mcatan2468
New member
Anyone have any options other than rooftop a/c for a venture 23 ? I really don't like looks of a RV type a/c and cutting into top of a new boat. Any thoughts? Mike
Air conditioning options for CD 22 or Venture 23
- Thread starter mcatan2468
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We had Wefings our dealer install a 9500 BTU unit on the roof of our 2008 Venture. I believe Ventures had a somewhat reinforced roof. It required a 14" hole and it didn't get any extra reinforcement. We saved the removed piece in case someone wanted to return the boat back to stock. We could run the A.C. unit with a Honda EU 2000. We never ran the unit on anything more than low cool. We did use a swing away Caframo Sirocco three speed berth fan in the opening to the V berth. We could not have slept in hot conditions with out the A.C. It kept the boat like a meat locker.
We now have a 2014 R-27 Ranger Tug. It's A.C. unit does not come close to providing the cooling power of the roof top unit with had on the C-Dory.
One of the best dollars spent on a boat option ever in my experience.
D.D.
We now have a 2014 R-27 Ranger Tug. It's A.C. unit does not come close to providing the cooling power of the roof top unit with had on the C-Dory.
One of the best dollars spent on a boat option ever in my experience.
D.D.
I have a 5000 BTU window AC unit I got for about $100 at WalMart. It fits in the front window. A few pieces of pipe insulation around the window frame seals it nicely. My Honda 1000 will run it if there is no shore power.
The only disadvantage with this setup is that it is not really practical to use will driving the boat. Once at anchor or at a dock it works fine. You also have to be able to lift the AC unit in and out of the window.
We leave the AC unit behind when the weather conditions don't require having it.
The only disadvantage with this setup is that it is not really practical to use will driving the boat. Once at anchor or at a dock it works fine. You also have to be able to lift the AC unit in and out of the window.
We leave the AC unit behind when the weather conditions don't require having it.
I have also used the 5,000 BTU "Arctic King" window air conditioner on 2 C Dory22's, on the Tom Cat, (before I put the roof AC in) and on the C Dory 25.
The 5000 BTU is best thru the front window, but also can be thru the front hatch, or even the aft door. Some have even modified an aft window to allow the AC using to be used.
The 5000 BTU unit runs off the EU1000, but to start it usually requires the non eco setting.
There are also "suitcase" air conditioners, where the exhaust hot air is taken out thru a front or side window.
There are also "true marine" air conditioners, which require water cooling, and use considerably more power than the window units.--but don't require lifting etc.
For filling larger spaces--use the styrofoam with foil on both sides. This is cheap and cuts with razor knife. Also using this or the foil containing bubble wrap type , in the glass areas--windows and doors. The roll up bubble wrap is easier to store.
We have found that by using the foam or bubble wrap we can bring the temp down as much as 20 more degrees.
The 5000 BTU is best thru the front window, but also can be thru the front hatch, or even the aft door. Some have even modified an aft window to allow the AC using to be used.
The 5000 BTU unit runs off the EU1000, but to start it usually requires the non eco setting.
There are also "suitcase" air conditioners, where the exhaust hot air is taken out thru a front or side window.
There are also "true marine" air conditioners, which require water cooling, and use considerably more power than the window units.--but don't require lifting etc.
For filling larger spaces--use the styrofoam with foil on both sides. This is cheap and cuts with razor knife. Also using this or the foil containing bubble wrap type , in the glass areas--windows and doors. The roll up bubble wrap is easier to store.
We have found that by using the foam or bubble wrap we can bring the temp down as much as 20 more degrees.
mcatan2468
New member
Bob: What I was getting at was you comment about marine a/c. Specifically, Dometic ECD 6000. I was wondering if you or anyone has ever seen a unit like this installed in a C-Dory?
https://youtu.be/TAT12lX5Uak
Mike
https://youtu.be/TAT12lX5Uak
Mike
mcatan2468":3i4zsj7q said:
I have not seen that specific unit, but have seen similar units, including owning a 27 foot express cruiser with a 5,000 BTU unit. They should run off a Honda EU 2000I. They are too thirsty to run off batteries and an inverter, although I have run the one I had off a 440 amp hours bank. That is just too much lead for the C Dory 23.
