Underway A/C on a R21?

[cruz-in]

Hi Team,

Has anyone effectively pulled off getting the cabin air conditioned while underway?

Depending on where you live this would be a nice option.

Thanks
Dan

 

[Scuffy]

We do it but don't travel much faster the 8 mph so the generator and the A.C.'s raw water pickups don't lose their ability to pull water. I would think you need to have a generator on board to run A.C. It's nice to have when it is sweltering outside.

 

[cruz-in]

We do it but don't travel much faster the 8 mph so the generator and the A.C.'s raw water pickups don't lose their ability to pull water. I would think you need to have a generator on board to run A.C. It's nice to have when it is sweltering outside.

My understanding ( and I am often wrong) is there are units that would run on the 12 volts generated by the (rather substantial) alternator on the Volvo Diesel and operate while underway. My understand also is until a few years ago, these units performed rather poorly. However, the newer ones (like the one offered as a $3900 option on new R21ec) by Ranger perform satisfactorily.

Looking for any feedback on the current generation and can they be used underway.

 

[rt11002003]

I should try mine to see if it does the job.

 

[fran uteg]

Dan, I use my AC on lake Hartwell a lot of the time and never have had any problems. Reflections is a 2011 EC and it has the factory 12 volt AC. The water pick-up is a forward facing strainer so there is no loss of suction due to cavitation and the alternator easily keeps the two deep cycle AC batteries fully charged, even with the unit running. I had the tug out last week with ambient temps in the low 90s and the AC held the cabin at a comfortable 76 degrees. I had my HVAC guys check the refrigerant pressures at the beginning of the season and the unit is working as advertised. Fran

 

[cruz-in]

Thanks Fran, that sounds great....this is one option I really need to have.

Anyone know if this can be added by a dealer? Not many new (on lot) or used boats have this option.

 

[fran uteg]

Dan, the AC on my EC was manufactured by Marvair and it is a 12 volt, 30 amp unit , model SMB05ACP. It is a small unit fitted under the sink and the water inlet and drain lines are easily accessed/installed. My AC takes 7 oz of 134a refrigerant and the bleeder/fill lines are also easily accessed. The company has been purchased by Dometic Marine, contact number 804-746-1313 ..... Point of contact is John Barnett ..... I'm sure he could provide you with a list of dealers/installers 😀 Good luck with the project. Fran

 

[cruz-in]

Hi Fran,

Thanks tons for the info. I am always amazed at the helpfullness of folks in online forums. Your post (and the detailed info) is a great example of that. I appreciate the time that went into gathering that info. I hope someday to "pay it forward" and do the same ffor someone else.

Dan

 

[paulspbe]

I own a 21ec 2015 model with the domestic 3500 btu 110 converter unit .. Don't waste your money ..! It does not begin to cool the cabin.. I've had an a/c guy to my boat and he said all pressures and 134 refrigerants are where they should be ... But it is inadequate for the boat ...

 

[cruz-in]

I own a 21ec 2015 model with the domestic 3500 btu 110 converter unit .. Don't waste your money ..! It does not begin to cool the cabin.. I've had an a/c guy to my boat and he said all pressures and 134 refrigerants are where they should be ... But it is inadequate for the boat ...

This is what I have gained from chatting with an individual I consider an expert (Yeap this is you Marc 😀 ). The older Tugs that have the Marvair 5000 BTU true 12 volt system can be coaxed/tuned into satisfactory performance. The current 3500 BTU inverter model is just not up to the job.

The issue appears to be an adequate sized true 12 volt unit is no longer available.

 

[cruz-in]

Thanks all for the inputs. I am learning so much.

Anyone know when Ranger switched to the 3500 Dometic Units?

From reading posts, certainly 2015 and newer have the Dometic units (3500 BTU and poor performing). Apparently 2013 and older have the Marvair units (5000 BTUs and adequate performing).

So what about the 2014s? Anyone know if they have Dometic or Marvair?