Air Conditioning?

bkgoodman · 09-23-2011, 09:21 PM

I am thinking about putting some sort of A/C system on my 23' footer - on the cheap.

Anyone have any experiences with this to share? I'm thinking less about the "normal" $5k types of systems - and more with some of the much cheaper systems, like:

http://www.swampy.net/

Any advise??

Dave R · 09-24-2011, 06:28 AM

Swamp coolers don't work when it's humid. They are made for hot and dry environments. The ice cooler would work around here, but that seems kind of inconvenient.

A used hatch-style air conditioner like a "Cruise Air" would probably be your best bet. They can be had for $250 to $400. You'd need to rig shore power, but it does not have to be a permanent system.

robmac · 09-24-2011, 08:02 AM

I agree with Dave,the hatch style works great. I used one for years when overnighting on the boat and loved it. I would look online for used or sale priced unit. West marine has a unit for a hatch for 1399.00 brand new.

Seeker · 09-27-2011, 03:46 PM

If you are at a marina just make sure it won't offend your neighbors. Some are nice and quiet but others make it next to impossible to sleep next to that boat.

09-23-2011, 09:21 PM	#1
bkgoodman Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Nashua, NH Posts: 66 Thanks: 27 Thanked 16 Times in 6 Posts	Air Conditioning? I am thinking about putting some sort of A/C system on my 23' footer - on the cheap. Anyone have any experiences with this to share? I'm thinking less about the "normal" $5k types of systems - and more with some of the much cheaper systems, like: http://www.swampy.net/ Any advise??

09-24-2011, 06:28 AM	#2
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,974 Thanks: 246 Thanked 736 Times in 438 Posts	Swamp coolers don't work when it's humid. They are made for hot and dry environments. The ice cooler would work around here, but that seems kind of inconvenient. A used hatch-style air conditioner like a "Cruise Air" would probably be your best bet. They can be had for $250 to $400. You'd need to rig shore power, but it does not have to be a permanent system.

09-24-2011, 08:02 AM	#3
robmac Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Nashua,Meredith Posts: 951 Thanks: 213 Thanked 106 Times in 81 Posts	I agree with Dave,the hatch style works great. I used one for years when overnighting on the boat and loved it. I would look online for used or sale priced unit. West marine has a unit for a hatch for 1399.00 brand new.

09-27-2011, 03:46 PM	#4
Seeker Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Effingham Posts: 408 Thanks: 37 Thanked 19 Times in 15 Posts	If you are at a marina just make sure it won't offend your neighbors. Some are nice and quiet but others make it next to impossible to sleep next to that boat.