[C320-list] AC Install Advice

[Rick Sulewski]

The port locker ( in front of the helm) is the simplest and most direct plan
for installing the AC/Heat unit. The electrical panel is on the portside and
running water intake (under the aft berth) and discharge line (portside hull
about 12 inches above the waterline) are easy to access. The loss of storage
space is a trade-off and the lowest level storage items were often items we
could have left in the dock box or garage. We crafted a shelf above the AC
unit and that facilitated continued use of the port locker for storage. The
unit was installed just aft of the bread box but aligned so the air inlet
was at our aft berth feet area and the AC discharge was above the bread box.
The velocity of the air flow is very strong when the fan is on higher
settings and our unit has a variable speed discharge program that slows down
the velocity as the temperature nears the target setting.

The issue with the unit being installed above the fuel tank in the starboard
aft corner locker is the AC unit will be aligned to your pillow area and the
noise has been reported to be louder there than when located in the port
storage locker. Also, the ducting design presents more work.

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 Bryan Morton
Sent: Friday, July 27, 2012 2:12 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] AC Install Advice

I know this topic has been brought up before but does anyone have advice on
the best way to install AC on the 320.  We are going to install a 16000 BTU
unit next week. I have read several posts saying that the best place to
install the unit is in the "aft port locker" but I am unclear if this means
in the Lazarette (in front of the wheel) or the space under the aft port
seat (behind the wheel) where the Adler Barbour fridge compressor is
installed.  It would seem to me that an installation in the Lazarette would
make for a shorter and more direct routing of a cooling duct to a salon vent
near the bread box but the plumbing would be more difficult.  Space in the
Lazarette would also be sacrificed.  Installation under the aft port seat
would be easier from an air return and plumbing point of view but would mean
a longer and less direct cooling duct run to the salon.  This in theory
would mean a reduction in air velocity at the vent discharging into the
salon.  Maybe I am over thinking this.  I also read that the factory
installation is above the Diesel tank in the aft starboard locker (like in
the upgrade ac article posted by Jeff Hare on the C320 Association web
site).  This seems more difficult than the other two options.  If anyone has
some photos of their installation they would be greatly appreciated as I am
struggling to visualize how this going to go.

Thanks

Bryan

Slainte Mhath (Hull 32)