What A/C-Heat unit for Hunter 356

chuckwayne · Jan 7, 2014

We've been really happy with the mermaid 16k btu reverse cycle unit we installed on our 2002. very reliable, excellent performance, quality construction. Fit nicely under the dining settee next to the refer unit

Jerry Clark H356 SV Persi · Jan 7, 2014

star302 said:
We are trying to decide what A/C-heat-dehumidifier combo unit is best to have installed in our Hunter 356. It is a 2002. MARINE AIR AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM 16000 BTU COMPLETE was recommended to us by a couple of dealers...Looking for thoughts and help from others that might have also installed units on their boats.. Thank you for any suggestions. Best, Lauri

Our 2003 has the MarineAire 16,000 BTU unit. Thru hull is grouped with the others at bottom of companionway steps. Pump is below sink cabinet and pump thru hull on starboard side above water line. Install a drain line from the condensate pan into the shower sump pump located with thru hulls. Standard factory installation had unit draining into the bilge, but this will give you some concern later. Easy to make this change after the fact as most in our area have done so. If I were you, I'd do it in the beginning.

Unit provides good heat in water temps as low as 40'degrees. Have no experience at lower water temps, but plenty of heat at 40.

Jerry Clark H356 SV Persi · Jan 7, 2014

The MarineAire 16,000 btuh unit is what the factory installed. Add a condensate drain line from the pan to the shower sump pump. We did that and this keeps the condensate out of the bilge.

jeff356 · Nov 2, 2016

Always though the air conditioner was plumbed into the shower sump, but while cleaning the filter noticed that both drain holes were empty and drained to the bilge.
Do you have both drains plumbed to a 'Y' that then drains into the sump? Any pictures?

Thanks for any info.
Jeff

Terry Cox · Nov 2, 2016

Hi Lauri, our 1991 P42 came equipped with two reverse cycle MarineAir sea water heat pumps; 16K BTU for the saloon and forward cabin and a 9K BTU for the aft cabin. Both units still work and we use them from time to time mostly for heat while connected to shore power during the cooler months. Our PNW climate does not require cooling, but that side still works, too. If you plan on spending any time away from shore power while cruising and want to use the unit, you will need a generator to operate it. If we operate both units at once (we never do) they will draw about 22amps. One unit will draw about 12amps, which includes the sea water pump that supplies sea water to both units. If either unit requires replacement, we will replace with MarineAir.

geek_guy · Nov 3, 2016

I installed a Dometic 16k unit a few years ago. It's been fine and has worked well. I picked it up for about half the normal price as it had shipping damage. We are in N Florida so it gets a serious workout much of the summer.

rjarrell · Nov 6, 2016

I recommend Mermaid Air. The only manufacturer I know of with a five year warranty. My first one lasted 14 years. As a liveaboard in FL it got it' share of use. Customer er support is excellent

IH82BL8 · Nov 10, 2016

Installed a Webasto FCF 16K BTU unit on our Hunter 31 two years ago. Very pleased with it. It will cool the cabin from 85*F to 70*F in about 45 minutes. It's a reverse-cycle so it provides heat in water down to 40*F.

Jerry Clark H356 SV Persi · Nov 10, 2016

Jeff356: My condensate pan only has one drain hole. I piped it to the shower sump years ago and it works fine.