Air Conditioning the 30 Catalina

[Bob4203]

We are considering installing a permanent unit with as much as 16,000 btu's to help take the edge off during hot summer days. The search is on now for what is the best dependable unit, ease of installation and who offers the best pricing.

Fortunately we have the "U" shaped dinnette arrangement and the unit would fit perfectly in the underseat storage area fore of the bulkhead. Installation on the port side allows easy vent installs in the main salon, head and V-berth area.

Has anyone installed a central type unit or explored the market for units and would provide some comments on the subject? We wish to forego the home type unit for the entrance way, the stand-up units and the "carry-on" AC unit.

Thanks

Bob
1988 Mark II
Lake Lanier, GA

 

[FloydHodges]

Air Conditioning a Catalina 30

Hi Bob,
I just completed installation of a 16000 BTU reverse cycle system on my 1987 C30. I purchased it from West Marine and it came with all the bits and pieces, including water pump, hoses and duct. I had to add the second vent kit to run forward to the head and v-berth. It took just a bit over a day to install.

I have the U shaped dinnette as well, put the unit under the forward seat. My holding tank is on the port side, which made getting the larger six inch duct through there a bit tight, but it seems to work ok. We've had more than our share of 100+ days here in Texas over the past few weeks. With the boat closed up, it will hold around 85 degrees with an outside temp of 100.

Good Luck!

Floyd Hodges
1987 C30
Serenity Now

We are considering installing a permanent unit with as much as 16,000 btu's to help take the edge off during hot summer days. The search is on now for what is the best dependable unit, ease of installation and who offers the best pricing.

Fortunately we have the "U" shaped dinnette arrangement and the unit would fit perfectly in the underseat storage area fore of the bulkhead. Installation on the port side allows easy vent installs in the main salon, head and V-berth area.

Has anyone installed a central type unit or explored the market for units and would provide some comments on the subject? We wish to forego the home type unit for the entrance way, the stand-up units and the "carry-on" AC unit.

Thanks

Bob
1988 Mark II
Lake Lanier, GA

 

[Bob4203]

Floyd.
I was surprised that 16,000 btu's would only take you down to 85 degrees with an outside temp at 100, but considering no great insulation besides the cored deck, its better then nothing! Maybe a deck shade would take it down another 5-10 degrees. One of our neighbors on an Endeavor 32 constanding ran water over his deck for better interior cooling during the hottest days. We have been looking at several units on the market and what would be the best fit for the dinnette area seat. Surprisingly the 12K and 16K units are the same in size and not much of a stretch in cost.

Where did you install the control panel and run your AC current line (around and through the engine area?). Where did you install the water pump? And did you use the thru-hull for the macerator/holding tank discharge as the intake?

Thanks for the info.

Bob
88 Mark II

 

[Paul17512]

A/C

Bob,

I installed a 16,700 BTU made by Ocean Breeze out of Stewart FL. There prices are excellent. I have been running it for 3 years now and it works great. Took me 2 days to install including cutting and runniing the ducts.

I installed in the aft settee port storage locker. I have h2o tanks where you described you would like to install yours. It may be too big to fit there, I'm not sure.

It brings cabin temp to 72 when its 98 drgs out and at night it will be as cold as you want to make it.

Google ocean Breeze when you get a chance.

 

[Bob4203]

Thanks Paul.
I will check on Ocean Breeze.
My starboard side sette lockers contain the battery bank and one water tank. I have seen AC units on the 30 installed in the hanging locker, boxed under the entrance ladder and in the older navigation station/battery compartment. With the U-shaped dinette, I have plenty of room, unless of course your saying the Ocean Breeze unit is a monster! I'll get online and check the specs. From what I am getting here, no less than 16,000 btus will cool the interior off.

Bob
'88 Mark II