Looks gd wish I had A/C in my 280 it gets pretty hot in south louisiana

Looks like a nice clean install.

Thanks for all the positive comments. The gentleman who is leading this project is absolutely fantastic. You could not ask for a more talented and meticulous guy. His favorite comment when we are deciding what to do is "well, if it were my boat, I would do x". Makes you know things are being done correctly.

[IMG] By avenger38 at 2012-03-11[/IMG]
Here is how he finished the area for the two upper vents. They turn 360 degrees and also have louvers that allow the air to be directed in any direction. We found they could be pointed directly back to the V berth if needed.

[IMG] By avenger38 at 2012-03-11[/IMG]
Here is the water pick up that was used. The red lines were placed to make sure the trailer bunk was missed.

I put a 5,000 BTU a/c only unit in my 280 and was very happy with it. Ran a 1000 watt HondaEU Gen off the back deck when on the hook. Worked great. People were suprised that we were sleeping in the comfort of a/c in our 28ft. go fast while others were sweating at night! I did all the install myself. It was a lot of work but worth it. I also put an a/c unit in my current 340 Vyper.

It would be difficult to get into a boat that does not have air now that we have it, it has become a "must have".

Diggin, any issues with the genny? Are you saying you use it on the swim platform. Thought they should be grounded on shore or on the dock. I've been looking at some lightweight portable ones; something that might travel under the bolster seat frame. The lake I'm on has lots of places to overnight but not a lot with power. I want to run the A/C, the GF wants to run the blender for margaritas!

A lot of boaters tie the gennies of the bow and hang them right around the rubrail and just below slightly....this way you don't get the noise.....we're looking into doing the same thing this year. Not sure if a 1000 watt genny would be big enough to run your ac though....

We tie the gen off to the back swim platform at night (secure it so it does not go overboard). I have put it on the front bow and tied it down during the day (it would be in the way on platform) when we want to use it. Also up front it makes to much vibration and noise in the v-berth. No issues though tied to the swim platform. I used to have a 1000 watt Honda EU for the old boat because all it ran was a 5000 btu a/c unit and it did fine. I bought the 2000 now and it will run the a/c, fridge, micro, or whatever. Just don't try to run a home hairdryer off the 2000 watt gen. Wife tried that and it really draws to much juice. Blenders are good to go too....I would not be without one now. I store it below the pass. bolster when not in use. I also keep a 1 gal. spare gas can in the side pocket with no issues. I also tie a cable with lock around the handle of the gen and the bolster frame to secure it when at LOTO or somewhere when I leave the boat unattended. Those gennies can grow legs real easy!