Marine AC using fresh instead of raw water?

[smj]

Originally Posted by sailjumanji

True. Another thought that I think someone else had as well, is to install a window unit in a replacement companionway board. For the SW1000 specifically, it would be a PITA to step over it, maybe even impossible to get into the port hull that way. OTOH though, it's cheap. And just toss it when it no longer works. The bow hatch is pretty big, and you could use that for going in and out the port cabin.

We put a standard window unit in front of the bow hatch and my wife built a canvas cowling that tied the window unit to the hatch. We then got a box fan and mounted it just below the hatch where it would draw the cold air from the ac into the hull. Worked great, no through hulls, water pump or filters to clean or break, and was very affordable. Of course not as convenient as a marine unit.

[sailjumanji]

Originally Posted by smj

We put a standard window unit in front of the bow hatch and my wife built a canvas cowling that tied the window unit to the hatch. We then got a box fan and mounted it just below the hatch where it would draw the cold air from the ac into the hull. Worked great, no through hulls, water pump or filters to clean or break, and was very affordable. Of course not as convenient as a marine unit.

For the TRT, or the Seawind? Lisa is quite handy!

When Tony had the TRT, he had a window unit in that cockpit hatch that goes to the berth. Made that compartment like a refrigerator.

[AWT2_Sail]

Originally Posted by rtoner

Some people put a house window type into their companionway/hatch. This might be challenging on a cat.

Been there, done that. Not the cat, the window shaker unit. Cheap, easy, moderate PITA moving it up into position. Similar draw as installed systems, although inverter units of all kinds reduce the draw during maintenance cooling.

Yes, it blocks the hatchway, but I can get over it fairly easily. My sliding hatch cover gives me enough space.

[smj]

Originally Posted by sailjumanji

For the TRT, or the Seawind? Lisa is quite handy!

When Tony had the TRT, he had a window unit in that cockpit hatch that goes to the berth. Made that compartment like a refrigerator.

That was for the Seawind. We still have the original “Tony” window units in the TRT, and yes, you could hang meat inside the cabin with the 5,000 BTU running!

[AKA-None]

Well if we’re going way outside the box how about plumbing a closed loop through a car radiator that you drop over the side?

Edit

Oh and use quick connect fittings that close on disconnect

[aybabtme]

This thing is basically it: https://www.cruisencomfortusa.com/

[waterman46]

Originally Posted by S/V Illusion

It's amazing the imaginative ways people find for not doing something correctly.

Well said!

[CaptTom]

Originally Posted by aybabtme

This thing is basically it: https://www.cruisencomfortusa.com/

Did anyone see any specifications, like BTUs and current draw, on that site? Maybe I missed it.

It's not that 12V cooling is impossible, just that it runs into practical limitations pretty quickly when you start doing the math.

[ItDepends]

Originally Posted by CaptTom

Did anyone see any specifications, like BTUs and current draw, on that site? Maybe I missed it.

It's not that 12V cooling is impossible, just that it runs into practical limitations pretty quickly when you start doing the math.

But CaptTom, math is HARD!

Just flip through posts here that start with the phrase, “Why don’t people ever…" or “Here is a new idea…" and 90% of them can be dismissed with grammar school arithmetic. The goes double for anything around electricity and batteries.

Wishful thinking does not solve problems.

[Searles]

T into the sink over board above the seacock most are well underwater,just a thought .⛵️⚓️

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by CaptTom

Did anyone see any specifications, like BTUs and current draw, on that site? Maybe I missed it.



It's not that 12V cooling is impossible, just that it runs into practical limitations pretty quickly when you start doing the math.

All over the place.

[CaptTom]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

All over the place.

Thanks, For some reason I didn't find that page.

6K BTU is nowhere near enough to cool a sailboat in the sun, in my experience.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by CaptTom

Thanks, For some reason I didn't find that page.



6K BTU is nowhere near enough to cool a sailboat in the sun, in my experience.

Our 32’ sailboat with a 5k Webasto in south Florida and south Texas was tolerable in the sun during the day, and frigid at night.

If you want an AC for sleeping comfort, 6k is great! If you want to cool the salon to 68F in the heat of the day that’s a different case. The linked company makes larger sizes as well.

[S/V Illusion]

Originally Posted by meirriba

Only imaginative people invent new things.
So no need to be negative...

You confuse imaginative with delusional. Not negative; just basic thermodynamics.

[Nepidae]

You've had a number of replies and I didn't check them all to see if anyone else had my recommendation so, IF you already got this then sorry.

We have a small reverse cycle A/C unit but don't use it when we leave the boat, too many things can go wrong. Most boat fires are electrical in nature.

Right after I bought our boat and we were using it on the Chesapeake, leaving it closed up for the work week, I decided to add solar vents like these (https://www.westmarine.com/buy/marin...17?recordNum=3).

When we came to the boat on Friday's we would start the A/C and go out to dinner. Nice cool boat when we got back.

We have a fwd hatch over the V-berth and an aft hatch in the MSR so each got a vent. One is set to pull the air in and the other to exhaust the air.

Moving air WILL keep the mold & mildew at bay.

We have never had any problems since we purchased the boat in '10 and now on the Loop they are still keep the boat humidity under control.

BTW, even when the solar need charging and the fans don't work, the air will still circulate.

I would replace what is broken with a Reverse cycle unit. Heat in the winter and cooling in the summer.

Good luck.