Boat A/C

[Magic34]

I am looking for a way to cool the cabin down in the boat for my daughter (15 months).
I started researching and continue to do so. I am not trying to do this the cheapest way, but the easiest way. Installing a unit on the boat is an option, but I wanted to try the "non installed" option first.
Anyone ever tried one of these?
Kooleraire (http://www.kooleraire.com/index.htm)
Thanks!

[djunkie]

That looks pretty COOL!!!! :D Never tried one but it looks like it would work ok. As long as you have enough ice I guess.

[Red Horse]

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&classNum=583&subdeptNum=35&storeNum=12&productId=81098
I have been thinking about that with my next boat. If your has a hatch and you bring a generator then I think this will be a good set up. Can take it with you, can leave it in the garage, and you wont make 20 trips to get ice.

[Red Eye]

You'll have cool air as long as you have ice in it.

[Magic34]

That looks pretty COOL!!!! :D Never tried one but it looks like it would work ok. As long as you have enough ice I guess.
I was thinking 2 coolers (already in my boat's cabin) with some ice blocks under that thing. I don't know, but for $80 total for 2, it might be worth a shot. I don't expect it to get 75 degrees in there but low 80's, think it is possible?
I was also on a plane on Saturday and looking through the Sky mall, they have something too with the same concept. I went online just now to try and find it, not on the web site.

[meaniam]

throw her ass in the water every 5 mins. shell be fine

[Magic34]

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&classNum=583&subdeptNum=35&storeNum=12&productId=81098
I have been thinking about that with my next boat. If your has a hatch and you bring a generator then I think this will be a good set up. Can take it with you, can leave it in the garage, and you wont make 20 trips to get ice.
I don't have a hatch, and I think I found something that would work better. The only problem... It has a 5" round exhaust for the hot air. They make them that don't need a condensation dump, so that part is cool, but I would have to leave the door open 5"

[Powerquestboy]

There is usually a company that goes to the boat shows, they were even at Phoenix this year. The units are sweet. They are about the size of a 30 pack and work great. I cant remeber the name but I'm sure someone has seen them, they are nice and small. A friend had one a long time ago for his houseboat, we called it MR.Swampy but I dont know if that was the official name.

[Magic34]

You'll have cool air as long as you have ice in it.
That is another question. It sucks the hot air to the ice and pulls the cool air out. The question being... How long would 2 ice blocks last?

[Red Horse]

There is another thing that cools the boat but you have to be in deep water. There is a hose that goes below the thermocline and picks up the cooler water and then goes thru a coil and cools the cabin. Sailboaters have used it. Wont work if you are beached.

[djunkie]

I was thinking 2 coolers (already in my boat's cabin) with some ice blocks under that thing. I don't know, but for $80 total for 2, it might be worth a shot. I don't expect it to get 75 degrees in there but low 80's, think it is possible?
I was also on a plane on Saturday and looking through the Sky mall, they have something too with the same concept. I went online just now to try and find it, not on the web site.
Ya blocks of ice would probably last you longer. Hell instead of buying them just freeze water in milk jugs like sometimes do. Save you the trip to the store for them.

[rrrr]

Practically no chance the cooler thing would work in 110+ heat. The fan only puts out 100 CFM, the average bathroom fart fan does 80 CFM. I would be very surprised if there was more than 10 degrees temperature drop through the thing.

[Big Warlock]

Got a mini swamp cooler that you add water to every 7 hours. I think it holds 7 quarts? I have the mini generator I set up on my deck, The gen set is noisy. The Honda is the way to go but pricey! My cabin is pretty small though. I think I am in it for $400?

[Magic34]

This is the other one I am looking at.
no drip A/C (http://www.compactappliance.com/xq/JSP.detailmain/EdgeStar_No_Drip_Portable_Air_Conditioner__Dual_Mo tor__Stainless_Steel___FREE_SHIPPING/itemID.10994/itemType.PRODUCT/iMainCat.23/iSubCat.38/iProductID.10994/qx/shopping/product/AP300SS.htm)
I think that I could have a vinyl panel I attach between the door and side to help close the 5" gap. Or maybe vent my bathroom in my boat somehow and just exhaust the air into the bathroom which then would take it out of the boat.
:idea:

[Magic34]

Also, for some more info to help my issue..
I do have an inverter and battery power. The invertor is large enough to run the microwave and a small hand vac.
Thanks again guys.

