AC Dedicated Hatch

[Sail123]

Purchased an AC unit like the ones that sell at West Marine. The one with the two carry handles and sells for $1300 and change. (got mine on Craig's list for a grand less)

Anyway, back to the question.

My front hatch is too large and is not flat. Makes for a very sloppy install.

I want to install a dedicated hatch that exactly or close, matches the place on the AC unit that comes inside the boat. This is 12" by 12" according to West Marine.

I called West Marine and asked to purchase the hatch they recommend for this AC unit. The sales guy was stumped. They do not sell a 12" x 12" hatch. As I recall, they would have to go up to something like 16.5 x 16.5.

Have any of you installed this AC unit with a dedicated hatch just for this air conditioner?

I also looked at Defender and eBay and did not see a 12" x 12" or a 13" x 13" or there bouts.

Help me Install this AC so I can cool off!

Mounting point would be about where I have the AC unit sitting, maybe a couple inches forward.

I want a hatch that opens up 180 to lay flat so the lid is protected and hidden by the AC unit when it is in place.

Thanks everyone! Anyone that helps install it gets all the free beer they can drink!

 

[Joe]

You're not looking hard enough. http://www.starmarinedepot.com/Lewmar+Hatches+Low+Profile.html

 

[onecoolair]

Purchased an AC unit like the ones that sell at West Marine. The one with the two carry handles and sells for $1300 and change. (got mine on Craig's list for a grand less)

Anyway, back to the question.

My front hatch is too large and is not flat. Makes for a very sloppy install.

I want to install a dedicated hatch that exactly or close, matches the place on the AC unit that comes inside the boat. This is 12" by 12" according to West Marine.

I called West Marine and asked to purchase the hatch they recommend for this AC unit. The sales guy was stumped. They do not sell a 12" x 12" hatch. As I recall, they would have to go up to something like 16.5 x 16.5.

Have any of you installed this AC unit with a dedicated hatch just for this air conditioner?

I also looked at Defender and eBay and did not see a 12" x 12" or a 13" x 13" or there bouts.

Help me Install this AC so I can cool off!

Mounting point would be about where I have the AC unit sitting, maybe a couple inches forward.

I want a hatch that opens up 180 to lay flat so the lid is protected and hidden by the AC unit when it is in place.

Thanks everyone! Anyone that helps install it gets all the free beer they can drink!

Will this work? BOMAR Black Molded Hatch 9-3/16" x 9-3/16" Model # 2498814 | Manuf. # G910---1100
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=50667&subdeptNum=50680&classNum=50682

I had a Mac-26 classic for about 12 years. This is the size and type hatch I had installed over the head. For fresh air I could stick my nose out of it just enough while on my knees.
Here is some history that also may help. Did the window unit thing for many years before on other boats even on J-24 that got very tiring. When I got the Mac-26 it had a very large rear lazzerette. Cut a hole in bulkhead droped in a 100 dollar 5,000btu window unit. Would just leave the rear hatch open half way when in use. Put in small bilge pump to catch any extra consendation. This worked great for a few years till that damned black and decker cordless vac while sitting in the charging cradle caught fire one night and turned the inside of boat into a black hole. Luckily I had about nine 10 to 12 year old nephews and neices who wanted to go sailing really bad. After about a year of sitting on the trailor in storage they said enough and went to work. Sanding and scubbing ...Sanding and scubbing for about 10 months after school weekends till it was ready for the fiber glass work and painting. With their help the M-26 turn out better the factory new. Down to the 12velectrical wiring,faux granite counter,real shore power connection,Cushions, A real Air Conditioning unit a 7000btu Mermaid installed under V-Berth, Weighted center board with 50lbs of lead shot from Carter Country,Re-enforced attached Double Lifting cables lead up though base of mast to winch, Second cable kept loose for spare,and the rudder done the same, finially Copper poxy bottom. It was pretty trick.

 

[kloudie1]

'Nother place to look:
http://www.pyacht.com/lewmar-lopro-hatches.htm

 

[jeb21851]

alternative site

Purchased an AC unit like the ones that sell at West Marine. The one with the two carry handles and sells for $1300 and change. (got mine on Craig's list for a grand less)

Anyway, back to the question.

My front hatch is too large and is not flat. Makes for a very sloppy install.

I want to install a dedicated hatch that exactly or close, matches the place on the AC unit that comes inside the boat. This is 12" by 12" according to West Marine.

