I would like to install A/C on my just purchased Hunter 33.5 but I'm having trouble figuring out a good way.
Any suggestions?
Had a 1988 Huunter33.5 that the boatyard did an AC installation. They constructed a shelf in the Starboard lazarette on which the self- contained unit was mounted. The output was directed to a single vent above the icebox thru the galley aft bulkhead. IMHO, the unit was not effective in cooling the boat. The salon & galley were cooled; however, the aft berth & V berth remained hot. Had to place a portable box fan to direct cool air into those spaces. I have seen photos, probably on SBO, that showed an enclosure constructed where the chart table is to house the unit, with separate vents to the aft berth and saloon/galley, & a duct leading into the forward areas. My present boat has vents in the v berth & aft berth as well as saloon/galley. The 3 vents do a much better job of cooling & heating the entire cabin.
Another option, although more expensive, is to install a Dometic/Cruiseair emerald series split system. Install a 16000btu condenser/compressor in the starboard lazarette and a 12000btu airhandler/evaporator to supply output to the galley/saloon (one vent) & another vent into the aft berth thru the athwartship bulkhead. Copper tubing would be run forward to a 4000btu airhandler to cool the forward V berth. More complex & expensive; however, it eliminates the need to run ducting to the forward areas in situations where there is insufficient space for ducting.
