Purchased a 240 Sundancer that doesn't have factory AC/heating. Looking for inexpensive options that others have found for adding AC/heating. My favorite option so far is installing a small window unit at the head of the bed and venting the unit into the anchor cabinet. This requires a 15"x20" hole. Does anyone know if a hole like that would compromise the integrity of the boats structure.
Capt C-RA
Best Options for Adding an AC/Heater to 240 Sundancer
I dont think you are gong to Like the replies.
A window air conditioner most likely will not function properly in that location, there simply isn’t enough air flow to cool the condenser inside that locker area.
That also doesn’t solve your heating issue.
Do you have an onboard generator? (Please don’t mention a portable generator)
The truth is, if you needed heat/AC and a generator, it would be cheaper to sell your boat and buy one with it already installed.
A window air conditioner most likely will not function properly in that location, there simply isn’t enough air flow to cool the condenser inside that locker area.
That also doesn’t solve your heating issue.
Do you have an onboard generator? (Please don’t mention a portable generator)
The truth is, if you needed heat/AC and a generator, it would be cheaper to sell your boat and buy one with it already installed.
I would go with the pita drop in the hatch style. Please don’t cut in one as described. I know your boat is 12 years old, but that’s still on the newer style to me. I would install a factory unit, or a temp drop in before I ever cut one in
You will regret cutting into the anchor locker. That space is not dry and will allow for water intrusion. You may not even be able to fit a unit in there as the space narrows to a point. Additionally the vibrations from waves it at it peak up there and it would require tremendous support and the cooling system may not take well to the abuse.
As others have said - either get a portable that drops in the hatch, a small rolling portable that vents out or install a marine grade unit. Installing a marine unit will require a bottom thru hull for water pickup, a strainer, a pump, the AC unit an control box and finally a side thru hull outet for the water. You will still need to route waterlines 120VAC electric, 12VDC control and power lines and install a thermostat control. I would make a great off season project if you are handy but will be expensive and unless you plan on keeping the boat for a while you probably will not a tremendous increase in your boats value.
-Kevin
As others have said - either get a portable that drops in the hatch, a small rolling portable that vents out or install a marine grade unit. Installing a marine unit will require a bottom thru hull for water pickup, a strainer, a pump, the AC unit an control box and finally a side thru hull outet for the water. You will still need to route waterlines 120VAC electric, 12VDC control and power lines and install a thermostat control. I would make a great off season project if you are handy but will be expensive and unless you plan on keeping the boat for a while you probably will not a tremendous increase in your boats value.
-Kevin
Heating is easy. A safe, portable space heater. I like the oil filled kind with thermostat's myself.
On AC, I know of a guy that successfully uses one of those "stand up" portable units that exhaust through a 3" +/- hose. He sits the unit in his midcabin and vents through the small window there. Much butter than a window unit except that it needs a bit of space to stand up.
Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER...p/B01DLPUWL2/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=standup+ac+unit&qid=1600088725&sr=8-3
On AC, I know of a guy that successfully uses one of those "stand up" portable units that exhaust through a 3" +/- hose. He sits the unit in his midcabin and vents through the small window there. Much butter than a window unit except that it needs a bit of space to stand up.
Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER...p/B01DLPUWL2/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=standup+ac+unit&qid=1600088725&sr=8-3
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