[Nord]

throw her ass in the water every 5 mins. shell be fine
I must say, I do agree with this. My parents took my out to the river at that age and I turned out fine!!!
I never had the luxury of an airconditioner nor a 34 foot boat!!!!!

[UBFJ #454]

Hewitt Custom Boats make a cooling unit called 'Too Cool'. Originally designed for drag boat capsules and OffShore Race Boats, Bobby has modified a few that are now in use in some of the Mesa, AZ Police K-9 Units ... To keep the dog(s) cool in the Patrol Unit when the motors not running. He also has a personal unit developed for the Military ...
Might give him a call: (602) 463-1895 ... Have no idea of the units cost.

[Magic34]

I must say, I do agree with this. My parents took my out to the river at that age and I turned out fine!!!
I never had the luxury of an airconditioner nor a 34 foot boat!!!!!
I grew up the same way on Mead, throw my a$$ in the water. Sometimes dad wouldn't even stop, just hung me over the side.
Now that I am married, there are easier ways to do this. Get it done, and it makes the wife happier, so in turn, my overall quality of life improves.

[Magic34]

from the looks of your rig and boat, your quality of life is doing just fine, maybe "lose the wife" ? :cool: :rollside: i am an a/c guy and may have a few contacts with this, but i am so f ing busy and can't even take a shiat. :devil: - keyes
What did you say????
I can't stop watching you video in the sig line. :D

[Cole Trickle]

I must say, I do agree with this. My parents took my out to the river at that age and I turned out fine!!!
I never had the luxury of an airconditioner nor a 34 foot boat!!!!!
You turned out fine? :jawdrop:
Please tell me the retired profesional bull rider is joking!! :2purples: :hammerhea

[LakeRacer]

http://www.nauticoolair.com/

[desertbird]

I've been putting ice into swamp coolers forever. I think for $40, the ice chest thing might work pretty good! I can't imagine it lasting more than 2 or three hours though.

[Magic34]

Here is the one I found in Sky Mall.
$40 A/C in Sky Mall (http://www.skymall.com/webapp/skystore?process=prodDisplay&action=&pid=69734937)
Looks battery powered maybe?

[Froggystyle]

I saw one a while back that worked off of a 110 generator and was designed to cool a tent. Tents have significantly less insulation than your fiberglass boat in the water, so you should be good to go.
If you plumbed a swamp cooler thing with lake water, that would be frigid in there.

[Jordy]

I saw one a while back that worked off of a 110 generator and was designed to cool a tent. Tents have significantly less insulation than your fiberglass boat in the water, so you should be good to go.
If you plumbed a swamp cooler thing with lake water, that would be frigid in there.
Hey Froggy,
What unit did you go with on the Revolution? :D :D :D
I'm sure one of the sponsons has A/C, just to add to the bling factor. :D

[Nord]

You turned out fine? :jawdrop:
Please tell me the retired profesional bull rider is joking!! :2purples: :hammerhea
Hey!!!! Long time no see!!! Hows your dad (my future father in law) and your sister (my future wife)!!! :D :D
I'm going to be in Havi 5 and 6th, what you got going on??

[rrrr]

Here is the one I found in Sky Mall.
$40 A/C in Sky Mall (http://www.skymall.com/webapp/skystore?process=prodDisplay&action=&pid=69734937)
Looks battery powered maybe?
Forty bucks, huh? Payments on that big boat got you pinned down a bit?
Uh, you're pissing up a rope. It won't work in Arizona. Period. The compressorized unit, Nauticool, is the best bet. You won't need AC power or a generator.
The inverter you mentioned won't work. You would have to have at least a 5000 watt inverter to start a compressor, and the DC to run it.

[Magic34]

Forty bucks, huh? Payments on that big boat got you pinned down a bit?
You are right, I'm pinned, but the boat is pretty to look at.

