I'm in the process of selecting an air conditioner to self install on my Hunter 310. I've concluded that the 12,000BTU is the right size even though the factory offered the 10,000BTU as an option. The question now is Mermaid(boatUS) or Marine Air Cabinmate(West Marine). They both have their pros and cons. The Mermaid is available with electric heat which can be used while out of water, but... it does not offer variable speed fan. They say that it may freeze the coils if speed is lowered. The Marine Air(also named Domestic Environmental) has the variable speed fan but only offers the Reverse Cycle heat which works only if boat is in the water and the water temp is above 40 degrees F. Also, how do you pick the right size pump? I know it based on the water head but do you measure from the intake to overboard discharge or just to the unit. Two different techs gave me opposing answers. The pump and the unit will be below the water line, so is head important when below the water line? Does the duct have to be insulated since it runs in interior space? The Hunter drawing shows the unit in the cabinet under the sink with three duct coming out of the unit(one 5" and two 3")but have trouble finding a distribution box with this configuration and hate to start with two and split it again later. One 3" is for the forward berth, one for the quarter berth, and the 5" for the main cabin. I spend a whole day on my knees pulling wires from the electrical box on one side of the boat to the other side so I'm not ready to give up on this project. Any opinions or advice will be appreciated.
Marine Air Conditioning Decisions
- Thread starter Calaloo
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A/C
Might want to look at http://www.oceanbreezeac.com/ I just purchased a 12000 btu replacement unit for $1050 plus shipping. Didn't need the install kit, but it is offered also. Electric heat, single speed fan, digital thermometer included. It is quiet at least in heat mode, haven't had a need to try the a/c. Very well built, stainless and copper. Installation instructions on the site and sent with the unit. The instructions for the pump and strainer say below the waterline, pump within 2 feet of the seacock and within 10 feet of the unit. 5 gpm is the correct size if you meet the placement specs. As far as placement, it is really personal preference. I like the unit centered in the boat and vents fore and aft to get some circulation. The pump/strainer should be easily accessable. I need to clean the jellyfish (nettles) out at least once a day and then reprime. Most of the installation instructions call for a seperate circiut for the a/c. I don't have one, have to be very careful not to overload and blow the main breaker. I normally haunt the catalina board, boats are similiar, might want to post your question there. Also if you have any follow up questions that I don't answer promptly drop me a note on the catalina page.
Might want to look at http://www.oceanbreezeac.com/ I just purchased a 12000 btu replacement unit for $1050 plus shipping. Didn't need the install kit, but it is offered also. Electric heat, single speed fan, digital thermometer included. It is quiet at least in heat mode, haven't had a need to try the a/c. Very well built, stainless and copper. Installation instructions on the site and sent with the unit. The instructions for the pump and strainer say below the waterline, pump within 2 feet of the seacock and within 10 feet of the unit. 5 gpm is the correct size if you meet the placement specs. As far as placement, it is really personal preference. I like the unit centered in the boat and vents fore and aft to get some circulation. The pump/strainer should be easily accessable. I need to clean the jellyfish (nettles) out at least once a day and then reprime. Most of the installation instructions call for a seperate circiut for the a/c. I don't have one, have to be very careful not to overload and blow the main breaker. I normally haunt the catalina board, boats are similiar, might want to post your question there. Also if you have any follow up questions that I don't answer promptly drop me a note on the catalina page.
Mermaid
Put the 12k Mermaid in my Hunter 33 about 3 years ago. No problems. You may want to check with Defender they had a better price and its drop shiped from Ft Myers Fl anyway.
Put the 12k Mermaid in my Hunter 33 about 3 years ago. No problems. You may want to check with Defender they had a better price and its drop shiped from Ft Myers Fl anyway.