I called West Marine and asked to purchase the hatch they recommend for this AC unit. The sales guy was stumped. They do not sell a 12" x 12" hatch. As I recall, they would have to go up to something like 16.5 x 16.5.

Have any of you installed this AC unit with a dedicated hatch just for this air conditioner?

I also looked at Defender and eBay and did not see a 12" x 12" or a 13" x 13" or there bouts.

Help me Install this AC so I can cool off!

Mounting point would be about where I have the AC unit sitting, maybe a couple inches forward.

I want a hatch that opens up 180 to lay flat so the lid is protected and hidden by the AC unit when it is in place.

Thanks everyone! Anyone that helps install it gets all the free beer they can drink!

You may want to consider an alternative site such putting a smaller hatch in your existing hatch cover so then you have a hatch within a hatch. This I think would be preferable to cutting another hole in the structure of the boat.

 

[Benny17441]

Since you bought the A/C unit used, did it come with the canvas cover? This cover is used to allow the unit to work well in different size hatches and protects against rain. I have used such units and always appreciated having a hatch large enough to be able to drop it down into the boat without having to haul it around. I would be leary about installing a hatch in the foredeck as that will come awash should you dip your bow into a wave. I believe a more appropiate place would be in the cabin top ahead of the mast. The canvas cover works best if the hatch lid remains in an upright position as it will serve as the skeleton for the tent. Another consideration may be the interior location being serviced; the air flows mostly towards where it is directed and does not flow very well around corners. We had found that the best location was over the salon as it would cool the galley and seating area and enough cool air could be directed to the v berth with fans for comfortable sleeping. In humid climates these units will condense water and it may develop a drip so it is not advisable to place them directly over a berth. If it were me, I would likely devise a way to properly prop it up to be able to use the existing hatch. You may modify a milk crate or build a wood platform. I have seen some raggedy installations and also some very nice ones. What ever you decide to do I'm sure you can find a hatch of the appropiate size but I would urge first to try the unit out and see how adequately it cools the boat and what you would need to do to route air to other comparments before deciding on a final location. The units work great, we last used one on an h34 in the Chesapeake Bay and were quite comfortable.

 

[Sail123]

I did not yet get the canvas cover , seller is still looking for that.

The big waves is not a real concern as the sailboat is now inland at a pretty small lake. Whitecaps send us running for cover. Lol

The AC will not come on and off a lot, bringing in the same hatch is not an issue, I want the stability of a hatch that matches the AC.

I am 6'7" tall and the main cabin is 5'11". Not going to give up any more headroom nor would I like to stare at that ugly thing while I am sailing

Already tried it in the L shaped hatch and hated it. Looks like an episode of the Red Green show blended with reruns of Laurel and Hardy moving pianos. Not pretty.

I think the best place is right over the V berth where it will be out of the way 98% of the time.

A couple companies offer custom hatches. I guess that is where I am headed. I want a substantial hatch that will recapture most of the strength I will be cutting away.

Since you bought the A/C unit used, did it come with the canvas cover? This cover is used to allow the unit to work well in different size hatches and protects against rain. I have used such units and always appreciated having a hatch large enough to be able to drop it down into the boat without having to haul it around. I would be leary about installing a hatch in the foredeck as that will come awash should you dip your bow into a wave. I believe a more appropiate place would be in the cabin top ahead of the mast. The canvas cover works best if the hatch lid remains in an upright position as it will serve as the skeleton for the tent. Another consideration may be the interior location being serviced; the air flows mostly towards where it is directed and does not flow very well around corners. We had found that the best location was over the salon as it would cool the galley and seating area and enough cool air could be directed to the v berth with fans for comfortable sleeping. In humid climates these units will condense water and it may develop a drip so it is not advisable to place them directly over a berth. If it were me, I would likely devise a way to properly prop it up to be able to use the existing hatch. You may modify a milk crate or build a wood platform. I have seen some raggedy installations and also some very nice ones. What ever you decide to do I'm sure you can find a hatch of the appropiate size but I would urge first to try the unit out and see how adequately it cools the boat and what you would need to do to route air to other comparments before deciding on a final location. The units work great, we last used one on an h34 in the Chesapeake Bay and were quite comfortable.

 

[Sail123]

Still looking for a 12 inch x 2 hatch. 13 square would be fine.

