270 air conditioner

[jamanati]

Hello all,
I'm a newbie, picked up an 1988 Sundancer 270 about a month ago. Twin 5.7 Merc with Bravo 2 drives. Pretty good condition, but doesn't have A/C, looking to buy something and DIY install. Used to be an auto mechanic, so I can figure it out once I get to square1. Any info as to location, ductwork tips, all included kits, where to buy, etc would be appreciated. I'm on Long Island, New York. Went to SeaRay already, they only have owners manual for 88, not a service/parts manual.
By the way, love boating, I'm hooked.

 

[dpvandy01]

cruiseair drop in 7000 btu hatch air..... done, no installation or "rigging" needed.

 

[Presentation]

….or get a portable air conditioner and vent it out a window. Best Buy has them. $300 to $600.

The issue with installing a built in marine air conditioner is you will spend several thousands of dollars and will add little to the boats resale value given its age.

 

[kevin27]

Congrats. I have the same boat only with v6 engs. My ac unit is under the port v birth just fwd of the bulkhead. It will cost about $2000 without install. It is a 10k btu unit. I second the portable from Lowes or even Target. Buy at least the 9k btu unit. It will fit in the aft cabin area and vent out the window. I did this when my ac went bad at the St Pete Grand Prix one year. I think it was around $350. Small price to pay not to ruin the weekend. If you still want to install a factory type unit let me know. I can send pics to show you how to set it up. Good luck.

 

[out-n-aboat]

In your aft cabin is there an acess door where the water heater is located. You coud try threre. Also is there storage under your seats in the mid cabin?

 

[jamanati]

Hi Kevin27, thanks. Would be great if you can send me those pics of the a/c, would help a lot. - Jim

 

[jamanati]

Everyone, thanks for the info. I thought about the portable one, and although its a lot less money, yeah, a lot less, it does take up some space. Aft cabin area storage may be possible for the marine unit, not sure how to run ducts to v-berth cabin up front, or if thats even needed. Port v-birth there is a spot under the cushions, looks like there is a drain hole that goes someplace? Anyone know where? Can that be used as the condensation drain? My head uses sea water, which I'm thinking of tapping that into the regular water supply instead, and using the seacock for there for hookup to the marine unit, one less whole to drill in the hull. With summer winding down, may make this a winter project if I go with a marine unit. The hatch unit is around $1,000, half of a marine unit, but I hear you can leave it on while boating. Anyone recommend manufacturer for marine units? Saw a used one on ebay for $300, didn't get it in time.

 

[Sundancer Pilot]

I just bought a Mermaid Air unit from Marine Wholesalers. It has a 5 year factory warranty and is built in Florida, and shipping was free. Almost all compressors, even Cruiseair, are made overseas, so "buying American" isn't a possibilty.

It was $1289 for a reverse cycle (heating and cooling) unit that is 9K BTUs. Easy install due to it's small size and works like a champ.

Sundancer Pilot

 

[PlayTime]

I just bought a Mermaid Air unit from Marine Wholesalers. It has a 5 year factory warranty and is built in Florida, and shipping was free. Almost all compressors, even Cruiseair, are made overseas, so "buying American" isn't a possibilty.

It was $1289 for a reverse cycle (heating and cooling) unit that is 9K BTUs. Easy install due to it's small size and works like a champ.

Sundancer Pilot

I second this one! I had a Mermaid Air unit on my Regal. I installed it myself, and it worked like a champ. Problem with the portable ones, is hiking them on and off of the bow, as they are a bit heavy. But they do the job. I am all for the installed units. Its actually an easy job. Just take your time....

 

[tobnpr]

Another vote for Mermaid.
While what Pres said about added value at resale time may be at least partially true, not having A/C will also scratch a boat off the list for some buyers. I think, in that size boat, a permanently installed unit is the best choice.

 

[Larry]

I also agree with going with Mermaid marine air, check Defender's price as they are a big distributer of there products. I installed it in my 1991 280 many years ago and it worked great and it is not hard but takes some time to install it corectly. It will probably run you about $1500 by the time your done with everything and that would be total of everything needed.
FYI, check with Defender during one of the boat shows (you do not need to be at the show, just call them) comming up in the Fall, they always have specials on them then.

 

[chazaroo]

I had a 10,000 BTU SeaBreeze AC/Heating unit installed on my 1996 250 Sundancer. I attached photos but they may be too big. If so, shoot me an email and I'll send them to you.