Sizing an air conditioner for 88 hunter 37 legend.

[riversloth]

I have just bought a 88 hunter legend 37 and the a/c does not work. I think it's a 12000 but currently but having not used it. I do not know if its adequate. The boat is located 90 miles north of dallas texas, so it gets hot and humid. I don't want to oversize but want to be comfortable at dock.
I'll also take recommendations on fans

 

[Sailgunner]

I don't think its possible to oversize a boat air conditioner. I would put in the largest one that will fit. 12K seems a little light. I have a 16K and 10K on my 410. Need to make sure your wire size is adequate for a larger A/C.

 

[SG]

What do you mean by: “It doesn’t work”?

 

[riversloth]

Thanks for the fast response. I've heard if you oversize it won't take the humidity out.
I will consider 2 in its

 

[riversloth]

SG.
The control unit isn't powering on. The previous owner states he had the same issue and has replaced the control unit a couple times. At 250 dollars each I don't want to keep toying with this one.

 

[SG]

What unit do you have (e.g. Marine Air)? What age?
Does the unit's AC go on, but the compressor won't start? Is the unit dead? Does the control unit go on, then immediately click-off? Etc.

As for Sailgunner's post on the sizing?: Within a reasonable range, bigger is better. However, you distribution ducting size needs to allow the unit not to freeze-up; and you don't want to unnecessarily short-cycle the equipment. (It's not only distracting, it's inefficient, etc.)

Did the prior owner ever have the unit working "deep in the Heart of Texas":^)) ? Did it work well enough?

 

[geek_guy]

I have the same boat. I have a 16,000. I wouldn't consider anything smaller. In Florida's humidity and heat it works but if I start it mid afternoon it takes a couple hours to bring the temp below 80.

 

[rgranger]

.... I would put in the largest one that will fit. ....

Yeah.... go big, it's TEXAS!

 

[JRacer]

Wichita, KS here, similar hot WX conditions. In my First 310, I have a 12K unit. Only complaint is that it won't bring the temp down far enough for my liking. When this one dies, I'm going with a 16K unit.

On your existing unit, if it is not too old to begin with (i.e. uses current cooling gasses), you could have it checked by an AC service tech and see what the issue is. Maybe it can be serviced and get you more years out of it before replacement.

You at Texoma?

 

[riversloth]

SG.
It is a marine air. From what I understand it was taken from a salvaged boat. When I first looked at the boat a couple months back, it seemed to be working but wasn't very hot that day. But when we did the survey it didn't work. That's when the previous owner said it was the control unit, looks like the thermostat. When I turn the unit on, the fan comes on, but nothing lights up on the control unit.
Hope that answered your question

 

[riversloth]

Jracer
Yes texoma. Had it moved there last week.

 

[Hunter Ad Bot]

And now a word from the sponsor...

Hunter prop struts and shafts

Props, keys, shafts, struts, cutless bearings and shaft logs. We guarantee fit!
See the product

 

[kloudie1]

My h-34 has a 12000 and it is too small by a smidge..(does not shut off when in sun and 90+ F, but will get cold enough to hang meat at night) I would guess a 16K would be bare minimum for the 37..or if you can get the 12K to run, put a 5 or 8 K unit in as well..

 

[riversloth]

Thanks to all responses. As stated I dont want to waist money on this one since I have no history on it and its to small. Ill look into the 16k and I think i've seen an 18 or 20k, ill consider those also. Geek Guy thank you, I was hoping someone with the same size as mine would chime in.
I would still like some information about some fans, good airflow, low amps, best compromises that you all have had luck with. The AC is just when i'm at dock, I hope to spend a lot of time away from dock and spend some nights at anchor.

 

[SG]

RI: It is a marine air. From what I understand it was taken from a salvaged boat. When I first looked at the boat a couple months back, it seemed to be working but wasn't very hot that day. But when we did the survey it didn't work. That's when the previous owner said it was the control unit, looks like the thermostat. When I turn the unit on, the fan comes on, but nothing lights up on the control unit.

I have Lunaire, which was purchased by Marine Air, which was purchased by Dometic. I replaced a control unit a couple of times over the last 20 years. (I have three AC units on the boat.) Otherwise my units have worked very well.

I think that IF you believe the unit would work (size is okay), then I'd get a tech out. IF you're going to spring for a bigger unit, then I'd not spend a bunch of money on a unit you won't really find acceptable.

You do need to make sure the ducts are sized properly and the return is adequate -- or else a bigger unit will just freeze-up. In that case, you would be better off with SOME cooling instead of NO cooling ;^))).

 

[Manny]

For what it's worth, I have a 37C with a 16K btu unit, and in the Baltimore area I could use some more cooling...

 

[Benny17441]

Yes you will at least need a 16K unit and I must warn you that during the hottest part of the day it will be mostly inadequate. What happens is that sun beating down on the poorly insulated cabin top will make the inside of the cabin quite hot and in order to help the A/C combat that one must give it some help, 1) if at a dock you can spray water on the cabin top with a hose to cool it down, 2) You can cover the hatches or exposed portholes with insulated reflective materials 3) you can add canvas awnings or a boom tent to catch the sun and keep an air gap between the canvas and the deck to at least keep the cabin temperature from rising much beyond ambient temperature. 4) We keep a 5K window unit tucked in a locker for those hot days when our main unit needs a boost, we stick it in the companion way and it does help to cool the boat faster. 5) the use of fans improves air circulation and the "feels like temperature".