FlagShipMarine A/C
Several people in our marina have used units from Flag Ship Marine. Mine was a 16,500 BTU unit for a 1993 H33.5. We installed it ourselves. We also got the electric heat option. Our unit has 3 4" outlets. Love the system. Jeff
Several people in our marina have used units from Flag Ship Marine. Mine was a 16,500 BTU unit for a 1993 H33.5. We installed it ourselves. We also got the electric heat option. Our unit has 3 4" outlets. Love the system. Jeff
Some Answers
I installed reverse cycle air on my h340 about 3 years ago so my installation experiences could be helpful to you. Rather than buy a ready made junction box, I made a Y connection or tapped off the 4 inch from the 6 inch duct using tin snips and metal air conditioning tape that can be purchased in any home building supply like Lowes or Home Depot. I have lots of pictures of my install and would be happy to send them to you. Just send your e-mail address to westabro@earthlink.net I installed the Mermaid 16,500 BTU unit and have been very happy with it. After replacing the original seawater pump once and having bad luck with the second one, I bought a much better one from WM and can give you details on that also.
I installed reverse cycle air on my h340 about 3 years ago so my installation experiences could be helpful to you. Rather than buy a ready made junction box, I made a Y connection or tapped off the 4 inch from the 6 inch duct using tin snips and metal air conditioning tape that can be purchased in any home building supply like Lowes or Home Depot. I have lots of pictures of my install and would be happy to send them to you. Just send your e-mail address to westabro@earthlink.net I installed the Mermaid 16,500 BTU unit and have been very happy with it. After replacing the original seawater pump once and having bad luck with the second one, I bought a much better one from WM and can give you details on that also.
Go with Mermaid....
several folks at my marina have self-installed these units and are pleased. I've talked with their reps at various boat shows and bought from them I am also impressed with their cust service (knowledge, follow-up, etc.) I thought they sold the systems direct? If not, I suspect Defender will have the best price. I purchased and installed one of their after-market thermostat units that runs my old unit bacially like a house unit. Entire unit turns on and off, like at home. With older marine systems the blower runs constantly with only the compressor cycling on and off. With the new thermostat, entire unit goes off making a much more pleasant night. Make sure you have the new style thermostat/unit if there is a choice. The fan speed question will be irrelevant. (Before the new thermostat, I never adjusted the fan speed....diff is negligable.) I will go with Mermaid when/if my current King Air system goes (P.O. Installed.) Can't speak to location on a 310, but if you spend much time aboard at the dock, it's the best investment you'll make. Also, if you're living aboard, the heat will not work once the water temps gets really cold. I know from experience, Jan/Feb you'll have to switch to alternate sources - oil filled radiators are the best for the bay area.
several folks at my marina have self-installed these units and are pleased. I've talked with their reps at various boat shows and bought from them I am also impressed with their cust service (knowledge, follow-up, etc.) I thought they sold the systems direct? If not, I suspect Defender will have the best price. I purchased and installed one of their after-market thermostat units that runs my old unit bacially like a house unit. Entire unit turns on and off, like at home. With older marine systems the blower runs constantly with only the compressor cycling on and off. With the new thermostat, entire unit goes off making a much more pleasant night. Make sure you have the new style thermostat/unit if there is a choice. The fan speed question will be irrelevant. (Before the new thermostat, I never adjusted the fan speed....diff is negligable.) I will go with Mermaid when/if my current King Air system goes (P.O. Installed.) Can't speak to location on a 310, but if you spend much time aboard at the dock, it's the best investment you'll make. Also, if you're living aboard, the heat will not work once the water temps gets really cold. I know from experience, Jan/Feb you'll have to switch to alternate sources - oil filled radiators are the best for the bay area.
Went with Ocean Breeze
Ken, Thanks for the information on Ocean Breeze Marine A/C. Talked to them and decided to get their 12000 BTU unit with electric heat. Lee s/v Calaloo
Ken, Thanks for the information on Ocean Breeze Marine A/C. Talked to them and decided to get their 12000 BTU unit with electric heat. Lee s/v Calaloo
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