I have read some of the A/C forum notes on the installation of a reverse cycle A/C on a Hunter 340. I read that Wayne E. installed one on a HUnter 340. So, I am getting ready to procure and install myself and I had a couple of questions specific to a Hunter 340. Any help would be appreciated. 1..Sizing: Is 12,000 BTUs too small? The 16,000 BTU unit is really, really tight under the settee and may require me to make a special plenum. (Cruising area is the Chesapeake Bay) 2..Which model will be the best to operate and is proven to fit in the Hunter 340? I am predisposed to go with the MarineAir if no one steps up to something better. But I really have to feel comfortable with what will fit. 3..Need for a custom plenum? I looked under the Settee at the boat show and I discovered what appeared to be a custom plenum coming off of the MarineAir unit going to the dust work. 4..3 Duct connections to unit. One duct goes forward to the V berth under seats. One duct goes into the hanging locker for main cabin. But where do I attach the duct leading back to the aft cabin? I suppose that I tee off of the duct to the main cabin? Or do I try to attach a third duct to the unit itself. Any answers and tips would be appreciated.
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Bigger is better
If the 16,000 fits get it. 12,000 just bearly does a good job. Also add a duct in the head. Don't know why this isn't at factory installation. We did it ourselves last year. Makes a big difference when its hot and you are in the head. Helen
If the 16,000 fits get it. 12,000 just bearly does a good job. Also add a duct in the head. Don't know why this isn't at factory installation. We did it ourselves last year. Makes a big difference when its hot and you are in the head. Helen
16,000 is what I used
I have a 93 33.5 and I installed the 16,000 BTU split system putting the compresser in the V-berth and ran tubing to the aft hanging locker for the air handler.. I was to much work. I would go with the all-in-one system. I was at the boat this weekend and had the temp set at 70 and it was 35 outside and it worked great. Mf was Marine Air.. model was the J-model.. very small in size.
I have a 93 33.5 and I installed the 16,000 BTU split system putting the compresser in the V-berth and ran tubing to the aft hanging locker for the air handler.. I was to much work. I would go with the all-in-one system. I was at the boat this weekend and had the temp set at 70 and it was 35 outside and it worked great. Mf was Marine Air.. model was the J-model.. very small in size.
Check your manual
Check the Hunter Manual that came with your boat. It shows the AC installation routing. Call Hunter and they will fax you a copy if you dont have the manual. I spoke with Greg in Hunters service department. They install the 12,000 but unit as a factory option. He recommended 16,000 btu units for boats used in the south (florida). If I were you I would go for the 16,000 but unit, its only a few bucks more. The installation cost would be about the same as on the smaller unit. Make sure the water inlet and pump are below the water line at all points of sail. The pump is not self priming and you dont want to loose the prime. Also, keep the discharge close to the waterline. It gets very noisy if installed much above that point. Who wants to hear a waterfall at the dock. You will have to make up a supply header for the cold air distribution. Any tin knocker can do this for you. Check with a local AC installer. They will have all the material and tools for the distribution header. Run one supply to the V-berth, one to the chart table hanging locker, and one to the aft berth thru the wet locker (one in the head is a good idea). You may want to attend a boat show to see how Hunter installs the units. Every show I have been to with a 340 has the AC unit installed, Annapolis and A.C included. Good luck, post a few pictures when you have completed the job.
Check the Hunter Manual that came with your boat. It shows the AC installation routing. Call Hunter and they will fax you a copy if you dont have the manual. I spoke with Greg in Hunters service department. They install the 12,000 but unit as a factory option. He recommended 16,000 btu units for boats used in the south (florida). If I were you I would go for the 16,000 but unit, its only a few bucks more. The installation cost would be about the same as on the smaller unit. Make sure the water inlet and pump are below the water line at all points of sail. The pump is not self priming and you dont want to loose the prime. Also, keep the discharge close to the waterline. It gets very noisy if installed much above that point. Who wants to hear a waterfall at the dock. You will have to make up a supply header for the cold air distribution. Any tin knocker can do this for you. Check with a local AC installer. They will have all the material and tools for the distribution header. Run one supply to the V-berth, one to the chart table hanging locker, and one to the aft berth thru the wet locker (one in the head is a good idea). You may want to attend a boat show to see how Hunter installs the units. Every show I have been to with a 340 has the AC unit installed, Annapolis and A.C included. Good luck, post a few pictures when you have completed the job.
Should I Use Duct Tees or Try 3 Ducts from Unit?
Should I employ two tees for the Nav Locker and Head? Or Should I try to get 3 ducts directly off of the AC Unit? Attempted Drawing: V<-----------------AC Header --------------- ----------------- ----------------->Aft Cabin Berth Unit | | Tee Tee Nav Locker Head
Should I employ two tees for the Nav Locker and Head? Or Should I try to get 3 ducts directly off of the AC Unit? Attempted Drawing: V<-----------------AC Header --------------- ----------------- ----------------->Aft Cabin Berth Unit | | Tee Tee Nav Locker Head
How Good is Mermaid Air?
Does anyone know about the quality of the Mermaid Air? It appears to be less money, built out of stainless steel, smaller, and offers choice of left-hand, right-hand, or vertical blower positions. It seems to meet my requirements better than the Marine Air. So what is wrong with it? Is Mermaid lower quality? Is it really loud? On the cost front, the base unit is $200 cheaper and it includes the seawater kit and duct kit worth about $400. I am sure that I would have to add some more ductwork, but it seems quite a deal. Is Mermaid Air less quality? Any accounts that Mermaid is good or not so good would be appreciated.
Does anyone know about the quality of the Mermaid Air? It appears to be less money, built out of stainless steel, smaller, and offers choice of left-hand, right-hand, or vertical blower positions. It seems to meet my requirements better than the Marine Air. So what is wrong with it? Is Mermaid lower quality? Is it really loud? On the cost front, the base unit is $200 cheaper and it includes the seawater kit and duct kit worth about $400. I am sure that I would have to add some more ductwork, but it seems quite a deal. Is Mermaid Air less quality? Any accounts that Mermaid is good or not so good would be appreciated.
A/C...Do the Head...
Hi Mark..hope all is well with U and yours. Whatever you do, make some provision to vent A/C into the head, perhaps a diverter to vent to either the aft berth OR head so as to not lose pressure...(cool heads are nice on hot days @ the slip). See U in spring Joel
Hi Mark..hope all is well with U and yours. Whatever you do, make some provision to vent A/C into the head, perhaps a diverter to vent to either the aft berth OR head so as to not lose pressure...(cool heads are nice on hot days @ the slip). See U in spring Joel
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