What size AC for a C30?

[mytime]

I would like to install a Crusair AC unit in our (new to us) 1994 Catalina 30. We are located in MD and I have had mixed results trying to find the proper size. When I did an internet search they claim 16,000 btu is required. The dealer thinks this is way to high and 10,000 btu is more then sufficient. Can anyone give me a recommendation. We do not want to do a companionway home unit even though I know it would be easier. Thanks

 

[Bill1565]

I would like to install a Crusair AC unit in our (new to us) 1994 Catalina 30. We are located in MD and I have had mixed results trying to find the proper size. When I did an internet search they claim 16,000 btu is required. The dealer thinks this is way to high and 10,000 btu is more then sufficient. Can anyone give me a recommendation. We do not want to do a companionway home unit even though I know it would be easier. Thanks

We cool a Hunter 37 in Florida with 16000 btu. I would guess. 10 or 12 thousand would be fine on a 30 footer.

 

[Bob4203]

I have been dealing with the same issues regarding BTU requirements, but when you look at it the 12K and 16K units are almost identical in size and not much of a stretch in the difference in cost. Given that, down here in the south a 30 footer would need at least a 12K if not the 16K. For my money and peace of mind (staying cool) I will opt for the 16K. I think you will appreciate the stronger cooling. Many down here have the 16K units and are pleased with the cooling on hot days.

Bob
1988 Mark II
Georgia

 

[Jackdaw]

I have been dealing with the same issues regarding BTU requirements, but when you look at it the 12K and 16K units are almost identical in size and not much of a stretch in the difference in cost. Given that, down here in the south a 30 footer would need at least a 12K if not the 16K. For my money and peace of mind (staying cool) I will opt for the 16K. I think you will appreciate the stronger cooling. Many down here have the 16K units and are pleased with the cooling on hot days.

Bob
1988 Mark II
Georgia

You're right, but he might be factoring in the ability to run it with a gas powered generator.

 

[Pat]

We installed a Mermaid 12,000 btu unit and it was not adequate for Kansas. I should and could have purchased a 16,000 btu unit for not much more money and the dimensions were virtually equal. I have since installed an in-duct fan (260 cfm) that has dramatically improved the cooling. I would suppose our weather is much warmer than Maryland. I also know a Catalina 30 is a larger boat, but the quarterberth is much smaller. I believe much of our issue is sun radiating down on the cockpit heating the quarter berth below. A bimini would help our situation... I should say that at night it will
chill you to the bone....even on hot evenings....We don't use it much after 10 a.m.
as one can begin to feel like a hermit staying below all day...better to sail and at least
cool off in the water

 

[BillyK]

We have a 9,000btu unit.. Went with it so a small generator could run it. If the days are under 90 it's usually fine. But it will not keep up on hot summer days. You can manage by letting less heat get into the boat with a boom tent and keeping the windows covered, especially the v-birth hatch.

 

[mytime]

Well I decided to go with a Marine Air

http://www.marineair.com/International/PG-6979-Air-Conditioning/PG-6981-Self-Contained-Air-Conditioning/MD-50919-Vector-Turbo-Series-Air-Conditioning/SK-53063-Vector-Turbo-16000-BTUh-115V60Hz1-Ph

16K unit We got a good price at the Annapolis Boat show ($2350.) I will keep you posted on the install and performance. As of now I am planning to install in the aft bunk possibly where the water heater was located or build a Cabinet to contain it in that general area.

 

[woodster]

i put a 16 k on my 30 ft boat it may be a little large but thats ok ...my friend told me to make sure i had a dog on board when using it so he could wake my bohonkus up right before i froze to death...... it has a heat strip not reverse cycle not sure how thats going to work out just yet.....