Air Conditioner

[ken64k]

I'd like to install an air conditioner in my 1975 F32. I have the duck work in the boat already as there used to be one under the bed in the V berth. What would be a good size for this boat. It only has the 30 amp service.

Than you

Ken

[prowlersfish]

Single 30 amp ? Maybe a 12k unit really the boat could use a bit more . Depending what temps you get. Not sure what Trojan put in them but I don't be leave the stock one was under the V birth

[comodave]

When we had our F32 we put in an A/C. We did a 16k Mermaid unit. It was the minimum that I would ever go in an F32. And then only if you use a cover over the windshield in the cabin. Trojan had a spot under the helm for the install. We used that area. The V berth is not an ideal location since the cold air will stay down in the galley area and not get up into the salon. If you are going to just use it when you are sleeping then the V berth area would be ok. We made a custom plenum since the off the shelf components would not fit below the helm due to all the shift cables and wiring.

[prowlersfish]

When we had our F32 we put in an A/C. We did a 16k Mermaid unit. It was the minimum that I would ever go in an F32. And then only if you use a cover over the windshield in the cabin. Trojan had a spot under the helm for the install. We used that area. The V berth is not an ideal location since the cold air will stay down in the galley area and not get up into the salon. If you are going to just use it when you are sleeping then the V berth area would be ok. We made a custom plenum since the off the shelf components would not fit below the helm due to all the shift cables and wiring.

I agree the only reason I thought 12k is the limited power . If you you only have single 30 adding another is not that hard

[mikeandanne]

Ken , in our 78 the factory location was , the compressor was under the back deck on the water tank feeding two slave units, one on the stbd side in the salon and the other in the anchor locker area in the v berth....it was 16000 total and even with a white front window cover was not enough in the salon on hot humid days, v berth was fine. This boat had the dual 30 amp shore service.

[prowlersfish]

The fact the boat has ductwork , leads me to believe it did not have factory AC or it was replaced at some point As Trojan used remote units . If you are using the same duct work you maybe limited by the size of the ductwork

[Captrichc]

Any idea or pictures of the original AC units for the f32

[zbigk]

Once our A/C stopped working, I ended up replacing the 16K condenser and both air handlers with 2 separate Webasto A/C units. 16K under the galley sink and a 5K in the V-berth. Each unit has its own raw water pump and controls. It has worked great even in 90 degree weather.

[Captrichc]

Once our A/C stopped working, I ended up replacing the 16K condenser and both air handlers with 2 separate Webasto A/C units. 16K under the galley sink and a 5K in the V-berth. Each unit has its own raw water pump and controls. It has worked great even in 90 degree weather.

Do you have any pics or model numbers that you used?

[ken64k]

I'll post more info and pictures in the spring. Right now the boat is put up for the winter.

[zbigk]

The original A/C unit was a criuseair 16K condenser with 2 8K air handlers. The condenser was installed on the starboard side right behind the gas saddle tank. Copper lines ran to the air handlers. One air handler was under the starboad side v-berth. That air handler vented out just adbove thru the hanging closet into the v-berth and out to dinnette. The 2nd air handler was under the galley sink and ducted straight up and out which covered the salon and galley area. This original setup did minimal job as long as front windows were covered.

Before I did ful replacements, I bought new replacement condenser which crusair said was direct replacemnet for original. This did not turn out to be true. I had to replace air handler, then copper lines, then the compressor blew in condensor... needless to say it was an expensive lesson. I needed to have working A/C due to wife's health issues. That is why I replaced with 2 separate standalone units.

I have an 8K air handler with only 1 hour run time on it. I plan to sell it in the spring.

[Captrichc]

Thankyou for that write up. Can you tell me cost of the stand alone units please. I cant find it anywhere on the web.

[prowlersfish]

Thankyou for that write up. Can you tell me cost of the stand alone units please. I cant find it anywhere on the web.

They are all over in fact most off the marine AC you find on line now are stand alone . By stand alone meaning the compressor /evaporator /condenser is all in one unit . Self contained is what some call them . of course you need to hook up vent hoses and a water pump . This is not something you can easly run of a invertor . Yes it can be done with a very large battery bank and inverter costs would be up near a good marine genset by the time you get done and time limited , as you need to recharge the batteries .

https://www.westmarine.com/air-conditioners

[zbigk]

I purchased the 2 uints in Marrch 2017. They had best price including shipping at the time. I did a lot of research for quality, warranty... Shop around for best prices.

I purchased from: Sure Marine Service Inc. 5320 28th Avenue Seattle WA, 98107 (206) 784-9903

Webasto Models: FCF-5000 $1057.14; FCF-16000 $1424.02; Shipping was $285.00

I already had 1 pump from previous AC unit so I only had to purchase 1 new pump. Pumps I use is: Dometic PML500L

I did installation of both units, temp comtorls, and 1 new seacock for additional AC unit and new outlet for water to exit. I used the existing vents.

[Moderator]

Units have become more efficient and use more environment friendly gasses. But I don't know I you could call them more modern.