I became somewhat of an expert by trying about every option possible. Hopefully others can share in my experiences:
Several years ago, first large boat, first warm day (live in Va) - Sweating excessively. Must get fan. Bought 12 volt type. Installed on 2nd hot day.
2nd hot day - Sweating excessively. Must get 110v fan to put in companionway. The air sure felt good.
3rd hot day - 1st humid day - It feels hotter than ...
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
I used to live in Puerto Rico. I have some references to compare temperatures to. Time to try higher technology.
Next weekend I deployed a 6000 BTU window unit in the companionway. Ahhhh, the relief. It worked great on the hottest nights, but struggled a bit during the heat of the day. It would have been acceptable but... well... I like to drink a few beers. The exit at night to go pee with the rest of the family sleeping was less than graceful. After one season I was looking for another solution.
More out of coincidence, a CruiseAire Carry On came on the used market. I bought it for $350. Reason being that it could go in the front hatch freeing up the companionway. My fear that the air blowing right on us in the V berth would be too cold was quickly put to rest when I realized it didn't work that well. Come to find out the rating of boat ACs and the rating of home ACs are not exactly on the same level. Apparently a 6000 BTU home AC has to adhere to higher standards than a 6000 BTU boat AC. While I could not prove this in a court of law, someone in the business told me this and I believe it after comparing the poor results of the CruiseAire to the better results of the window unit.
I sold it immediately for a $200 profit. All in all a learning experience and a profit. Can't really complain.
Next option, given CruiseAire is made in my hometown, was to go to the production plant and talk them into selling a water to air type unit (circulates water to get cool air). After much effort and tweaking, I got it to work, but realized that cleaning the water filter was more work than it was worth. Out it came and back it went.
Finally, I found a air to air house unit. I think it was 25,000 BTU unit. It was a "low profile" style meaning most of the unit hung outside with a smaller than average section inside for the controls and exhaust. To look at the unit from the side, it looked like an inverted "L".
I installed it into the area below the companionway in the cockpit. Inside it was below the companionway bridge above the sink.
Finally a working solution. That thing would cool my 30' boat like a meat locker even on a 100 degree sunny humid day. A teak table covered it. The table could fold down over it to hide it when not in use (I wanted to conserve the classic looks).
Nowadays that boat is sold and probably a reef. I now have a house with AC and a dock so staying on my 18' Ty is only done when the kids get a wild hair and the weather and me allow it
Matt A
Ty Hull # 1324
Hope this helps.