Need some advice from all you Parker gurus. I have a 2004 Parker 2520xl. Love it! Have two kids and wife (who doesn't like hot Virginia weather). I am contemplating adding an AC unit to the parker. I am not mechanically inclined. In looking at the threads on here and THT, I have come into several concepts:
1. Install marine AC (mermaid M6)
2. Install marine AC unit of roof of pilot house
3. Use a portable AC (probably two hose, but maybe one hose model which has less BTU)
4. Use a window AC unit somehow
I would buy a portable generator like a honda 1000 or a honda 2000 to power it. Concept 1 would increase resale, but cost me the most. The AC unit itself is about $1300 and the install kit and pump would be an additional $450. Figure about $500 at least for labor.
Concept 2 is cheaper and an easier install. The AC unit however, wouldn't last as long and it would not be aesthetically pleasing (i.e. butt ass ugly)
Concept 3 is relatively cheap. The AC unit would not be very efficient. These portable units tend to be bulky. Portable units with a two use system tends to be of a higher BTU and may require a larger generator.
Concept 4 seems very ghetto. I was wondering if I could place a window AC unit in the foldable door into the lower cubby/sleeping area and use a plastic tarp to close off the rest of the passageway. The cold air would blow into the pilot house. The hot air going from the rear of the AC unit would blow into the cuddy/sleeping area. The hatch could be opened to promote ventilation.
I am leaning towards concepts 3 or 4 solely due to cost reasons.
Any thoughts?
1. Install marine AC (mermaid M6)
2. Install marine AC unit of roof of pilot house
3. Use a portable AC (probably two hose, but maybe one hose model which has less BTU)
4. Use a window AC unit somehow
I would buy a portable generator like a honda 1000 or a honda 2000 to power it. Concept 1 would increase resale, but cost me the most. The AC unit itself is about $1300 and the install kit and pump would be an additional $450. Figure about $500 at least for labor.
Concept 2 is cheaper and an easier install. The AC unit however, wouldn't last as long and it would not be aesthetically pleasing (i.e. butt ass ugly)
Concept 3 is relatively cheap. The AC unit would not be very efficient. These portable units tend to be bulky. Portable units with a two use system tends to be of a higher BTU and may require a larger generator.
Concept 4 seems very ghetto. I was wondering if I could place a window AC unit in the foldable door into the lower cubby/sleeping area and use a plastic tarp to close off the rest of the passageway. The cold air would blow into the pilot house. The hot air going from the rear of the AC unit would blow into the cuddy/sleeping area. The hatch could be opened to promote ventilation.
I am leaning towards concepts 3 or 4 solely due to cost reasons.
Any thoughts?
