where to install AC

[Michael Woodside]

I was wondering where people have been installing AC in their 30' catalinas?I am trying to put it in the v-berth - troubles routing ducts! Also the weight makes the boat sit bow down. Of course when 4 of us are in the cockpit it sits right in the water.

 

[Steve W]

this will make you laugh...

Last year I looked at a really nice Catalina 30 in Cortez, FL, asking price was $25k +/-. The boat was in great shape, except the owner had cut a hole in the port side companionway bulkhead, and mounted a very big window unit type air conditioner, It looked like hell, stuck out into the cockpit about 18", lots of sharp edges to land on, but I bet it worked great! The broker's only solution was to possibly install a custom port in the hole that would be left after removing the A/C. It amazed me the owner did this given the condition of the boat and the extensive upgrades, canvas, gadgets, etc, that he had added. I guess it finally sold.

 

[Lisa]

Hanging Locker

I recently saw a Catalina 30 with the a/c unit installed in the hanging locker across from the head. Lost storage but the unit was very accessible....according to the broker.

 

[John Mavrovich]

Cockpit Locker

I didn't want to lose the hanging locker space and the space under the v-berth didn't seem practical. I was also concerned about noise and vibration while sleeping in the V. I installed mine in the port side cockpit locker. It's a 12K reverse cycle Mermaid unit. I installed a shelf at the bottom to mount it on and it sits very low. Storing anything else that far down gets lost anyway so I can't say I'm missing any stoage capacity. The main duct is next to the trash door at the galley bulkhead. You need the bulk of your cooling in the main salon. I ran a four inch duct hose to the head continuing to the very front of the v-berth at the anchor locker. The return vent is in the side wall of the aft berth directly next to the unit. Works great and the unit is quiet out in the locker. Use a dedicated thru-hull. Don't tap off another. Good luck.

 

[Alan Anderson]

Hanging Locker A/C was my choice

I installed a 16k reverse cycle Mermaid unit in my hanging locker. I used egg crate foam applied with spray adhesive, to insulate against sound. I have a 6" x 10" vent into the main cabin and a 4" round into the V berth (the length of the top drawer must be cut down slightly for the duct hose to pass). I removed 110v outlet in the bulkhead facing into the V berth and cut circular to receive the 4" vent. This 110v wire was used to supply the power for the unit. The unit receives its return air directly through the louvered doors of the locker. The water pump is mounted under the V berth with a dedicated thru hull, accessible through the the small door under the V berth. This installation required little modification to the boat and was close to power,air,and water sources. I have operated my system for 4 seasons with a water pump failure being the only problem. I hope this helps.