 

[MrUnix]

Still looking for a 12 inch x 2 hatch. 13 square would be fine.

The first response to this thread by Joe pointed you towards a 13"x13" lewmar. Probably as good as you are going to get.

Cheers,
Brad

 

[gpd955]

Agree with Benny. Get the canvas cover from the PO. If he cant find it, call Cruisair and get one. They work extremely well and keep the rain out when secured properly. We use ours in the forward hatch of our Catalina 310 and it has kept the boat very cool.

I'm no marine engineer but I would think that most boat's hatches are designed to the structure of the boat and would probably avoid cutting large holes on my deck or cabin top. May look good and work for what you need it for but I think there would be some loss of integrity somewhere along the line. Again, not an engineer but it is something to think about.

 

[Sail123]

The first response to this thread by Joe pointed you towards a 13"x13" lewmar. Probably as good as you are going to get.

Cheers,
Brad

Missed Joe's response due to web site settings, thanks I will read it.

 

[Sail123]

Agree with Benny. Get the canvas cover from the PO. If he cant find it, call Cruisair and get one. They work extremely well and keep the rain out when secured properly. We use ours in the forward hatch of our Catalina 310 and it has kept the boat very cool.

I'm no marine engineer but I would think that most boat's hatches are designed to the structure of the boat and would probably avoid cutting large holes on my deck or cabin top. May look good and work for what you need it for but I think there would be some loss of integrity somewhere along the line. Again, not an engineer but it is something to think about.

My forward hatch is setting way up in the air, and it is a L shaped. Being as it is, looks nice moulded into the sailboat, but it is simply not going to work for an AC hatch without a great deal of carpentry to make it look good. Cutting a milk crate is not something I want to do.

If I were to somehow use this hatch opening, it would raise the AC unit to a height above the salon cabin deck level and way above the bow deck. I think the lines it would create, would make it look like an AC unit installed by someone with both ores out of the water. Lol

As I am often found with one or both paddles sucking air, I need to hide that fact as much as I can. I believe I will press on with the install idea of an additional hatch, but I will be mindful of potential weakening of the structure and do something to further support the project. Possibly a decretive support beam or two in the V berth. I guess I will not know the extent of shoring up I will need to do till I start the project.

I have a shore power outlet inches from where I want to put this hatch. Maybe it was destined to be! Lol

 

[Bad Obsession]

It would be far easier to design something for the AC to sit on and a hood for the ac then to actually put a new hatch in the boat.

Boats are often huge compromises. You have to figure out which compromise is best. If you build a small platform out of wood for the AC to sit on and a hood to go around the hatch it will work okay.

 

[Sail123]

As my location either has boiling hot and humid temps, or the lake is frozen over, my install will be more of a permeant one. I will not remove it except to service the unit in the fall and store it in a warm place till spring. I slip with shore power.

The hatch will never be seen when the sailboat is being used as the AC unit will be covering the hatch the whole sailing season of nine months.

The AC unit will be bolted in place to discourage midnight shoppers looking for bargains. I will set the AC unit on a piece of closed cell foam to protect the sailboat and keep out bugs and make a tight seal, no need for the factory cloth to work with 24 x 24" hatches.

I will most likely mount a small blue umbrella over the AC unit to deflect the sun / rain and help to cool it a little.

I will post pics of the finalized project.

 

[Bad Obsession]

That is a portable unit. It will be in the way no matter where the hatch is located. This could cause issues when sailing. If it is a dock queen then mounting it in place is fine....but if it is a sailboat it will be in the way.

You may want to re-consider and make it so you can remove it and store it somewhere in the cabin when you are not there or when it is not needed.

Just my two cents.

 

[Benny17441]

Don't forget to angle it down so that 99% of the condensation will drain away from the hatch and the berth underneath it. For a permanent install just check out those new low profile RV 13K-15K btu units. They are very reasonably priced and will not look half bad sitting atop the cabin.

 

[gpd955]

I will not remove it except to service the unit in the fall and store it in a warm place till spring. I slip with shore power.

You don't say whether or not you will actually be sailing with this AC in place. If you are considering it, please, please, please, I beg you not to.

