Several weeks back I read with much interest a few posts regarding air conditioners, dry (or wet) bilges and devices referred to as 'condensators'. I have a new Hunter 426DS with two a/c heat units. It seems that this summer on Lake Michigan has seen two extremes; either cold and rain (heat) or hot and sticky (air conditioning). The units have been running pretty much non-stop this whole summer. It seemed that with the units operating this much, the boat had a relatively high humidity level inside. I did notice some standing water in the a/c unit pans that simply wouldn't drain due to drain location, debris, etc. A discussion with a Mermaid customer service rep about shimming the pans to allow drainage helped. Now I had water in my bilge which didn't help matters any. Hence the condensators. I installed one on each a/c unit. I chose the 'expensive' route and bought directly from Mermaid. The kit was complete, included easy instructions. The components themselves include check valves, filters, etc. so there is SOME justification for the cost. I know there may have been some cheaper alternatives out there but this was my chosen route. Bottom line is I now have bone-dry pans, a bone-dry boat with a bone-dry bilge. Obvious that virtually all my bilge water was coming from my a/c pans. Now it just pumps overboard with the unit discharge. And my humidity problem was caused by a combination of pan condensate and bilge drainage. If you want it dry, give the condensators a try.
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Told ya' Frank.
Four years ago we discussed this when I installed my Mermaid. I bought the condensator as part of the entire package. There was never a doubt because where I installed the unit there was no place to drain the pan. Fourth summer and not one problem. My only complaint is with the fan speed being non-adjustable.
Four years ago we discussed this when I installed my Mermaid. I bought the condensator as part of the entire package. There was never a doubt because where I installed the unit there was no place to drain the pan. Fourth summer and not one problem. My only complaint is with the fan speed being non-adjustable.
Newer units do have fan speed adjustments
Ed...evidently they did address the fan speed issue since the time you may have bought. The newer digital controllers have fan speed adjustment, an "auto" mode that will adjust fan speed up or down as needed, and even a "humidity control" mode that will cycle the compressor on and off periodically regardless of temp to help keep the air dry inside the boat during absence. But I've got to think the constant water in the bilge added to the humidity problem, not to mention the constant 1/4" of water sitting in the pans. Now there's no water anywhere except outside the hull to keep the boat afloat.!!
Ed...evidently they did address the fan speed issue since the time you may have bought. The newer digital controllers have fan speed adjustment, an "auto" mode that will adjust fan speed up or down as needed, and even a "humidity control" mode that will cycle the compressor on and off periodically regardless of temp to help keep the air dry inside the boat during absence. But I've got to think the constant water in the bilge added to the humidity problem, not to mention the constant 1/4" of water sitting in the pans. Now there's no water anywhere except outside the hull to keep the boat afloat.!!
Thanks Frank.
That is good news, I hope I can retrofit. I had been meaning to call Mermaid now I will for sure.
That is good news, I hope I can retrofit. I had been meaning to call Mermaid now I will for sure.
Frank and/or Ed
Guys, do either of you know if the condensator will work with Marine Air units? I have standing water in my MA drain pan and would like to eliminate it if that device will work on my unit. Thanks, Steve S/V Options H380
Guys, do either of you know if the condensator will work with Marine Air units? I have standing water in my MA drain pan and would like to eliminate it if that device will work on my unit. Thanks, Steve S/V Options H380
Doesn't matter what brand
I have a Marine Air unit and installed the condensator. It connects in line of the discharge hose. It has nothing to do with the unit itself, therefore, it doesn't matter what brand you have. Rp.
I have a Marine Air unit and installed the condensator. It connects in line of the discharge hose. It has nothing to do with the unit itself, therefore, it doesn't matter what brand you have. Rp.
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