[Big Warlock]

I think I am going to try that out. Looks pretty simple and not expensive...

[Magic34]

I saw one a while back that worked off of a 110 generator and was designed to cool a tent. Tents have significantly less insulation than your fiberglass boat in the water, so you should be good to go.
If you plumbed a swamp cooler thing with lake water, that would be frigid in there.
Wes, what about those small portable swamp coolers, and just add ice cold water to it every hour or so? Would the ice cold water help that much?

[Magic34]

He is another option. A swamp cooler, but seems that it may be large enough to make a difference.
swampy (http://www.swampy.net/m300.html)
The do have a smaller one too.
Just looked, they are local for me, so I'll go and talk to these guys in person and let you know what I come up with.

[Magic34]

He is another option. A swamp cooler, but seems that it may be large enough to make a difference.
swampy (http://www.swampy.net/m300.html)
The do have a smaller one too.
Just looked, they are local for me, so I'll go and talk to these guys in person and let you know what I come up with.
smaller version
http://www.swampy.net/s154page.html

[Mike.A]

the swampy icester looks like it would do the trick, pull right from the cooler full of beer & ice. :cool:

[RiverOtter]

I am looking for a way to cool the cabin down in the boat for my daughter (15 months).
I started researching and continue to do so. I am not trying to do this the cheapest way, but the easiest way. Installing a unit on the boat is an option, but I wanted to try the "non installed" option first.
Anyone ever tried one of these?
Kooleraire (http://www.kooleraire.com/index.htm)
Thanks!
I remember seeing a Donzi in either Powerboat or HB mag maybe a year ago that had a car A/C compressor mounted on one of the motors and it cooled the cabin down to about 80 degrees. Pretty neat and I've always wondered why somebody hasn't done that before. Of course the motor had to be running for the whole thing to work.

[Cole Trickle]

Hey!!!! Long time no see!!! Hows your dad (my future father in law) and your sister (my future wife)!!! :D :D
I'm going to be in Havi 5 and 6th, what you got going on??
We will be out at Parker that weekend.
What boat are you going to be out on?
Drinking some beer and causing some trouble!

[Powerquestboy]

smaller version
http://www.swampy.net/s154page.html
This is the one I was talking about. They work well

[Magic34]

I called the guy and talked to him for about 20 minutes. I was asking about the M300 (blue cooler on bottom). With that unit, you must use ice in the bottom. He said here in the desert during the summer, it will use 20 pounds of ice per hour. It is impossible to keep that going with the boating we all do. He suggested the MW1 MW1 (http://www.swampy.net/wb.html) for most boaters. He said that on high it only draws 1.5 amps, and the air does blow cool. He said that it would not cool the cabin down much, but the air blowing on the person would make them very comfortable.
I am going to have to think this over some more. Each one is almost $300, so I would be at $600 total for 2 that may not work the way I wanted it to. I want my cabin to cool, not just blowing air.

[Magic34]

This is the one I was talking about. They work well
Did it cool the area down, or just blow cool air on the person in front of it.
Thanks.

[Steamin' Rice]

I have a swampy and it works fairly well. I haven't used it for awhile (doesn't get that hot on the Pacific :D), but I used it during a weeklong trip to Lake Powell in July 2002. It didn't get the cabin necessarily "cold", but it cooled it down enough to make things comfortable. I'd be happy to let you try it out sometime if you want to check it out.

[Krumbsnatcher]

I am looking for a way to cool the cabin down in the boat for my daughter (15 months).
I started researching and continue to do so. I am not trying to do this the cheapest way, but the easiest way. Installing a unit on the boat is an option, but I wanted to try the "non installed" option first.
Anyone ever tried one of these?
Kooleraire (http://www.kooleraire.com/index.htm)
Thanks!
The ice chest stays open the entire time and melts really fast especially when you will need it, besides in the monsoon season you will not even fell the coolness because an airconditioning system xtracts hot air from its environment. That thing is a mini swamp cooler, works great in october!!!

