I have a 311 without AC and in my manual it only shows a 331 on where to install it. Also in my manual it shows that I should have a conduit running from the electrical panel starboard side running up under the cabin top over to the port side down by the sink. I have looked under the sink but can't see all the way over to the port side of the boat because the dry storage wall is blocking my view. Has anyone mounted an AC unit into a 311 or has AC on board that could give me some insight to where it's mounted and where the duct runs?
Air Conditioner in Beneteau 311
- Thread starter DOCKHAND
- Start date
Mine has air. The unit is mounted under the sink. The duct work runs on the port side of the boat. I can take some pictures if you would like. It would be tomorrow as I have a bad cold tomorrow and don't have the energy today to walk out to the boat
When you are feeling better that would be great any pictures showing how it's installed and where the duct runs too. Was it installed at the factory, how many BTU is it, for the size does it keep it cool down where you're at?
I will take some pics later today. I'm the second owner so not sure who originally installed it. I doubt the factory installed it as the water exit was installed above the at rest water line but below the the heeled water line and could siphon water back into the boat under sail (must have been a power boat installer) so I close the water-out through hull when the air is not on. I'll get the BTUs when I take pictures as I don't remember. As far as cooling down, yes it does a pretty good job, I'm in South West Florida and you maybe able to get by with a smaller unit, if it's not as hot and humid where you are. Certain areas of my boat maybe somewhat different than yours as mine is the centerboard version
It's a Cruiseair 16,000 BTU. Here are pictures of the vents, air return, controller, unit mounted under sink and the sea water pump under the aft berth.
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Thank you for the pictures, what is if we don't get much snow this week I'll get down to the boat and see what looks different on mine.
I should only type with one hand. I started to write what is the small vent by the controller under counter on side of cabinet
I have the same unit, installed a couple of years ago by the previous owner. Same setup with the ducting on the port side, although I modified some of it to add a diesel heater and needed some of the space. Sea water pump is under the stern berth, but my main duct in the salon is in the storage unit, and the controls are facing forward near the same spot.
Extremely effective, and one of the favorite parts of the boat by the crew - in at the dock on a hot day and the AC is our best friend!
Extremely effective, and one of the favorite parts of the boat by the crew - in at the dock on a hot day and the AC is our best friend!
I had a question for "reworb" & "stevemitchell". From the listed location you both are not lake sailors, so you just day sail or cruise the coast and/or live aboards?
We mostly day sail. Rarely we will go overnight to a marina. We live on a canal and have a dock behind the house. We are just off the Gulf of Mexico. I like day sailing but wanted a boat with wheel steering, usable head and a refrigerator. Kinda silly having a 30 ft plus boat for that, but no slip fees when it's your own dock so what the heck...
I do a mix of day sailing and overnight stays within Puget Sound (coastal cruising). I'd say lately in the last few years there's been far more of the coastal cruising - 1 and 2 week trips 4-6 times a year. For those, I'd say about 50% of the time or higher I'm at a marina as a guest and can use the AC. I also have a big inverter (another story) that theoretically could run the AC unit, but not for very long!