1983 Tri Cabin

[nitro115]

Hi all,

this is my first post, so here is a quick introduction. I purchased this boat in August with two new engines (repowered) and the vessel is in an awesome shape. Since this is not my first boat, I got comfortable with it in no time. But, I have a couple of questions, if anyone could help...

1/ There is a push/pull switch on the side of the cabinet in the kitchen, next to the sink (on the right). When I pull it out, a red light comes on, but nothing seem to happen. I hear no pump, or anything else to come on.

2/ When I use the heat pumps, the water pump runs constantly, even when the compressor turns off. On my other boats (Crusisers Yachts, Donzi) the water was coming out of the discharge hole only while the compressor was running. I leave the heat on constantly during the winter (NC), and I'm afraid the the water supply pump will die pretty fast, if it keeps running 24/7. Or, is this normal?

Thanks for any help in advance! I've already found some very useful info here, great forum!

nitro115

http://www.pbase.com/nitro115/1983_trojan_tri_cabin

[Safari]

Congratulations on the new boat - Nice! I can't imagine what the mystery switch is - 2 things to check though, is it on the electrical schematic? Is it bundled in with factory wiring? If not, then it's been added. Follow the wire to see where it goes.... Your air conditioner (Cruisair) is designed so that the water pump runs continuously when any AC unit is on. The pump is (or should be) a liquid cooled, magnetically coupled unit that should last a real long time (I just replaced mine after 20 years). If you are using your AC units for liveaboard use, I would recommend converting to the SMXII controls. Your installer could rewire the water pump to run only when either of the compressors run - probably not a bad idea.....
Bill

[duchess]

on my f 36 1987 that switch is for lites in the engine compartment

[nitro115]

Thanks for the reply, Bill! The switch seems to be original. Unfortunately the wires run behind the ice maker (have no schematic, nor any other papers of the boat), but will pull it out and see where they go.
I'm glad to hear about the pump.... it's in a good shape and quite new, the label on the side of the motor indicates it was manufactured in 2005, so it should have a long way to go. Especially if I rewired it to on-demand operation. I'll check out the digital control you've mentioned, though I'd like to leave everything in as-built condition. The controls work flawlessly, but a better unit would do an even better job, for sure. The bad thing is I'd have to replace two, which kicks the price to over 400 bucks. However, its system test feature *is* very handy! Thanks for the tip!

Feri

[nitro115]

Thanks for the tip, Duchess, will check that out. I have another switch for that purpose on the side of the steps next to the fridge (and it looks original), but who knows, it might not be.

[Old Flame]

My '85 Tricabin doesn't have a switch in the galley, but my bilge light switch glows red when on, but it is on the side of the steps, next to the fridge. Maybe that's it? Hopefully you've got it sorted out by now.

My ac water pump also ran constantly. I got tired of always adjusting the dials on the ac/heat controls and had Cruisair digital units retrofitted. Pump now only runs when compressor(s) run. Paid about $900 installed for both; but they're great! After watching the installation, I'm glad I didn't try it myself.

[nitro115]

Old Flame, I have that switch too on the side of the steps, that's what controls the bilge light, just like yours. I will check into the digital controls and since I work with heat pumps at work, I will give a shot to the installation. Not now though, Christmas has its own expenses, so it will have to wait. Or, I'll just stick the thermostats under the tree and tell my wife look honey what Santa brought us!

[Safari]

One thought... - before you put those thermostats under the tree, don't forget the circuit boards and associated thermistors, sensors, etc. that go with them. If you could get this stuff installed for $900, that might be the way to go.

[Safari]

If you are doing this yourself, check this out.....

http://www.coastalclimatecontrol.com/fx1.html

[nitro115]

Thanks for the link! That site looks really good, and found some insulated duct hoses and fittings as well. My duct work is made of a plastic hose, kind of like a cheap dryer vent. Definitely remarkable solutions at one place.

[g36]

i just retrofitted my 1978 f32 with rotary controls for my cruisair unit. mine is a split unit with the condensing unit under the cockpit. i bought the fx-1 retro kit which is same as the coastal climate link except i bougtht it from AER in texas which is much cheaper than from coastal climate. micro aire i s the manufacturer of these and if you call them they can give you other distributors but AER was the cheapest. i know you will spend a lot more if you buy the smxII control. the installation took 5 minutes for me the wiring for the controller was wire for wire to the cruisair junction block. the microair schematic was easily followed. with the digital control installed there are several options to pick to many to list but including an away feature and how and when the pump and blower come on and off, just my experience it was worth the money and much better than dealing with the old controls and temp swings. i sure would look into installing yourself if you can turn a screwdriver.

[nitro115]

Thanks g36! If you don't mind, could you give me a link to AER? I've googled it, but was unable to find it. Also, leaving for an overseas trip in about an hour, maybe I just didn't check thoroughly. Thanks for the tip!

[g36]

just give them a call i spoke with richard miller (extension 550), nice guy answered all my questions and emailed me part numbers/pricing. i just phoned them back and placed it with him when i got ready. received it within a few days to tennessee. you can also call their toll free number i think its 800 767 7606. but the 281-474-3276 is correct.