[C320-list] Seacock question / AC Install

[Jeff Hare]

Jack, 

Since you're in Florida you're probably considering a 16k unit. Ducting a 16k unit from the Vberth to the Aft cabin would be a chore for sure and you'd lose quite a bit of storage in the process but it could be done.

The installation in the port locker would be much easier and you could still use the seacock in the head, although there are better places to install a dedicated one at next haulout.  Here are some things I did which made the installation a bit easier.  Note that I used a lot of info from Warren and Bruce in getting the project started.

1. The propane drain line thruhull on the transom was used as the cooling water discharge.

2. The propane drain line was moved to travel downward and tee in right near the center transom scupper drain thru hull.  This eliminated any possibility of the propane drain being water blocked like the original one frequently experienced.  So, win-win there as no new holes in the boat.

3. The cooling pump for the AC needs to be at or below the water line since they don't self-prime very well.  I installed a winterizing "T" in the intake line between the thruhull and the pump to allow me break a water lock.  Happens occasionally, so really glad I have that otherwise, it could take some time with the thruhull open for the water to displace enough air for the pump to prime.  (Importance of getting the pump low as possible.)

4. The port locker is a pretty decent place for snaking the 120v and control panel signal lines over to the electrical panel.  (either behind the cabinets or down and up under the nav station).

5. Ducting is a piece of cake.  One 6" duct vented out over the fridge with the return in the aft cabin by your feet.  Relatively simple to box in there.

6. Have to dig a pair of 12v wires out of the gelcoat that run up to the light over the fridge so that you can cut your main cabin AC vent..  Not problem because they duct-taped the wires in place, then gelcoated over them. So, they weren't difficult to find and move out of the way of the duct.

7. Depending on the height of the AC unit, you may have to slightly alter the floor of the breadbox over the fridge to clear the compressor.  Wasn't too bad.

8. Really recommend the mini-sump based Sauermann SI-30 mini-condensate remover pump.  Super quiet and we ran a 1/4" line that "T"s into the cooling discharge line.

In hindsight I'd install it this way again.  Keeps the aft cabin cool as well as the whole boat. It was easy to add 1" engine compartment insulation below and all around the inside of the AC Box. Doesn't get in the way for servicing anything. Be sure to read Warren/Bruce's article on installation for ideas regardless of where you install.

Given the limited storage on the 320, I think this is the best location tradeoff since it uses up the forward space in the port locker that is least accessible.

Other installation areas:
--------------------------
1: Starboard aft locker.  
   Pros: Counters the Port List
   Cons: Ducting is longer and more complex. 
         Air return is right by your head, so it's going to be louder.
         Longer 120v and control line runs to the panel.
         A/C must be removed to remove the fuel tank or even access the cleanout/sender in some boats.
         Pretty much kills installing below deck linear drive autopilot. (This thing's the cat's ass by the way :)
2: Port aft locker next to Fridge compressor.
   This is the worst possible place. Please, Just Don't.  Kills access to rudder post/steering quadrant for maintenance, scupper hoses inaccessible.  
   Very limited access to Fuel Tank, Super difficult to service/clean the Fridge compressor. Safety nightmare in my opinion and really, just why?

Cheers!

C320 #809 Woodbine II
C355 #17 Solstice  

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Jack Brennan
Sent: Friday, July 16, 2021 10:19 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Seacock question

Thanks, all.

Jeff, mine is the same as yours. The fridge drains into the bilge. One outlet goes to the head pump and the other to the shower sump. I thought that was how it worked, but you know how it is when you try to remember things away from the boat when you’re in your 60s …

This is part of my scheming about air conditioning. A boat mechanic was recommending that I try to install the AC in one of the lockers under the V berth instead of the port cockpit locker. That makes some sense because the front of the cockpit locker already has a lot of 12 volt charging stuff.

That would give me two choices for an AC seacock. One would be the unused knotmeter hole. The other would be to use the through hull that now drains the head sink. We only use freshwater in the head for smell reasons, so I would drain the sink directly into the head.

The sink through hull is attractive because I could get it installed without an immediate haulout. The good boatyards in Florida often have a monthslong waiting list. 

I’m off to do some crawling around on the boat this morning to see whether any of this makes sense.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.






Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Jeff Hare
Sent: Friday, July 16, 2021 9:40 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Seacock question

Hi Jack,

This seacock is a 180 degree seacock. All the rest on the 320 are just 90 degree seacocks. It does not matter which way you turn it to turn it off.  Frankly I prefer this style over the 0/90 degree versions because it's easier to keep the ball valve clean and you really don't have to remember which way the valve needs to be rotated to turn it off.

As for the "Y" valve, "more mature" 320's didn't come with one. Newer models have the fridge drain and shower sump going into a "Y" valve under the head sink so that the shower sump can drain the fridge or the shower sump.  Others still have added a "Y" valve into the Sink Drain line with the other side going to the head raw water intake.  That allows you to run water in the sink and fresh water flush with it.

Cheers!
-Jeff Hare

C320 #809 Woodbine II
C355 #17 Solstice  

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Jack Brennan
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2021 10:22 PM
To: C320-list at catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Seacock question

I have two Marelon seacocks under the galley sink. The one that drains the sink is a standard valve in which the lever moves 90 degrees: Up to drain, down to close.

The second seacock drains the shower pan. The lever moves 180 degrees. It seems to drain when the lever is up and close when I move it to the left. I don’t know what happens when I turn it to the right. 

Before I do something stupid like remove the hose someday, I thought I’d ask the question: Is this the way it’s supposed to be? Or is the seacock broken?

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.



Sent from Mail for Windows 10