97 270 Dancer A/C

[Forever Mates]

Would it be possible to retro fit an A/C unit in my 96 270. We live in southern ontario and this summer has been brutal. If We cant sleep at night the boating season isn't much fun.

 

[JVM225]

Anything is possible if you want to do the work and spend the money.
It might be cheaper and easier to either just use one of those portable ones that fit over the hatch, or if that’s too much of a PIA to do you may want to consider selling your current boat and getting another one that has A/C.

 

[INTO WISHIN]

contact the marine ac companies. marine air? https://www.marinaire.com/
they would know better. most boats are made for ac but some cheapo didn't take the option when new. you should be able to do the job yourself if handy.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Sure, you can absolutely add it. In '96, on smaller boats, it was an (comparatively) expensive option and wasn't all that common. Especially if the boat wasn't originally bought in a Southern climate. It was often seen as unneeded luxury item.

I assume you're talking about it being hot when at the marina - as it's usually pretty easy to cool things off at night when on the hook with a fan or two and the bow facing into the wind. Now, if you're talking about using A/C when on the hook, that becomes a MUCH bigger expenditure as you'll need to install a marine generator and that pretty much kills the budget on a 23-year old 27' boat. As mentioned, in that case, you're better off selling and buying a different boat.

Ditto on the portable systems, though. CruisAir used to make a really nice, compact unit that worked great in a small cabin. I believe they stopped making it a while ago, but you can still find used ones. But, again, this is only when in a slip.

 

[Forever Mates]

Thanks a bunch guys. It would be used when on shore power at this time and a good fan when out at sea. I think a newer 300-340 is on our wish list. Turning 60 in Dec and starting to find the humidity harder to take each year. A boat with air and a Genny seems to be the way to go. Hope everyone had a good Labour Day (30 cel with a humidex of 36 here today) on the shores of Colpoys Bay. Wiarton Ontario Canada.

 

[Cocktail Time]

I added one to a 91' 270 and it was not that difficult. Don't want to talk you out of a new boat but for $2K USD you will still get most of that back if you sell. Do you have the dinette configuration? If so, the ac system goes under the aft bench seat of the dinette. The biggest heartburn is drilling the holes for the intake and discharge through the hull.