[Magic34]

The ice chest stays open the entire time and melts really fast especially when you will need it, besides in the monsoon season you will not even fell the coolness because an airconditioning system xtracts hot air from its environment. That thing is a mini swamp cooler, works great in october!!!
That's what i was thinking. The guy from swampy told me that the M300 unit used 20 pounds of ice per hours, theKooleraire, uses a similiar concept. Ice would melt quickly.

[SHOTKALLIN]

Just fill up those chests with dry ice and it ought to keep your boat COLDall weekend long!
don't know what to due about the fog or the fumes though. thats another thread. :hammerhea

[Red Horse]

I called the guy and talked to him for about 20 minutes. I was asking about the M300 (blue cooler on bottom). With that unit, you must use ice in the bottom. He said here in the desert during the summer, it will use 20 pounds of ice per hour. It is impossible to keep that going with the boating we all do. He suggested the MW1 MW1 (http://www.swampy.net/wb.html) for most boaters. He said that on high it only draws 1.5 amps, and the air does blow cool. He said that it would not cool the cabin down much, but the air blowing on the person would make them very comfortable.
I am going to have to think this over some more. Each one is almost $300, so I would be at $600 total for 2 that may not work the way I wanted it to. I want my cabin to cool, not just blowing air.
Kinda right back at a plug in A/C there.

[Drift]

Sunsation Powerboats offer AC as an option. I think it works like a car AC, Direct connect to the Motor. Their website has a forum and I remember reading about a guy retrofitting AC for his 32' Dominator.
Here's a link to part of the conversation:
http://www.sunsationboats.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17&highlight=Conditioning
Other Links:
http://www.sunsationboats.com
http://www.hotrodair.com/pg1a.cfm
http://www.portable-air-conditioners.biz/portable_air_conditioners_sale.htm

[Magic34]

Sunsation Powerboats offer AC as an option. I think it works like a car AC, Direct connect to the Motor. Their website has a forum and I remember reading about a guy retrofitting AC for his 32' Dominator.
Here's a link to part of the conversation:
http://www.sunsationboats.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17&highlight=Conditioning
Other Links:
http://www.sunsationboats.com
http://www.hotrodair.com/pg1a.cfm
http://www.portable-air-conditioners.biz/portable_air_conditioners_sale.htm
The person that started that thread is here on these boards. I am talking with him as well. The unit he installed works good, I am just trying to see if there is an easy, no install way to do this. It isn't really looking like it though.

[Sane Asylum]

The person that started that thread is here on these boards. I am talking with him as well. The unit he installed works good, I am just trying to see if there is an easy, no install way to do this. It isn't really looking like it though.
Just an FYI..........NONE of that kooleraide, kooler swamp, kool me kool, ice me kool, wish me kool, etc. works worth a fock.....Especially in AZ.
Sunsation uses http://www.mermaidmarineair.com/default.asp?grp=13&cnl=206&itm=248 The unit has a very tiny footprint and fits almost anywhere.......It isn't powered off the motor......(why would you run the motor if you wanted cold air).......
I've got a 5.2K BTU unit in my boat and a 2000 watt Honda powerpack genset that I use if we're on the hook. Use shorepower if not. It kools the boat down to about "hang meat, 70'ish" coolness on the 112 degree days and there's nothing like it. Has programmable thermostat and works just like the one at home.....
It's important that the power source be sized to handle starting load amps (SLA) of the A/C and RLA of all the chit you want run while the genset's on.
My advice..........This isn't an area to cut corners........It makes our boating days extremely comfortable when it's a little hot. We overnight on the boat frequently and only do it because of the A/C........
The 5K BTU unit is about $1000 (for the A/C unit only), $250 for the install kit, and some sweat. Took me a weekend and some change to install and it's been worth every penny......
Magic34, I'll call you in the a.m.

[meaniam]

He is another option. A swamp cooler, but seems that it may be large enough to make a difference.
swampy (http://www.swampy.net/m300.html)
The do have a smaller one too.
Just looked, they are local for me, so I'll go and talk to these guys in person and let you know what I come up with.
if you ever run a swamp cooler, dont place dry ice, in the water. it creates carbon dioxide. and that wouldnt be good for the little one