[C320-list] Air Conditioner install questions.

[Rick Sulewski]

Hello David,

We also found that a 16.5k BTU reverse cycle unit does the trick here on the
south side of Lake Erie.  We experience a fair amount of days that are 90+
degrees and over 90% humidity and yet we sail early spring and late into the
fall spending many nights each season in the Western Lake Erie Islands area.

We had the AC-heat unit mounted in the port side cockpit storage locker
right behind the bread box with the 4 x 8 inch teak air exit grill into the
main cabin above the bread box with a very short insulated vent pipe so
there is not loss of air temperature from the unit to the cabin. No need for
any other venting and the unit normally runs at the lowest fan setting
automatically with periodic cycles with the air and heat easily reaching
into the V-berth while cycling into the aft cabin to the return air.

The condensate drains directly to the aft along side the propane locker
drain.  I placed a ball valve in the drain line when I am not using the AC
unit as a precaution for any reason that there may be backflow into the
portside cockpit locker under strong following seas.

By mounting the unit in the port side cockpit locker we found that the 14
inch square intake grill was now at our feet in the aft cabin rather than
having the compressor and fan noise and draft nearer our pillows if we
mounted the unit in the starboard aft corner locker.  In addition to the
noise reduction using the port side cockpit storage space that is still
useable, I may continue to access the starboard and portside aft storage
areas.

I did have the installer place a teak grill in the aft cabin door to allow
air to circulate to the intake grill.

I built a locker shelf over the unit so I retained a good amount of storage
in the port cockpit locker. We did not miss the loss of storage space in the
port side locker that was so deep and inconvenient to use since we often
stored common access items above longer term storage items that found there
way deeper in that locker and now we simply leave those items in a dock box.

Total cost ran around $3,700 for professionally installed Marine Air unit
with digital controls. Some 4 years ago Marine Air had the longest warranty
on the compressor.  

The AC/Heat unit was the best creature comfort addition to the boat since we
grew tired of hauling out the 5000 BTU CruiseAir unit that was totally
inadequate.  The cabin now cools in a matter of minutes instead of hours and
even when the companion way is left open.

Only regret is that we did not install the unit when we purchased the boat.

Rick 

My-Ria 277

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Monte B.
Sent: Monday, July 07, 2008 11:45 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Air Conditioner install questions.

David

I installed a 16,500 BTU Marineair unit in hull #620 in 2003 and mounted it
to port directly behind the aft berth bulkhead behind the small access door.
I cut the return air grill into the door and mounted the AC flush with the
door/bulkhead on a mount I made from marine plywood and 1" x 1" legs. The
noise is certainly an acceptable trade off for getting rid of some of the
TX. heat and the noise is at my feet instead of my ears. The condensation
issue is solved by installing a hose in the condensation pan running to a
venturi tapped into the water pump discharge line which carries the
condensate water overboard with the discharge water. The install did not
noticeably affect the C-320 port list and preserved the starboard shelf for
stern anchor, PFD's etc. You do however lose the access to the hell hole
through the door and it makes adjusting the steering cables a bit more of a
chore. This location also makes routing the duct work much less difficult. I
would not try to duct the return air as more ducting = less unit efficiency.

Monte
Laima #620

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of David J
Cardoza
Sent: Monday, July 07, 2008 9:34 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Air Conditioner install questions.

I vaguely remember a post where some one T'd off a drain for AC water.  Does
any one have info or photos.  Also looking for same on installation of AC
unit in starboard aft locker.  Rather than cutting return vent near the unit
was considering venting the small hatchway in aft cabin by so I did not have
to listen to the unit quite as much.  Theory being return air could go
through vented hatch to unit on starboard shelf.
 
Any opinions welcomed.
 
 
David J Cardoza
dave at avaloncon.com