MacGregorSailors.com

It's hot here in Pensacola, FL. I have purchased a GE 5000BTU AC, added a "hard start" capacitor, a 6.9 AMP invertor, and am ready to place the AC so looking for ideas. Rather than use the plywood mount referenced in MAC Mods I was considering a mount in the forward seat storage locker of the dinette table. The one that backs up to the "head" closet, and running an exhaust hose into the head and up to a through deck grill plate, which would have a removable cover. The condensation would drain into the bilge.

Anyone have any ideas or comments about this subject?

I am thinking of adding air conditioning after this season is over, but personally, I would not want to purposely put water in my bilge. Humidity, mold, etc.

I am looking at a unit that will dehumidify when the boat is in the slip not being used, an air condition when I am in the boat. Of course this will be on shore power and not while I am out sailing.

If what you are doing will also work while out sailing, I would sure be interested in seeing how iy works for you.

I definitely recommend you not dump any water in the bilge. Mildew, odors, slime, etc. and if you ever spring a leak in your water supply or ballast tank you will be fooled into thinking it's just normal bilge water. Keep it dry and you will know when something goes wrong.

Howabout mounting it in a fuel compartment with the cold air ducted to the inside, the drain overboard via cockpit.

That sounds like the best idea yet...but you'd have to duct with PVC or something like that so it could have a water tight seal.

I think you would need two ducts to the outside, one for outside air into the condenser (not into the boat), and one to exhaust this heated air out. Given the distance between your proposed location and the deck I would think you would need to install a fan in the supply duct unless the unit is partitioned in a manner to use the internal fan.

For the reasons given in other replies I would not pipe the condensate into the bilge. It is surprising how much water can be generated.

Hmm... I've always thought that this unit would work really nicely on the Mac's. It will run on a generator as small as a Honda EU1000i and is available in a reverse-cycle mode, which means it can also supply heat, too (though I think you'd need to be on shore power for that - not sure).

"Smallest footprint on the market and weighs in at 31.5 lbs. for the unit, and 4.7 lbs for the electrical box. ..... On average, this unit is designed to cool cruisers up to 26' and sailboats up to 28'. All M5 models include a programmable digital thermostat.

• Cool = 4.4 amps, R/C = 5.5 amps.
• Add approximately one amp for the standard seawater pumps.
• Start up amperage is calculated by running amperage multiplied by 1.8.
• COOL ONLY UNIT: L-15" W-11.5" H-11.5
• REVERSE CYCLE UNIT: L-18" W-12" H-11.5"

Cost is a bit pricey at $2,259.65 with the installation kit and reverse-cycle option, but it replaces a heater and an air conditioner, and you can duct it where you like.


Mermaid Manufacturing Model M5 - 5,200 BTU Cabin Air Conditioner

I am thinking of a small light weight window or a stand alone stand alone seems . . .. like a good idea ????

Well, I paid $89.00 for the GE at Sam's club so $2 grand for a Mermaid would price me out of the market. I appreciate (really) the comments about water in the bilge. I just bought my M so I have not had to worry about moisture and mold, however I am in a wet slip 24/7/365 so this could become an issue. That is one reason I want to install the AC. Looks like I might be back to the plywood hatch with a cutout for the AC. Seems like a lot of effort to deploy the AC, but wld. be worth it in our heat and humidity.

I have just completed my new AC install on my 26X featuring a plywood companionway hatch with alternate inserts...one with the AC and another with a simple port. Used free-release hinges. Install is complete and operational but haven't had time to fab the alternate swing hatch with port. Used a Costco 5300btu AC....off the chart energy performance, some cycle programming, 500W max draw etc.....about $200US for AC, plywood, hinges etc. etc. This mod is a refinement of roughly similar work by others....but I have provided my usual detail which should help. Will try to post it manana...need another pic ......and I will have others availble via PM. It is really COOL....literally. Meets our goals of function and reasonable bucks. Jack

Jack, I'd like to see how you hinged it. I would put one in the companionway except for having to climb over it or lift it out everytime you get in or out. How much does your unit weigh???

Randy....the unit is 42#, about the average for the 5k btu units....once in place for the 'hot season'...it can stay in place. It swings away easily and leaves adequate access.
It is a handfull to change out, but I put it over the side to my son....not much of a problem. I would prefer a 4k btu and a bit less weight but looks like these are designed for one-room residentlal use and volume sales. Got to get those pics done now and will post the mod in a few hours. Believe we hit our second series of 100 deg F plus days for the season so this is looking like a better idea. Tahoe of course is always at least ten degrees cooler, but I am spending a week exploring Lake Powell on the Colorado in late Sept so decided to go for it now. Jack

Thanks Jack. It hit 105 degrees here today so it is time to do something.

I just finished an AC install. The unit sits on a wood base that sits on the companionway entrance step. I can rotate it 90-degrees outward when I need to enter/exit the cabin. A custom wood companionway hatch fits around the AC unit. I plan to replace this hatch with a smoked plexiglass hatch in the future.

Nothing is attached to the AC unit so the unit can be easily lifted off the wood base for storage. There are short "feet" on the AC unit that fit in routed slots in the plywood to prevent the AC unit from shifting around.

I will put this in the mods section when I get a chance.

FYI, posted the promised mod (two parts...more pics). Typical Mac mod.....lots of adaptations of off-shelf non marine stuff. Fun project but requires bit of care to get proper fit etc. Should go easier for someone else.....I had to think some ....over a cold one of course. Seems topical....hope others post their approaches as well. Sounds like summer....lots of 100 plus on the map....could this be global warming...or just July? We've been setting records a bit too often seems to me. Jack

A thought on getting condensation out of the boat. The sink on my M has waste water piped out to the transom. Might be a path for discharge