[C320-list] Air Conditioner install questions.

[David J Cardoza]

Thanks everyone for your responses I've already got the the outputs ducted to both the main and rear cabins and have the electrical in place.  Really the water source and air return were the big questions.  I'm going to try it starboard for now tucked way in and I just called the marina to haul and put the through hull in for the feed (doing my best this year to keep one marina employee fully employed).  It will be easy to change over the winter to the other side if I find it annoying as I will not be cutting the large return through the fiberglass.  I'm going to make a vented door to put in place for now for return air flow similar to what is listed below.  the height of the door is 11.25 inches which means a 2' piece of 1x12 will work just fine (cheep).  If I'm happy I'll cut a vent into the original door next season.   I don't know if my workmanship will stand up to the rest on the association web side but I'll take pictures.  
 
Spent last year high and dry due to work schedule so I'm making up for it this year in $1k boat units.  So far new shaft and bearing, new batteries,  1000w inverter and new AC unit not to mention for the first time ever I had the yard prep, wax and bottom paint.  So I put the inverter and AC (for the most part) in.
 
David J Cardoza
dave at avaloncon.com

________________________________

From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com on behalf of Monte B.
Sent: Mon 7/7/2008 11:44 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