New Built-in AC System for Our 26X :)

[jcasale]

Billy

Would it be possible for you to create blueprints or template tracings of the individual pieces. If you could do that I am sure even I could build one of those. The plans would be inexpensive to reproduce and easy to ship. You sent me some detailed photos last year but I was not talented enough to recreate anything that was usable. The mod looked great last year but even better with the new materials. Great work,

John

[Québec 1]

I won't need one even if it looks great cause its 62F(and when I say F I mean F....)out here and raining and windy!

[DaveB]

looks like a great Mod, I cut out a 3/16 white plexiglass to fit the hatchboard slides and cut to fit the 5100 btu aircondition. I built a 8inch long redwood T to slide under the AC for support. Works for me and guest, easy to climb over once hatch panel is removed.
I use mine all the time on trailer to keep mosture out of the boat and set it on #3 setting, I can't tell the amout of elect. it uses as house elect. is to close every mo. but I expect probably $3 a mo. to run.
I also use it when I am at a slip, I usually keep it at setting #5 in middle of July in the Keys and during the Day at Full #10 if I don't use the Cockpit cover.Also used it on anchor a few times with a 1200 watt 2 cyle $139 gen.
Dave

[kmclemore]

That looks like a really slick mod. The only thought I have is, does the cockpit get really hot when you're running it? And is there enough ventilation around the unit to provide sufficient cooling of the condenser?

[diegokid]

I'm also interested in this since it was 103 here today. Would like to try to get some plans/drawing if possible, looks like a good weekend project for me and the grandson.

[Bransher]

Thanks, Billy, for the information on Koma PVC boards. The fact that it can be glued seems to be a big advantage over Polyethylene Marine Lumber (Starboard). I also have a major problem with Carpenter Bees eating the wood fascia boards on the exterior of my house. This sounds like the solution to that problem.

Québec 1………. I have travelled throughout Canada from the east coast to the west coast in the winter and have witnessed how cold it can be. Minus 30 degrees Celsius with the wind blowing is brutal. Therefore, I figured with your current temps. of 62 F, you would be breaking out the suntan lotion, beach umbrella, and a pitcher of Pina Colada.

[Tahoe Jack]

And, for you DIY folks like me....refer to my version from a couple years ago..

http://macgregorsailors.com/modt/index.php?view=693

We swap this and he OEM w/port glass...dependent on weather. Jack

!	kmclemore:
	Fixed link.

[vkmaynard]

The only thought I have is, does the cockpit get really hot when you're running it? And is there enough ventilation around the unit to provide sufficient cooling of the condenser?

We really only need to run the unit when we are inside the boat. A 5,000 BTU unit will turn your boat into a freezer. We used our unit without this nice box with only a towel covering opening in 100+ temps and had to turn the temp down. There will be additional heat as expected when it is running, but it is not a real annoyance.

No problem with ventilation for the condenser (see picture).

The materials are very expensive to buy for a "one-off" unit, especially when you will need to include shipping for two different 4' x 8' sheets. Billy never actually intended to go into business making this unit; it was just a few of us pushing him for a copy (including my wife and kids) that got him motivated to build this additional unit. If Billy decides to manufacture this unit I do not understand why anyone would expect him to give away his design.

There is "DIY" and then there is "why bother" when it cost about the same to buy ready made unit considering the cost and time.

The two piece smoked Plexiglas rear window is the piesta-de-resistance for ambience in the airconditioned Mac. Almost feels like a big boat.

Victor

[Steve]

Wow that looks awesome. With that I may just be able to get my wife to overnight w/ me at the marina. Please put me on "the list" and let me know a ballpark figure of what it will cost. GREAT job, wow.

[vkmaynard]

Billy sold his first three units to those of us bugging him.

To maxmize deck room, he re-engineered our first AC box and shortened it by 2.5" to about 14" overall depth to exactly fit the most prevalent, smallest AC unit sold in many places (Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, etc).

Here are some pictures with the Big Vista rear window option.

Today the heat index was about 107 degree. The 5,000 BTU AC ($99 Lowes special) had no problems cooling our boat.

This particular unit needs a small hole drilled in the rear left corner (take the cover off and use a protection plate to avoid drilling the coil) to drain the water which eliminates the water slapping sound (unless you like noise). Minor reduction in efficiency.

All four of these units will be together for this weekend's Albemarle sail. It's supposed to be a hot weekend... for some:)

What a great mod at 50% less than a Cruisair.

Since Billy is really not in production (yet) I amended the title. Considering the time involved and cost, he is on the fence about producing the unit since consumers usually want a "deal". The three new owners of the first run beta prodcution that saw his prototype unit in person were more than happy to pay for some of his time (including the CNC shop time, NOT cheap) and materials. He built them originally as a favor. We are the ones pushing him to put it on the market. My wife and kids would not even think about attending our sailing trip this weekend without the new AC mod. Success!

Victor

[craiglaforce]

I would be interested in buying one as well. Really looks like it was made for the boat. Texas is so hot.

[jcasale]

If Billy decides to manufacture this unit I do not understand why anyone would expect him to give away his design

I don't think anyone was asking for Billy to give his design away. I was just asking if he would sell the blueprints/templates. It seems that would be easier than entering the manufacturing buisness.

One of the best parts about this forum is the sharing of ideas. I also believe people should be rewarded for thier efforts hence the ideas of marketing the plans.

John

[Steve]

I agree, if you're not going to go in the business post the plans. Heck I'd even be willing to make one out of plywood, seal and paint it white.

If you are going to begin manufacturing them, I'm very interested!

[vkmaynard]

All four AC systems worked great last weekend. Everyone slept well.

Here is another happy customer writing a check. Notice the great workbench that was used a coffee service bar the following mornings. Also doubles as a footrest

[SkiDeep2001]

I'm up here in the NorthWest where it doesn't usually get that hot (except for the broken heat record 104 degrees and 99 yesterday) but it looks so good I wouldn't mind having one. I'm a die hard snow skier/boarder so the air conditioning would keep me nice and comfortable, especially when the girlfriend turns into Ms Octopuss. Rob