If AC installed under port salon seat as shown in Beneteau 343 drawings does port water tank need to be removed? Appreciate suggested AC make and Model #that fit.
AC in 2008 Beneteau 343
- Thread starter John K
- Start date
John,
I thought I had the cruisair model number for the 12k btu unit installed in the 343; however, I cant locate it at present. Will keep looking.
As I mentioned in a previous post, the previous owner of my boat installed a 16k btu cruisair emerald series split system in the boat. It consists of a compressor and control box located under the V berth, a 12k btu air handler/evaporator installed in the V berth Stbd locker, and a 4k btu air handler installed on the shelf against the head bulkhead in the lazerette. The thru hull/ball valve, strainer, and circulating pump is installed in the aft end of the port setee.
These are the pros & cons of the factory (self contained) installation as compared to my installation. ( as I see it!)
The factory configuration advantages are that it is a self contained unit with fewer components to break and with it being 12k btu, it should run with a Honda 2000 portable generator. Also, I would expect that it may be slightly lower in cost; however, more labor time for installation to cut holes for ducting & run the ducting will probably make the cost a wash if you are paying someone to do the installation. The disadvantages are the more complex installation for ducting, limited access for maintenance on the self contained unit, and difficult access to the thru hull valve and strainer, as they are located under the aft berth. Marginal cooling in summer months in Southern climate.
The split system configuration advantages are that it has a larger output (16kbtu). The fans in the air handlers are located at the vent locations, so there is more air flow coming out of the vents. Also, the ducting only has very short straight runs so the installation of the ducts are easier. The thru hull / ball valve, strainer, & pump are easily accessed for closing & opening the thru hull fitting and cleaning the strainer. The disadvantages are that there are more components; therefore it will likely cost more to maintain in the future. The compressor and two air handlers are connected by way of copper tubing, so the unit has to be initially evacuated and charged. More connections & fittings my result in future leaks. With the larger units & multiple fans, it will not run with a single Honda 2000 generator. And, my biggest complaint is that you effectively lose the storage capacity in the V berth stbd locker as the 12k btu air handler is located in that locker.
Be aware that if you haven't purchased the air conditioner unit yet, there is a company called Flagship that manufactures self contained units in Florida. They claim that if you give them the dimensions of your installation space (port setee), that they can manufacture a unit to fit the space limitations. They also claim that their circuit board assemblies are simple with no printed circuit boards, therefore, replacement parts are generic off the shelf items. Personally, if I were installing a unit, I would choose the self contained vs the split system for reasons detailed above.
I thought I had the cruisair model number for the 12k btu unit installed in the 343; however, I cant locate it at present. Will keep looking.
As I mentioned in a previous post, the previous owner of my boat installed a 16k btu cruisair emerald series split system in the boat. It consists of a compressor and control box located under the V berth, a 12k btu air handler/evaporator installed in the V berth Stbd locker, and a 4k btu air handler installed on the shelf against the head bulkhead in the lazerette. The thru hull/ball valve, strainer, and circulating pump is installed in the aft end of the port setee.
These are the pros & cons of the factory (self contained) installation as compared to my installation. ( as I see it!)
The factory configuration advantages are that it is a self contained unit with fewer components to break and with it being 12k btu, it should run with a Honda 2000 portable generator. Also, I would expect that it may be slightly lower in cost; however, more labor time for installation to cut holes for ducting & run the ducting will probably make the cost a wash if you are paying someone to do the installation. The disadvantages are the more complex installation for ducting, limited access for maintenance on the self contained unit, and difficult access to the thru hull valve and strainer, as they are located under the aft berth. Marginal cooling in summer months in Southern climate.
The split system configuration advantages are that it has a larger output (16kbtu). The fans in the air handlers are located at the vent locations, so there is more air flow coming out of the vents. Also, the ducting only has very short straight runs so the installation of the ducts are easier. The thru hull / ball valve, strainer, & pump are easily accessed for closing & opening the thru hull fitting and cleaning the strainer. The disadvantages are that there are more components; therefore it will likely cost more to maintain in the future. The compressor and two air handlers are connected by way of copper tubing, so the unit has to be initially evacuated and charged. More connections & fittings my result in future leaks. With the larger units & multiple fans, it will not run with a single Honda 2000 generator. And, my biggest complaint is that you effectively lose the storage capacity in the V berth stbd locker as the 12k btu air handler is located in that locker.
Be aware that if you haven't purchased the air conditioner unit yet, there is a company called Flagship that manufactures self contained units in Florida. They claim that if you give them the dimensions of your installation space (port setee), that they can manufacture a unit to fit the space limitations. They also claim that their circuit board assemblies are simple with no printed circuit boards, therefore, replacement parts are generic off the shelf items. Personally, if I were installing a unit, I would choose the self contained vs the split system for reasons detailed above.
Ken
I don't think that is a good idea to install an AC powered pump in the bilge. Also that location would involve drilling a hole thru fiberglass grid/pan to get the outflow to the air conditioning unit in the port setee. I will try to attach a photo of the factory installed intake, strainer, & pump located beneath the aft berth close to the water heater. Note how they have the pump mounted completely out of the bilge. Hope this helps.
John,
Another idea, if you decide to install the pump & strainer under the aft berth. You can install a "Tee" fitting on the existing engine raw water intake thru Hull & ball valve. That would eliminate another thru hull fitting. Just route the hose for the circulating pump intake off of the "Tee". Cant see this being a problem since you aren't going to be using the air conditioner while motoring (unless you plan to install a generator). This would also be a good opportunity to change the thru hull & valve to good quality bronze fittings; Beneteau is notorious for using brass fittings.
Another idea, if you decide to install the pump & strainer under the aft berth. You can install a "Tee" fitting on the existing engine raw water intake thru Hull & ball valve. That would eliminate another thru hull fitting. Just route the hose for the circulating pump intake off of the "Tee". Cant see this being a problem since you aren't going to be using the air conditioner while motoring (unless you plan to install a generator). This would also be a good opportunity to change the thru hull & valve to good quality bronze fittings; Beneteau is notorious for using brass fittings.