marine a/c install

[sailormark45]

Going to install a/c unit in head near the cockpit. Will be very close to the engine compartment. I was thinking , would I be able to tee into seawater intake for the yanmar 20GM20F, (Freshwater cooled)???? say like inline before the seawater pump for engine coolant cooling?? I really dont want to have my boat look like swiss cheese adding more holes.. lol Holes are a BAD THING in a boat right??hahahaha Thanks in advance
Mark

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

I'm not sure I would agree that adding one hole would equate to swiss cheese but regardless, I would suggest you follow the mfgs recommendation to be found in the installation instructions - I believe most, if not all, recommend a separate dedicated thruhull.
The reason being the A/C would not have to compete for the requisite water flow rate. Although it's unlikely you'd be running both the A/C and engine, it is conceivable.
If you are sure you'll never do that and don't care about a mfg's warranty, go for it.

 

[kloudie1]

Ya probably want a dedicated water intake for the AC, it is easier that way. I used my refrigerator inlet..because the 'fridge has very little flow, and the thru hull is 1". The frige water out line had to go higher than the AC water pump inlet to keep the AC pump primed. The only precaution is that if sharing with engine water inlet, do not put a loop in the AC water discharge that is higher than the exhaust elbow. (dunno why exactly, but I'd be careful about siphoning.) Remember this stuff will be running and not running when heeled over sometimes. Put the AC water outlet close or on the waterline so the noise of the water leaving the boat is not an irritation for you and neighbors.

 

[Ken13559]

I tee mine off the toilet raw water intake. works fine when using the toilet while A/C is running. I wouldn't tee off the engine cooling water intake as the engine water pump could suck in air via the A/C cooling discharge (assumming you're cutting a discharge hole above waterline).