They are more expensive, you have to put in a thru hull for water intake, you have to have a water discharge thru hull (the intake will probably be thru the cored part of the hull.) You cannot run this type when using the boat as a camper, or when the boat is on a trailer or lift.
They do take up some storage room--both the compressor/blower, the ducting and then where to put the condensate drain, an overboard sump pump for any condensate? The reason the RV and window are so popular is that they are cheap and easy--no worry with all of the plumbing issues. Army Corp of Engineers uses the RV type on their work boats. Some tug boats use the RV type because of the simplicity. We used an RV type on a hard top flying bridge on a 42 foot trawler, which had 48,000 BTU installed in the main saloon, Galley, and two Staterooms. (built in thru hull, run the generator type).
There is a 25 currently for sale with a similar AC unit installed (plus a generator).
I had a camper cockpit enclosure on my 22 that I adapted to a 5000 btu window air conditioner. I made a small shelf that held it out over the splash well so that only the front vents and controls peeked through the rear cockpit curtain. I pop riveted a channel onto the sides and top of the a/c chassis to slip the surround (shelf board) into. It blew cool air all the way forward into the v berth. The pictures are near the end of my "Minnie Swann" album. I'd post them if I knew how. It worked great. I never used it underway but it could be easily fastened down for that I'm sure.
Here is the photo:
The caption says 8500 BTU AC unit.??
Although this may work in WI, or at least in some central climes, I don't think it will work in our hot weather of Florida. We never needed AC on the lake at powell, because the nights cool off--but on land, using the boat as a "camper", you may want AC--if you go that far.
Another option instead of AC,if the temp is not severe are fans. We have used a 14" "Endless Breeze" fan held in place by dowels or pieces of wood over the forward hatch. Also we have used a battery operated fan (Ryobi) on the deck, directed toward the hatch cover open 45 degrees. We each have fans above our heads in the V Berth. We have used these larger fans pulling air in from the forward opening window.
The caption says 8500 BTU AC unit.??
Although this may work in WI, or at least in some central climes, I don't think it will work in our hot weather of Florida. We never needed AC on the lake at powell, because the nights cool off--but on land, using the boat as a "camper", you may want AC--if you go that far.
Another option instead of AC,if the temp is not severe are fans. We have used a 14" "Endless Breeze" fan held in place by dowels or pieces of wood over the forward hatch. Also we have used a battery operated fan (Ryobi) on the deck, directed toward the hatch cover open 45 degrees. We each have fans above our heads in the V Berth. We have used these larger fans pulling air in from the forward opening window.
Thanks for posting the picture. The only time we used it was when heat and humidity made sleeping difficult. The temp differential was amazeing given the uninsulated space. But hey, when climate change is complete, who knows what we'll need. You may just need a heater down there.
mcatan2468
New member
Thanks to everyone for comments. Here is another question . Is air conditioning an absolute necessity for a c-dory in south Florida?
journey on
New member
Yes. Said by one who isn't a Floridian, but who's been there.
Boris
Boris
gulfcoast john
New member
Mike,
no disagreements with any of the above.
If you have an opening front window, well aimed Caframo or other high quality 12v fans, and a big insulated mug of iced gatorade, you will be comfortable even at idle speeds over 4MPH in south Florida. Dip any high-tech fabric cap and T-shirt in cold water and wear that too if over 98 degrees in the cabin and you'll be cold.
Also agree, that sleeping aboard in these conditions is near intolerable for the over -40 set without air conditioning. We slept in tents with 12v fans all summer at Horn Island when our boat was a Mako-23 shuttle boat SUV under age 40...but not since.
