Marine Airconditioning Installation?

[paj637]

Has anyone installed a system like a Mermaid system or similar? I am looking at installing a 7-9K btu system on my 2006 for use with my portable generator and at a slip. The companionway AC unit isn't working out for me. I intend to keep this boat for a long time. Any thoughts?

[jschrade]

A 5k BTU in te companionway should turn it into an icebox? What's the problem? The other route is expensive and you have to drill holes in your hull.

Jim

[Divecoz]

I agree Jim and I am going to get around to selling my Cruise-Air and add the Window Unit to the forward hatch as seen here on this site..
I looked into On-Board A/C a month ago on this site.. we discussed it a lot and in the end That $1350 grew to well over $1500.... and for living on the hook even for just a few days.. I would need More Solar panels $$$ and more batteries $$$ than for a Window A/C.. True true On Board A/C has a very high "Looks Cool" factor ....But a running unit cost $1400 MORE and its still ....just plugged in at the slip..They draw a lot more power .. so as said, to run it on the hook... Big $$$$$$$ I can run a $85 Fridge and a $99 Window unit off the same power needed, just to run an On Board A/C...
If I was Rich$$$$ I would own a Seaward 32..I'm not. I own a Mac and though I want it to look nice.. Money spent is important..

A 5k BTU in te companionway should turn it into an icebox? What's the problem? The other route is expensive and you have to drill holes in your hull.

Jim

[magnetic]

I have an upright/portable A/C unit which stands behind the steps in my and vents out through a flexible hose into the footwell of the cockpit. Condensed water is drained via a t-piece into the pipe leading from the sink to the rear transom throughhull.

It works fine with my portable generator, though you need to shut the hatch and keep the weatherboard in place to get maximum cooling effect

[ROAD Soldier]

Three words. Billy A/C Mod. Look it up. I recently have been making a companion way double opening door mod for my 26X in this recent heat wave where we hit 126F heat index and had no trouble staying cool inside. Outside was another story.

[magnetic]

First post in this thread reads

The companionway AC unit isn't working out for me.

so Road Soldier goes right ahead and tells him that

I recently have been making a companion way double opening door mod

did I miss something?

[paj637]

Back problems make it such that I don't like stepping over the unit and moving it around. The companion way is not accomadating to installing a window unit as the . The ac unit sits almost a foot higher above the ladder. Maybe a ladder mod to allow you to climb over it may be the answer?

[Divecoz]

Paj.. Old technology No More Companionways.. Front hatch Installation! 5000 BTU is very light under 25 lbs about 10 kilos. But bud.. If ya got the cash about $1600 USD for a DIY or about $3,000 or more to have it done.. More power to ya..
Magnetic: following a bit more closely, you might have been aware that Road-warrior is going to, or already has his A/C mounted(?) forward thru the front hatch.. there by allowing him his new mod..

Back problems make it such that I don't like stepping over the unit and moving it around. The companion way is not accomadating to installing a window unit as the . The ac unit sits almost a foot higher above the ladder. Maybe a ladder mod to allow you to climb over it may be the answer?

[ROAD Soldier]

Actually Magnetic was somewhat right. My mod goes on top of Billy's A/C Mod. I brought it up because paj637 did not specify at first why his A/C mod was not working out for him. I assumed his set up was not keeping it cold enough however later after I posted my response he explained his back issue which makes sense. So to sum it up Magnetic was right but did miss something that wasn't stated yet.

[Divecoz]

OK and I see its Road Soldier not warrior and not road rage either.. So tell me Road... Will you install the A/C in the companion way or the front hatch when your all done.. I like the idea of All "Glass" doors... I now have a Single board of Lexan but its thin and reinforced with oak door stop and has a screened opening in the middle and a Drip cap made out of Oak Base Board ( like a little Awning) That yours lift out when needed is cool..

Actually Magnetic was somewhat right. My mod goes on top of Billy's A/C Mod. I brought it up because paj637 did not specify at first why his A/C mod was not working out for him. I assumed his set up was not keeping it cold enough however later after I posted my response he explained his back issue which makes sense. So to sum it up Magnetic was right but did miss something that wasn't stated yet.

[DaveB]

I installed the smallest Mermaid aircondition on my 25 ft. Bayliner powerboat that had a flybridge and 10 ft. beam and it worked great. this was 14 years ago. The Bayliner had windows all around it and air volume inside boat was a bit more than a Mac.X.
The problem is it required a thruhull seacock and strainer with water pump and couldn't be used on a trailer or even my boat lift unless I lowered it down to the water.
It would fit nicely in the battery compartment and get a small lawn mower battery to replace the big 24 group battery.
Mermaid is located in Ft. Myers, FL. 15 miles from my house and I went to the small factory.
I use a 5050 btu with a 3/16 white plexiglass hatch in companionway for my Mac.X as I have it running during the summer on the trailer to keep interior dry and free from mildew.
I also use it when at Pennicamp for a few days at the Marina in summer, Fans inside the boat keep us cool enough at night for weekending, two fans are faced aft close to rear bunk.
I remember the 1000 honda generator powered the Mermaid but I would go for the 2000 honda as the load would be in half and will run all night lond without refill.
2- 24ft. power boats run their mermaid with the 2000 all the time at a anchorage in New Pass, FL and they seam to be happy.
I guess as others have said it's matter of money spent and how comfortable you wat it. Many wives won't do a over night unless they have AC so one must keep them happy and on board.
Dave

Has anyone installed a system like a Mermaid system or similar? I am looking at installing a 7-9K btu system on my 2006 for use with my portable generator and at a slip. The companionway AC unit isn't working out for me. I intend to keep this boat for a long time. Any thoughts?

[markh1f]

Phil,

I installed a Mermaid 16,500 BTU Air conditioner/heater on my C34 back in 2005, it is quite doable and I am sure you would have no problems with the install. Remember to add the cost of a good big strainer, salt water pump, two thru hulls and some ductwork to the price. The strainer, pump and associated hoses take a surprising amount of room. Another issue for the Mac would be the condenser water that is pulled from the air, on the Catalina I just ran a drain into the bilge and the pump took care of it.

Good luck,
Mark

[ROAD Soldier]

OK and I see its Road Soldier not warrior and not road rage either.. So tell me Road... Will you install the A/C in the companion way or the front hatch when your all done.. I like the idea of All "Glass" doors... I now have a Single board of Lexan but its thin and reinforced with oak door stop and has a screened opening in the middle and a Drip cap made out of Oak Base Board ( like a little Awning) That yours lift out when needed is cool..

Actually Magnetic was somewhat right. My mod goes on top of Billy's A/C Mod. I brought it up because paj637 did not specify at first why his A/C mod was not working out for him. I assumed his set up was not keeping it cold enough however later after I posted my response he explained his back issue which makes sense. So to sum it up Magnetic was right but did miss something that wasn't stated yet.

Div look at this forum section and look down for "My Companion Way Door Not Board" I have two youtube videos on my door. I will post high quality photos come Monday right now I am busy getting ready for a trip.

[magnetic]

The heavily modified companionway door also gives very significant improvements in pointing ability, apparently, allowing SOG of up to 7 knots or more when close-hauled

[ROAD Soldier]

The heavily modified companionway door also gives very significant improvements in pointing ability, apparently, allowing SOG of up to 7 knots or more when close-hauled

Actually it was 7MPH and no I have not forgotten. Since I have not been out since New Year's Day been busy transitioning out of the Army I have not been able to make good on yet but thanks for giving me more motivation .