[C320-list] A/C Return Air Grill Size //// Another location

[Wash, Steve]

Hi Rick

Thank you again for your input.

Your installation location and placement of the vents sounds like it can
simplify the installation considerably.

I really appreciate it.

After scraping frost again this morning, I am looking forward to some of
that 80+ degree weather (with a breeze!).

Regards,

Steve
 

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Rick
Sulewski
Sent: Saturday, March 28, 2009 1:51 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] A/C Return Air Grill Size //// Another location

Hi Steve,

The air intake is located at the foot of the aft cabin and I think it is
about 14 x 14 or 12 x 12 as it is an aluminum frame intake grill

I placed a 6 x 8 teak rimmed grill in the aft cabin door so that return
air may flow into the aft cabin to reach the 14 x 14 intake grill that
lines right up with the 16.5 k unit located in the large (long) cockpit
locker.

Regarding the need for more than one air exit vent, you will not need
one!
The air vent exit grill is located above the bread box so there is a
clear line for air to flow all the way into the bow area given the force
and capacity of the 16 k unit.

The 16k unit really pushes the air or heat and guests in the bow are
comfortable. I was initially concerned, but the exit vent located above
the bread box worked so well. No need for more vents because of the
capacity of the unit to reduce air temp so quickly. You are making a
great decision to go with the 16k unit, especially given the small cost
and weight differences over a 12 K unit.

I tend to use higher fan limit settings as noted earlier for two
reasons:
#1 lower fan RPMs really heat up the windings, and
#2 at some dock locations the voltages may drop as more boats are using
AC so higher fan speeds reduce the chance of having a fan turn so slow
that it the lower voltages begins to heat up (smoke) the windings
resulting in an odor first followed by a fan motor that would need to be
replaced -- I learned that the condition was able to correct with some
tech support,  to never experience the result of low voltages and/or low
fan speeds again.

Hope this addresses you questions.

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 Wash,
Steve
Sent: Saturday, March 28, 2009 11:55 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] A/C Return Air Grill Size //// Another location

Rick,

I appreciate your suggestions ... Our boat is going to be in Michigan
City.  It will be nice to have A/C when it is 90/90!

I too have worried about the sound level with the air intake right by
your head.

Did you put an air return in the aft cabin, too?

Did you try to run a duct to the v-berth?  This looks really hard to do.
I think the new MkII's come with the duct pre-installed.  Lucky them!

About what size air intake grill did you use? 12x14 or 14x14?

I'll let you know how it goes if you like.

Steve
#1029



-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Rick
Sulewski
Sent: Friday, March 27, 2009 11:36 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] A/C Return Air Grill Size //// Another location

Steve,  

You may want to reconsider where you place the unit. Placing it above
the fuel tank will place the compressor and fan nearer to your ears and
this will definitely disturb your sleep.

I chose to place the unit in the larger cockpit locker and then cut a
return air duct at the foot of the aft cabin. It was an easy run to
place the exit grill just above the bread box with the water exit just
above the water line and a condensate tube with a gravity run to the
transom. All of the electrical wires easily run to the circuits at the
nav station including the controls. I also built a shelf above the unit
so I may place heavy items above the unit without damaging the unit.
Also insulted the unit and created a very tight air box between the
intake grill and the unit so that I do not suck up any air and humidity
from the locker which increased the efficiency of the unit and reduced
cycling. I also placed an air grill at the lower portion of the door to
the aft cabin.

Just something to consider, always raise the fan limits on a 16K unit
because running the fan motor too slow for a length of time will tax the
motor because it is running too slow and builds up heat in the windings.

Never regretted a 16K unit especially if one enters and exits the
companionway often up here in Lake Erie during July and August!

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 Wash,
Steve
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 12:11 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] A/C Return Air Grill Size

Bruce,

I had not planned to.  It is a self-contained unit and it will sit on
the shelf above the fuel tank.  I will cut a precise opening into the
aft cabin and put the grill there.

Have you done it a different way?

Steve
 

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of
bruceheyman at cox.net
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 11:28 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] A/C Return Air Grill Size

Steve,
Are you going to have more than one air return?
Bruce
Somerset 671 SoCal
------Original Message------
From: Wash, Steve
Sender: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
ReplyTo: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] A/C Return Air Grill Size
Sent: Mar 26, 2009 6:11 AM

Hi All,

I am away from the boat and am trying to size the return air grill for
the A/C we are installing.

We will put it in the usual place in the aft berth ... On the starboard
side ...

What is the largest grill that can fit there?

We are putting in a 16,000 BTU Marine Air unit.

Thanks,

Steve

#1029

PS - We will put a supply grill in the aft berth, the salon and (maybe
if we can run the duct) the v-berth) ... What sizes there?
 


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