Built in AC - 323

[wrbeglin]

Looking for anyone with experience on installing built-in AC on the 323 or other models with simialar layout. No point in re-inventing the wheel.

 

[Craig]

AC

AC unit on my B323 was installed by the dealer,Great Hudson Sailing Center. It is located in the bottom of the lazarette. The system has two ducts, one below the nav table and the other in the rear cabin. The return is also in the rear cabin. The unit works great and cools the entire boat on the warmest NY days.

 

[Dr. Robert A. Brown]

Go Big

My new (2004) 311, "Beach House," had a dealer installed 12,000 Btu. HA/C. In the Gulf's 90+ degree waters in July and August the unit was inadequate. It was replaced with a 16,000 Btu. unit with 4 inch air distribution hoses and worked fine. My advice: If there is any chance you'll need the A/C in warm waters, go for the larger unit. This advice should be good for the 323 since it is a couple of inches longer. There is a formula for sizing the units in both the Defender and West Marine catalogs. Be sure to use the actual measurements of the various spaces' volumes, not rough estimates.  Unfortunately "Beach House" was lost to Hurricane Katrina, so this was an expensive lesson to pass on to you for free! I hope you enjoy your new boat.