AC install

ddmusser

Member
Aug 14, 2018
37
West Michigan
Boat Info
1985 sea ray sundancer
Engines
Twin 260 alpha drives
Hello everyone. How difficult or expensive would it be to install A/C on my 1985 300 dancer, I do not want to put a hatch style unit on the boat. Thanks.
 
I would imagine "very", you'll probably need to punch a hole in the bottom for another seacock, as well.
I had a 5000 BTU hatch unit that worked great on a 268 Vista. And went home with me when I left the boat.
 
I installed a 5000 BTU cool only unit on my old 268. The install wasn't all that bad. I found the key was planning it all out before starting the install. It was ridiculously expensive, but worth it to me.

The units themselves are expensive, then add in the cost of a brass intake scoop, hoses, clamps, water pump/wiring, discharge hull fitting, breaker, wiring, ducting and grates, and possibly an automatic sump box and associated wiring/plumbing, there's a lot to consider.

Have you considered if there is room for one of those in home units that vent the air to the outside? I've seen some plumb the air duct out a cabin window. There is not usually a condensate line either. This depends on the space available, but I will tell you that these beasts are LOUD!
 
My 87 300 Sundancer had it. Essentially the same boat. The install should be pretty straight forward.
Only you can decid if it is cost effective on a boat of that age.
The unit itself was under the aft most dinette seat, and the controls were up forward near the little step by the Vee berth. Wires were stashed along the port side. Pretty easy.
The through hull was under the aft berth, and the AC condensation drained in to that space.
There are a lot of 300 Sundancers of that vintage out there, and I would imagine that almost all of them have AC.
Your best bet would be to take a look at one and see what you need to do.
 
Awesome, thank you for the input. I was looking at the home units as well. The ones I have seen you have to empty the water pans on them like a dehumidifier. I will check out other boats as well to see how and where they are plumbed in.
 
I did it on a different boat. It was actuallly pretty easy. But I did take 2 years to plan it out and get it done. I put it under the dinette in place of a drawer. Built a platform hanging off the seat to hold it. Ran the ducts and the water supply hoses where they would best fit. It was a great addition. Get yourself the proper sized hole saws. Makes it much easier. Good luck.
 
If you intend to use it away from the dock, youll also need a marine genset to run the ac. Gets very expensive fast unfortunately.
 
Awesome, thank you for the input. I was looking at the home units as well. The ones I have seen you have to empty the water pans on them like a dehumidifier. I will check out other boats as well to see how and where they are plumbed in.

Not too many slips away from me a boat owner bought a freestanding home unit and plumbed the water pan into his existing bilge pump. He vents the unit through one of his aft windows. He probably spent $15 on the plumbing, all-in. It works like a charm.

His unit is like this type:

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker...40813148&sr=1-5&keywords=room+air+conditioner
 
That unit would be a tight squeeze in the OP’s 300 Sundancer. He’d probably have to give up his aft cabin to accommodate it.
 

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