These units are not made to be used underway and not only can you damage the AC, but it will be a trip hazard on deck and just one thing for your lines to foul on. (how many times has your jibsheet snagged on the frame of a closed forward hatch?) Additionally you won't ever get the "hatch" watertight with the unit in which compromises your boat and could be disastrous to you and your crew. I also don't recommend permanent mounting. If your only escape route is out that hatch (fire on board while in your berth) you'll need to push that thing out as quick as possible.

Hate to be a killjoy but all I can picture is bad stuff happening here, all for the sake of aesthetics.

I attached a link to the manual (the 5000 model, but they're basically the same). If you can't get to the link, PM me and I will mail it to you on Wednesday.

.http://65.55.175.71/att/GetAttachme...025705db5450a70e691cedb7ee707aba9a&oneredir=1

 

[Sail123]

That is a portable unit. It will be in the way no matter where the hatch is located. This could cause issues when sailing. If it is a dock queen then mounting it in place is fine....but if it is a sailboat it will be in the way.

You may want to re-consider and make it so you can remove it and store it somewhere in the cabin when you are not there or when it is not needed.

Just my two cents.

My wife already complains about rigging, setting up this or that. Putting an AC unit in place each time we want it, would be WWIII.

 

[Sail123]

Don't forget to angle it down so that 99% of the condensation will drain away from the hatch and the berth underneath it. For a permanent install just check out those new low profile RV 13K-15K btu units. They are very reasonably priced and will not look half bad sitting atop the cabin.

The look, needs to register sailboat. This AC unit is recognized as sailboat. It has a smaller footprint than RV AC units, so less to walk around. I have two RV units on my RV. On the RV, they look like they belong.

Thanks for the draining tip! I owe you one!

 

[Sail123]

You don't say whether or not you will actually be sailing with this AC in place. If you are considering it, please, please, please, I beg you not to.

These units are not made to be used underway and not only can you damage the AC, but it will be a trip hazard on deck and just one thing for your lines to foul on. (how many times has your jibsheet snagged on the frame of a closed forward hatch?) Additionally you won't ever get the "hatch" watertight with the unit in which compromises your boat and could be disastrous to you and your crew. I also don't recommend permanent mounting. If your only escape route is out that hatch (fire on board while in your berth) you'll need to push that thing out as quick as possible.

Hate to be a killjoy but all I can picture is bad stuff happening here, all for the sake of aesthetics.

I attached a link to the manual (the 5000 model, but they're basically the same). If you can't get to the link, PM me and I will mail it to you on Wednesday.

.http://65.55.175.71/att/GetAttachment.aspx?file=404c413e-3b58-406f-80fe-22327974a10d.pdf&ct=YXBwbGljYXRpb24vcGRm&name=Q3J1aXNhaXIucGRm&inline=0&rfc=0&empty=False&imgsrc=&hm__login=gpd955&hm__domain=msn.com&ip=10.4.70.8&d=d987&mf=160&hm__ts=Mon%2c%2002%20Jul%202012%2020%3a16%3a30%20GMT&st=gpd955%402&hm__ha=01_c42a7aa690a69166c06b3eac13a40d025705db5450a70e691cedb7ee707aba9a&oneredir=1

Link does not work

I sailed once with the AC unit tied in place just to see if anything gets caught on it, sail wise. All was ok. Now my wife was tripping on the tie down straps used to temp hold the AC in place for the test. It is possible the tie down straps were useful in the jib sail not catching on the AC unit, if so, we will be forced to keep them in place while under sail.

For safety reasons, one reason I do not want to use my existing front hatch, is it would block a safety route in and out of the boat. By adding a dedicated hatch, all is pretty much as it used to be hatch wise from a safety standpoint.

I do not have an AC generator onboard. We will not be "using the AC unit" while boating away from the slip. However, at 55, not looking for more chores before and after a sailboat outing. The AC must stay put between uses.

We sail on a quiet little lake, 1800 acres. A big blow for us is 15mph. At 10mph, my wife thinks it is the second coming. Lol. We do not do serious, heavy winds sailing with 8' seas. If I did, my choices in this matter would be quite different. Then, I would purchase a truck stop AC unit where the unit sits outside the vehicle, and a hose is put inside a window. Those are pretty sweet! The unit could be installed inside a dock-mate storage shed.

A reverse principle AC unit is available, where the hot air is pumped outside with a dryer hose. Those units have a pretty small footprint, and would sit under the stairs, but I don't think I want to go that direction, though that would not be altering the sailboat design as much installing that.