420DB – Bridge A/C and Heat Installation

The interesting part is that if I go with approach of installing 2 units I can go for simpler versions (not turbo) and my cost goes up only slightly. A single 12K unit is around $1700 while 16K turbo with Smart Start is about $3,000. So, for about $400-$500 difference maybe it's worth looking to the two units approach.....:smt017
 
Frank W is correct on this one ( imagine that!). A BTU is a BTU is a BTU. BTUs are the final scientifically defined way to measure the ability of an outside force to raise or lower temperature a defined amount. 16k BTUs are the same no matter what if that is the defined output of the system. Some units may make that much with half the electricity and or noise but if they're defined by 16k BTUs as their output size, that is what your going to get. Many people on this forum have deisel engines that have the same HP and torque as mine but in a smaller more fuel efficient package. They move the boat the same, just do it in a different way.
 
I think the "Turbo" with smart start you mentioned refers to an inverter driven units. These are more efficient because the compressor speed varies based on instantaneous load. These units use frequency drives to operate the compressors and fan motors only at the capacity needed. This technology is not new (manufacturers like Mitsubishi and LG etc. have been using it for years on their high efficiency units) but it does result in a much quieter unit which makes it ideal for a residential setting where the evaporator section is in the conditioned space.

The non inverter unit will deliver the same comfort level for less initial cost, and they are much easier to service. They also use more generic components which cost less and are more readily obtainable.
 
Here you go Alex, I found your solution. Hook 4 of these on your arch and drop the cooling tubes down and snap them into your cooling vests.

[video=youtube;LnEibndWyQU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnEibndWyQU&feature=player_embedded#![/video]
 
Subscribed too. This is likely to heat up. It's odd but when I open all the isinglass, I can get the bridge to about 10* cooler than the outside temp. But the wind wreaks havoc on my hairdo.
 
You need to get the name of Alex' hairstylist. He NEVER has a hair out of place. Wait until you see his photos in Sea Ray Living.
 
Turtlesboat said:
Here you go Alex, I found your solution. Hook 4 of these on your arch and drop the cooling tubes down and snap them into your cooling vests.

[video=youtube;LnEibndWyQU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnEibndWyQU&feature=player_embedded#![/video]
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Oh boy, I have so many comments on this, but they're just not appropriate for the open forum.....LOL

mistercomputerman said:
Just buy Gary's boat. The AC is already done and so are his electronics...

Then you can close the thread.
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I think Joe is on the line for Gary's boat. He's got the 'secret handshake'......LOL.

All electronics are done? Last time I saw it was WIP (work in progress). I can't wait to see Gary's write up with pix on it.
 
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I have the optional genny upgrade which would be required if I wanted to add an a/c at the helm or if I had the optional crew quarters. 15 kw. How about a nice fan and block of ice.
 
Alex, i would buy Gary's boat but he never invited us to look at it. Maybe the bridge A/c was down??
Here's a thought, what if you where to add "drop down canvas shades" around the inside of the bridge when your not using the bridge and run the A/c would that cut down on some of the heat build up? I wanted to have them made for us because our bridge also gets to 120* when we arrive at the boat.
 
I wear air conditioned clothing

air-conditioned%2Bclothes.jpg
 
You are all making this really a lot harder than it is. It's really simple! First, you have to calculate sun load. That's easy. Solar energy is about 1.4kW/hr/m^2 (about 4700 BTU/sq m). Figure out the area of canvas and isinglass exposed to the sun, top and sides, and multiply it out. Then calculate the heat transmissibility of fabric. This link should get you close enough. http://www.worldses.org/books/2007/heat-and-mass-a.pdf. Now you know how much cooling you need. Buy that much cooling, but don't size more capacity (current draw) than your generator can deliver. Note that split systems can be advantageous here. A single compressor can supply multiple air handlers for fewer amps used than multiple systems. Keep in mind that compressors generally draw 1.5 to 2 times their running current at startup. A start kit is advantageous.
 
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Frank, You forgot to factor in number of people in the cockpit.
 
I'm selling my boat?

My system, installed by Sea Ray and which can keep the bridge to a nice 75 degrees regardless of how hot it is outside, is a split system. The single compressor (big and noisy) is down in the lazarette area (under the cockpit floor) and it drives two (2) evaporators/air handlers up on the bridge. One is under the helm and another is up under the bar sink. I think the solid white hardtop probably helps a lot... I'm sure Alex has scoped out Lady Taz's AC though... Same as mine.
 
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Havana Shamrock said:
....Here's a thought, what if you where to add "drop down canvas shades" around the inside of the bridge when your not using the bridge and run the A/c would that cut down on some of the heat build up? I wanted to have them made for us because our bridge also gets to 120* when we arrive at the boat.
Click to expand...

Joe, I was thinking about the sunshades for some time. I even opened a thread last year, but no one responded. I've seen one nice install on a bridge boat in FL, which was listed on YW, but I have no idea where he got it. If I ever get in touch with Tim I'll make sure to ask him.

Turtlesboat said:
I wear air conditioned clothing

air-conditioned%2Bclothes.jpg
Click to expand...


Mike,

I don't see how this cool mod will cool your balls.....:smt043

Four Suns said:
I'm selling my boat?....
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I was surprised myself as well. It's all Rick's fault. I hear he made a new 'For Sale' tag for your boat with NYC in the background. I'm sure he'll be gentle (not) on commissions.....LOL

Dancin Dave said:
My cockpit would require a 32,000 btu unit and I have a hard top.
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Dave,

If my bridge was the same size of your cockpit I wouldn't have to worry about installing the a/c unit. It would be installed by manufacturer....LOL
 
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I'm trying to broker a deal, make a little commish and get you into a new 58 while keeping Alex from having to re-engineer his boat.
 
Alex F said:
Joe, I was thinking about the sunshades for some time. I even opened a thread last year, but no one responded. I've seen one nice install on a bridge boat in FL, which was listed on YW, but I have no idea where he got it. If I ever get in touch with Tim I'll make sure to ask him.
Click to expand...

Tim has a new girl and last I heard he was headed to FL for some time off.
 
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