What size BTU Marine Air Conditioner?
 

At the Miami show the AC guys told me a 5000BTU would be perfect for a 99 top gun cabin? They said if I go too big the unit won't dehumidify and I'll get moister build up?? Thoughts? I was looking for a 10-12M system but everyone in Miami told me the same thing regarding a 5000BTU system? Also, is a reverse system (heat) worth it? I don't think we'll use it that much in the fall but might if we knew we had heat?

Both myself and a buddy installed 6500k units last winter. a 32 Fountain and a 35 Cig Cafe. Neither one of us has any problems, granted I don't have the cabin space as you. Also state may come into play. We opted for the R/C since it was only a $50 upgrade. Well worth it IMO. We start boating mid May and go till Nov 1.
Also been told not to go too big as the unit will cycle on/off to much, not removing the humidity. The state you'll use it may also dictate if you need to step up in size.

I'd go with a 7,000. It's what I have in the Formula, it's worked well whenever we've needed it, and the Honda 2,000 will run it. James and some of the others with the 10,000 have had to add some extra hardware (hard start kit) and it max's out the Honda.

where the hell do u mount these things on a cigarette ?? in the nose ??

That's where my buddies is. Under the bed.

Weird...how does it get fresh air and more importantly...how does it git rid of the water it creates ???

You have to cut a vent in the glass just below the v-berth...to give it some air to breath...not sure where I'll run the vents yet, however you can get under the bed (v-berth) really easy. It's just a sail like material tied together and velcroed. I think I can use my existing exit line from either my drains or my head. If not, I'll drill another port. We're planning on a couple florida runs this year and need to get it cooled down.

nice man. I assume a generator is a must? where does that go? engine compartment?

these things look cool:

http://www.mmair.com/marine_division...500_btu_system

That's the unit that myself and 3 other buddies bought last winter. West Marine had a close out sale (I was told they dropped the Mermaid line) on all their AC's. We paid right at $650 for brand new, in the box, with pump and t-stat, a 6500btu unit with the R/C option, which was a $50 upgrade.

Don't see those deals often!

We run off shorepower, but the 6500 will run off a 1000w Honda generator, according to the Mermaid manual.