and years have that stove.
When looking at new boat pricing it is expensive but it is installed correctly and safely. Since you are looking at new to you I would not think the price difference would be as large and therefore may seem more reasonable.

If you think you need I would find a used luxury addition rather than retro-fitting....but that is just my opinion.

 

[knotflying]

I cruise in Florida and Rhode Island. I do not have a genset and don't miss it. As far as the air conditioner goes, I would want it. When on the hook at night it is usually not needed as it does cool down and you are into the wind. Open the hatch and you usually need a blanket. However, at a dock it can be quite different and that is when it comes in handy. If buying the boat I would buy it knowing I may be adding an air conditioner. Use the boat for a season or so and you will know if your type of use will warrant it. I know of a few people that have added it after market and the cost of installation was not to bad and it works great. Actually, it was less expensive than having it installed when the boat was built.

 

[Hamish]

I have a NW down in Cape Cod. Love the diesel furnace. Fitted AC to the boat (under the stove) and it vents to both the cabin and the vee berth. Works great. No generator. I have a slip so we have power there or when we travel to Martha’s Vineyard or Newport alongside or in a slip. At anchor the breeze through the fore hatch is lovely and no AC needed.

I’m lucky enough to use the boat year round for a couple of nights each week (boat is by my office which is 90miles from my home in Boston!) In the winter the diesel furnace is a necessity!

Looking forward to another tug in the area!

 

[Rednuke1]

You can always add the generator and AC any time if desired. We did exactly that to our Cutwater 28. I would not recommend doing it yourself however. It was important to us to have it installed precisely how the factory does it with exactly the same parts, fittings and components, IE:NexGen generator, etc. We used a company in Bellingham Washington to do the work who had two former Fluid Motion factory employees on staff. They did an excellent job, we were extremely happy with the workmanship.

Downside: $15,000.00. But that is basically what it costs if you order it on a brand new boat from the factory.

To have the diesel generator, AC / Heat, (remember, the AC unit can also be used as a heater), was a no-brainer for us for the type of boating we do, which is all over the country. We also have the factory installed Webasto diesel furnace that we love. That diesel generator is also a fantastic tool on long trips for backup power, battery charging, etc. Great peace of mind. What works for us might not work for someone else. It’s a personal decision for you, and you only for what you want for personal comfort, both physical and financial.

Good luck with the boat, and let us all know how it goes for you. I really enjoy reading about all of the diverse boating going on in this forum!