A/C install
 

Planning to install A/C in our Poker Run edition this summer and have a few questions?
(1) Is 5000 BTU large enough? (Not looking to turn cabin into a ice box just make it comfortable 80deg. at night with 80deg. water temp.)
(2) Considering 110 volt A/C vs. 12 volt D/C.
(3) Best location to mount self contained unit (under V-berth vs. port or starboard closet.)
(4)Best location to mount raw water clam intake for water circulation pump (engine bilge vs. mid ship under Cabin step)

Any other helpful tips appreciated

Thanks Steve

Ok, a 5000 would be the min. I would use, you need to look at where you can set the unit where you can get the wiring, water lines in out and condesation to drain overboard, mount the pump in the engine room BELOW the water line. I am a disttributor and installer for mermaid marina a/c and been in the marina a/c business for 21 years, feel free to give me a call and discuss, Rob @ E-Z Marine Specialties, 540-786-8111, also sell units cheap....

ezstriper
Thanks for the reply, leaning towards 110volt unit what size would you recommend? Also what do you you think about mounting water pump pick up on the transom above the bilge drain plug?
Thanks Steve

I'm running a 6500 Mermaid in my 32' and it does great. Mounted my AC under the sink cabinet because it made for running the duct a non issue. My return air is done by slotting the cabinet door. If I mounted it under the vee birth, running the supply and return air would have been almost impossible trying to keep the duct outta sight. Just wouldn't have worked out. Check how you can run the ductwork to help decide on AC location. I'm not familar with the Hustlers. My pump and strainer are in the engine compartment. But, I installed a thru hull fitting below water line (looks just like the bilge pump fitting), but thru the side because I run my AC with the boat on the lift out of the water. I need access to the fitting. Mounted underneath would have made it a pain to reach in my application.

Thanks for the reply's
Steve

you may end up sucking the prime out of the system and require bleeding uopn starting the unit each time, but never installed one there, understand your thoughts though, the mermaids come with a slick bleed valve in the install kit, without it you have to remove a hose and thats a pain in the ass....Rob

on the size unit the 6500 is a better buy, as the 5200 are done really compact and will run on a honda 1000 watt gen, so I sell lots of them because of that, but a 6500 reverse is a little cheaper than the 5200, but if you are thinking the portable gen deal then the 5200 is the way to go, we have put that unit in a 30 chapperal and 27 formula and did put them under the sinks work great...Rob..you can email me direct if you wish [email protected]

12 volt true 18 amp min. dc draw
 

If you are interested there are 4000 btu and a 6000 btu system available at CruiseNComfortUSA . com.

Also, be really careful when using those generators I have seen a lot of stories where people have died from the exhaust, even mounted on the bow, it can go anywhere. I use a detector in my cabin and it goes nuts just being in the cove areas with all the other boats, and it is mounted inside.

Mine goes off when rafter up to my buddys searay, scary feeling at 3am


I have a hatch ac unit Ive used a few times, 5000btu,it cold at night and is OK in the August sun.I dont use it any more ,its a pain crawling over the $1900 windsheild drunk at night:eek::drink:

how much for the 6000 btu unit?

I sell mermaid 6500's for $1350 and they come with a 5 year warranty, nobody else comes close on that, been a dealer with them for 8 years now, Rob @ E-Z Marine Specialties

Our units Retail for $2299.00 (4000 BTU) and $2749.00 (6000 BTU) but then there is no need for a generator, costly true sin wave inverter and priceless for not having to carry a generator over the windshield drunk (Strip Poker 388). The units hook direct to a battery and cycle on and off with an included lcd display thermostat and amp draws vary from 18 to 49 ( rated at 12 volts DC) depending on cabin conditions.:drink:Just a side note we use sealed blower motors and stainless covers, incase somebody drops something on the unit you won't disturb an a/c line.

I have the Mermaid 5000 BTU in my Fastech 353 and it works great. Super clean install under V-birth. Water pick up located in front of the port engine with a valve in case I need to bleed the line (haven't had to and I trailer). I live in Phoenix, I last used it about a month ago. Temp during the day 110 and probably at least 45% humidity due to Monsoon Season.

:p
45% thats like winter here:p,try 60-70% here on a dry day,80-90 on a hot night