Installing Air Conditioning in Hunter 356 / 36

[karellen]

I posted a few years ago about installing AC in our 356. We ordered the 16000 BTU Dometic unit back in the spring and it finally arrived a few days ago. (of course in the middle of a heat wave)

In my last post, Jerry Clark was kind enough to post some pictures of his stock vent installation. Now that I'm getting started, I was hoping someone could upload a few more pictures for me. It seems fairly straight-forward, but I figure the factory install was successful so I might as well replicate that.

What I'm curious about are where the raw water pump and filter are located, where they put the thru-hull discharge, and where the electrical box is mounted.

I'd be happy to hear any other tips -- I've heard about running the drain to the shower sump and plan on doing that right away.

Edit: Also the dimensions of the teak vent grill in the cabin.

 

[seadaddler]

I am rushing out and will try info later but the pump is under kitchen opening just forward of the opening in kitchen towards sink and out let is port side just opposite of the ac unit under seat.
I will send more info after I come back from doctor.
I have 07 H-36

 

[JamesG161]

The AC system layout is in your Owners Manual here..

H 356

Jim...

 

[tfox2069]

Here's the screenshots from the H36 manual showing everything. The pump location is just forward of the pickup for the thru hull.

 

[shemandr]

On my 2002 H356 the raw water pump (AC current) was under the salon sole (not that it matters). I once had salt water in the bilge to cover the pump and it cost me a new pump. I don't remember that is was so much water but the heeling of the boat got the pump wet.
If it hasn't already been, wired I'm sure there's a better place for the controller. Mine was on the starboard side above the settee. It was difficult for me to access because the table made it tight to get in there. It was also uncomfortable to kneel thee when the table was down.

 

[karellen]

Quick update on my A/C project. Progress slowed this fall, but we finally pulled the boat out this morning and drilled the intake.

I have a pretty good idea where the discharge hose will go on the outside, based on the 36 manual and an outside photo of a sister ship. But I'm still leery about drilling the hole. I don't want to drill from the inside because I'm not certain where the waterline is. Does anyone have a photo of where it comes through in the interior? I'm assuming it's behind the backrest in the settee and has a 90 degree elbow, but I don't know that for certain.

Lastly, I understand the hull is wood cored above the waterline. My last boats were solid glass hulls, so that's new to me. The yard suggested just drilling and using sealant, but I think the preferred way is to dig out some core and fill with thickened epoxy. Happy for any tips and tricks.

 

[chuckwayne]

the hull is foam core above the waterline - the deck is balsa cored. You are correct that the best way is to drill the hole, use a bent nail or similar to clean out the foam around the hole and make a solid epoxy plug. drill through the plug for your outlet.

 

[sailcapt340]

I can share a photo of my 2000 340 AC discharge if that helps you to orient the location for your installation. It‘s located behind the wall in the hanging closet. Under the bilge discharge hose.

 

[tfox2069]

Quick update on my A/C project. Progress slowed this fall, but we finally pulled the boat out this morning and drilled the intake.

I have a pretty good idea where the discharge hose will go on the outside, based on the 36 manual and an outside photo of a sister ship. But I'm still leery about drilling the hole. I don't want to drill from the inside because I'm not certain where the waterline is. Does anyone have a photo of where it comes through in the interior? I'm assuming it's behind the backrest in the settee and has a 90 degree elbow, but I don't know that for certain.

Lastly, I understand the hull is wood cored above the waterline. My last boats were solid glass hulls, so that's new to me. The yard suggested just drilling and using sealant, but I think the preferred way is to dig out some core and fill with thickened epoxy. Happy for any tips and tricks.

I don't have a photo of the a/c discharge on my H36, but you're right - its behind the starboard settee backrest and it does have a 90-degree elbow. Here's a couple of drawings from the manual for the boat, which are accurate:

In this drawing "F" is where the a/c discharge is located.

In the below drawing, "I" is the discharge fitting:

Here's the key for that area: