Homemade boat air conditioning.....window unit?

[Manipulator]

The summers in Missouri can be brutal. My kids and I usually will sleep in the cuddy cabin of the boat. It has a top hatch and I put a box fan on top and it acts like an attic fan. Works great as I open the anchor hatch and it sucks air through the cabin. The thing is, in the summer when nights are in the ninety’s it still pretty darn hot. Especially when you are sunburn. <br /><br />What I was thinking of doing was buying a cheapo window unit and then attaching it to a box of some kind that will sit over the hatch. The cold air would blow through the box and down the hatch. My dad insists they make such a box but I have been unable to find one. Before I make one does anyone know such a box exists? <br /><br />Here is a picture of a homemade box that someone built to give you an idea of what I’m talking about.<br /><br />

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Homemade boat air conditioning.....window unit?

You dont need any kind of box.A shroud is what is commonly used.Made of dacron or sunbrella or vinyl.It can be snapped on and storage is a big advantage .What are you gonna do with a big box when it is not being used.I would rather fold up a small piece of canvas.You can do mare of a custom job with covering the majority of the ac unit and sewing in screen where it needs to be vented.IMHO seeing a home ac unit "cheapens" the look of a boat.Only my opinion.Sure beats spending 8-1500 on a marine unit.Charlie

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Homemade boat air conditioning.....window unit?

Excellent idea! I know it looks a little cheesy but its would only be sitting there at night. Thanks for the great advice!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Homemade boat air conditioning.....window unit?

With a little creativity, a fiberglass housing could be "form-fit" to house the entire rig. Painted the same color as the boat and with a little better method of securing and supporting things could look fairly nice.

 

[bayman]

Re: Homemade boat air conditioning.....window unit?

Fiberglass is good and strong but a lot of work too. Starboard matches the color of most white boats and is easy to work with. Plus, like fiberglass, it lasts a long time in the marine environment.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cgi?view_id=40170

 

[artherm]

Re: Homemade boat air conditioning.....window unit?

I work in the HVAC trade. A quality sheet metal shop could make this out of galvanized metal, while attaching with glue and clips insulation on the inside. This would be the accepted method in our trade. It would be lighter, and could be painted, and be much more durable than the plywood, which will only get heavier as it absorbs water. Insulating the transistion would increase your efficiency. A sheet metal unit would be very lightweight. Good idea you have.

 

[DangerDan]

Re: Homemade boat air conditioning.....window unit?

I've experienced the hot cabin syndrome as well. I've only had this problem whet docked on the weekend. It's rather difficult to run an AC unit while under way unless you have a genset. Anyhow, I considered leaving an old unit on the dock plugged in and just fabricte from sheet metal the two transitions from the unit and into the cabin hatch, using the coiled type duct to run the air to the cabin hatch. I figure it would be less intrusive and easily detached. Just hook it back up when I dock.

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: Homemade boat air conditioning.....window unit?

If you had the money...go with this...<br /><br /> http://www.boatersworld.com/webapp/...&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&productId=13079032 <br /><br />fits right over the hatch...can remove easily etc.<br /><br />-JMW

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: Homemade boat air conditioning.....window unit?

That pic looks like something a snailboter would do.<br /><br />Great idea, butt-ugly execution.<br /><br />Manipulator, I know you will do better

 

[craze1cars]

Re: Homemade boat air conditioning.....window unit?

I'm sure this doesn't fully solve your issue, and it's obviusly not cheap. But it is designed for roof mount, and significantly better looking:<br /><br /> http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-air-conditioners/marine-air-conditioners.htm

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Homemade boat air conditioning.....window unit?

Good idea, I like it. Would consider using smoked plexiglass as a material. plastic would take care of a lot of condinsation on the surface. Use acetone to soften and glue the joints. Would take time and do some geometric cuts so the adaptor would match up to the unit without all the extra overhang and still match the hatch hole. Would also install a baffle inside to seperate the hot air in from the cold air out. As for looks, Form follows function. <br /> Now you can anchor out and be comfortable. A small raft with a generator anchored 50 ft. off the boat would keep you cool all night. Noise would not be a problem as you only wake up when the generator runs out of gas. After 2 hurricanes, have found out you enjoy the the hum of the motor. Post a picture when you complete the project. regards fred

 

[jeff_nicholas]

Re: Homemade boat air conditioning.....window unit?

I've put air conditioners on 2 boats.<br /><br />

<br /><br />Air Conditioner on 18' Cuddy Powered by Honda eu1000i. Click here for more pics. <br /><br /> Click here for other air conditioner installation.<br /><br />PS - If Santa brings me my new boat, the Trophy will be for sale.