A Coleman RV rooftop AC is the best AC option...cheap, easy to install, effective, uncomplicated, and adds to the 'ghetto-chic' look that C-Brats strive for. Choose the low-profile or Powersaver versions for sleekness or Honda 2000i power capability. A 2010 Coleman 13.5k roof unit gets our TC255 down to 72 degrees by 8pm (Eileen's fav sleeping temp) starting from our typical 95 degrees on return to the dock at 5pm.
A 'true' marine seawater AC unit is a complicated mess on a C-dory and not worth the trouble or expense.
If my C-Dory looks more like an Army Corps of Engineers workboat and less like some Sea-Ray dock queen, I like it that way.
Cheers, and have fun deciding!
John
no disagreements with any of the above.
If you have an opening front window, well aimed Caframo or other high quality 12v fans, and a big insulated mug of iced gatorade, you will be comfortable even at idle speeds over 4MPH in south Florida. Dip any high-tech fabric cap and T-shirt in cold water and wear that too if over 98 degrees in the cabin and you'll be cold.
Also agree, that sleeping aboard in these conditions is near intolerable for the over -40 set without air conditioning. We slept in tents with 12v fans all summer at Horn Island when our boat was a Mako-23 shuttle boat SUV under age 40...but not since.
A Coleman RV rooftop AC is the best AC option...cheap, easy to install, effective, uncomplicated, and adds to the 'ghetto-chic' look that C-Brats strive for. Choose the low-profile or Powersaver versions for sleekness or Honda 2000i power capability. A 2010 Coleman 13.5k roof unit gets our TC255 down to 72 degrees by 8pm (Eileen's fav sleeping temp) starting from our typical 95 degrees on return to the dock at 5pm.
A 'true' marine seawater AC unit is a complicated mess on a C-dory and not worth the trouble or expense.
If my C-Dory looks more like an Army Corps of Engineers workboat and less like some Sea-Ray dock queen, I like it that way.
Cheers, and have fun deciding!
John
My Cape Cruiser Marinaut 26 came with a Mermaid A/C unit that I removed and replaced with a heater. (I bought the boat in Florida and had it delivered it to Alaska.) It worked amazingly well when we sea trialed it in FLA. It was mounted in the locker aft of the dinette, so I'm not sure if there would be space to install it in a 23-footer. But, I'm looking to sell it if you're interested.
mcatan2468
New member
Is anyone familiar with Cruiseair Carry-On a/c unit for use in v-birth hatch in 22 or 25 C-Dory ? I saw one for sale but don't know if it would fit there. Will Honda 2000 power it ?
mcatan2468":35sq06pa said:
Even a used one is about $400. It is much bigger and a more cumbersome shape than a window AC unit. You'd have to put it in place from the outside on the front deck (vs. putting in place from inside the pilot house). Getting it from the cockpit to the fore deck would be interesting if you are not at a suitable dock.
Storing it when not in use might be an issue. You probably don't want it in place when cruising in rough water, not to mention it blocking your view.
I considered getting one of these, but the window AC solution is a better and cheaper option IMO.
On my 22, a window AC in the center window with a fan to blow the cool air into the v-berth at night works fine in the summer in the Mid Atlantic region of the country.
agree with above, plus there is loss with the 'sleeve" which ducts the air into the cabin. you can do the same with a 1000 BTU Window air on the foredeck.
Yes, the Honda EU 2000 will power the "Crusie Aire"--they have been around for many years, and never really caught on...
Yes, the Honda EU 2000 will power the "Crusie Aire"--they have been around for many years, and never really caught on...
Mike just bite the bullet and get the roof top A/C and you will be happier .The cruisair is nice but very cumbersome not to mention a real pain to put on and off and expensive
the window A/C is easy but also cumbersome we put A/C unit in front seat area when not needed .The nice thing about the rooftop A/C is can be run from a Honda 2000 while driving slow and its always ready to go .
the window A/C is easy but also cumbersome we put A/C unit in front seat area when not needed .The nice thing about the rooftop A/C is can be run from a Honda 2000 while driving slow and its always ready to go .