question

bill j · Joined: 31 Oct 2011 Posts: 11

I hope to buy a 25 ft cruiser for use around the country but mostly in the south which means I need to add an A/C unit. But I also wish to travel on the inside passage which means I probably need a dinghy and radar. Any suggestions on how to mount radar, A/C, and dinghy on the top? Too much? Thanks - Bill

thataway · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 1:56 pm Post subject:

You might want to look at my "Thataway" album. I had and RV air conditioner (Coleman Polar Cub is recommended, since it will run with the Honda 2000i generator). There is also a Dometic easy start system (not just a capacitor) which will work with larger units--probably up to 13,000 BTU. We found that the 9200 BTU was fine for Pensacola--dropping the ambient temp by 20 degrees. We used that on the Tom Cat.

On the C Dory 25, we used a 5000 BTU window unit which fit in the opening front window. When using bubble wrap and shades, this worked well in temps to 105 degrees. You have to move it each time you use the AC unit, but we used AC only at anchor and only at night usually.

You can set the Radar far forward, or on the top of an arch, which the dinghy goes under (see various albums--and others will show you how they worked out this problem). We usually used a small dinghy and there was room behind the AC and Radar. (Radar has to be over the AC.)

We find that you do not need air conditioning when underway. Opening the window (front and side) give a good breeze, and the roof gives some insulation.

We used the Wallas stove/heater for our trips to AK and northern BC.

Good hunting--there are some good buys on Tom Cats currently also! Faster boat, a bit more room, and much better "ride" than the 25. Down side is that the Tom Cat is close to 10,000 lbs on the trailer, and the CD 25 is closer to 8,000. Either takes a good truck, and best to have electric over hydraulic brakes if you are going to do the Western mountains.