R-27 A/C

[Gwpilot]

Hi All. We have decided to join the Ranger Tug family. We have decided on a used R-27 with all the options. Most of our boating will be in Florida. I would like some feedback on the effciency of the A/C on the 27. The reason I ask is when we were on board the boat I noticed just the two small air outlets,one on the side by the driver, one by the dinette. Those of you that use the 27 in hot weather your opinion would be great. Thanks Gary and Diane

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Welcome Gary and Diane to the Ranger Tug community. We have an R27 and have used it in Florida for many winters, but not in the summer and we have A/C. While we've been in Florida during the winter months we found the air to work efficiently, not sure about the hotter summer months. With that said we bought a black vinyl product at Joann Fabrics called Marine Vinyl and cut to size to fit above each ceiling port light screen to keep the sun out. We also keep the windshield cover on while at dock and both of these steps help in keeping the cabins inside cooler then it would be otherwise.

Jim F

 

[Crewdog]

I think the A/C does a pretty good job in the summer months, especially if you make the mod that Jim talks about with the sunscreens and use the front window screen. It doesn't feel like a walk-in cooler, but it sure makes life a lot more pleasant.
You'll also have to keep a good eye on the strainer for the a/c water intake and clean occasionally.

Cruising in the day using the a/c with generator going is nice, but doesn't negate the essential of having a cool beverage handy and staying hydrated. And sleeping at night is pleasant if boat is plugged into shore power.

Enjoy!

 

[knotflying]

I find it works adequately in the summer months, but it won't chill you out like you are used to with a home A/C. Covering the hatches is a must. There is a lot of heat transfer with the sun, so the sooner you start cooling in the day the better. Also make sure you have the system set to defrost the Chiller coil. With the high humidity the coil will tend to ice up. The defrost setting will cycle automatically and heat the coil to melt any ice build up.

 

[Fowlnest1]

Welcome.Purchased R27 in March of this year.We keep her in Charleston SC.We refer to the AC as a life support system around here.As you probably heard June was the hottest month on record and we felt it.We leave the AC ON 24/7 even when away from the boat,per dealer recommend advise.The two vents for AC flow are port side below front seat and port side of V berth.The vent below the helm is for heat only.We use a AC fan to distribute the cool air.Hope this helps.

 

[Boatdreamer]

Hi Gary and Diane,
We live in south Florida and have an R27. When we first bought our boat the A/C was really weak so we knew we had to do something to improve it. The first thing we did was have a good A/C tech check it out to make sure everything was working as it should. It was and he gave me some ideas on how we could improve the airflow. The first thing we did, was have sunbrella snap in shades made for all the overhead hatches. Then I added a vent under the microwave by teeing off the small port side vent. We also had all (except the front) the windows tinted with the darkest window tint we could find. All of these made a big difference and made it way more livable in the summer months. While at a marina on shore power we fold the seats so the small vents don't have anything restricting the airflow, this helps too. Good luck with you new boat.

Tim and Donna
Gratitude