Adding AC to a 88 300 da

[tsquared1965]

So after a winter of of looking at different boats to replace my 1988 dancer I decided this boat was way better.
i have removed the dinette and am building a couch along port side really opens up the cabin (we never used the dinette in 4 years ) my plans are to put ac under the front berth any suggestions about where to put the outlet vents and do i need to put one in the back birth or will cooling the main cabin be enough?? thanks in advance for your input i will post pictures soon of the updates

 

[dcpringle]

If AC was an option from the factory, i'd look to see where the vents were with the factory install... Just a thought.

 

[bahamabreisus]

I think the factory AC was under the dinette. If you can build it in under the new couch, which I think is a great idea. I hated the dinette, when we had a 300. By putting under the couch you wont have long runs for the ducting. Plus you will be closer to the breaker panel for power.

 

[SCORPIO]

The factory installed ones have ducts in the aft cabin along the companionway, a main duct just above the hanging locker at the steps, and one in the v-berth just in front of the bulkhead. I'd put the unit under the couch to keep plumbing runs to a minimum. The aft berth would be hot without a duct IMO.

 

[trflgrl]

I agree with Scorpio on placement--I have factory installed on my '89. We can close the ones in the sleeping areas if we get too cold, but with no vent at all it would be stifling in the aft. Traditional installation might be more attractive to a buyer, too, if you ever do decide to part with it.

 

[tsquared1965]

Thanks for the input As soon as the winter cover comes off i will be installing keep you posted

 

[tsquared1965]

another question was told by ac rep at the boat show i should not have to add second 30 amp power supply to boat. ac should run fine as long as i wasnt cooking on stove using microwave and ac all at the same time any thoughts there is a spot on my power panel for ac thanks again in advance

 

[JVM225]

My early 87 Sundancer doesn't have an AC vent on the aft berth, but it could use one.
When we sleep in there and the AC is running we leave a small fan on the dinette pointed down in to the aft berth and it works excellent. If it didn't, I would have to think about putting a vent back there.

 

[Mike Blake]

another question was told by ac rep at the boat show i should not have to add second 30 amp power supply to boat. ac should run fine as long as i wasnt cooking on stove using microwave and ac all at the same time any thoughts there is a spot on my power panel for ac thanks again in advance

Do not hook the A/C to your panel. Install a small 2nd one and run the A/C to that. Two 30 Amp cables. I added one to my 268 years ago and went with two panels. You will never have a problem. It is an easy job.

 

[NorCal Boater]

Do not hook the A/C to your panel. Install a small 2nd one and run the A/C to that. Two 30 Amp cables. I added one to my 268 years ago and went with two panels. You will never have a problem. It is an easy job.

I agree with Mike. You will never have enough juice. Do you have a generator? If so, do you know if it will support all of your power needs if you install the A/C?

I was going to put A/C in my big boat and never got around to it. I was going add an auxiliary 110v panel just for the A/C. That boat is now for sale but I have the panel that is all pre-wired with a meter, a main breaker and 3 outputs. I would let that go for $75 plus postage. I'll be on the boat tomorrow or Monday and I can take a couple of pics if you're interested.

Shawn

 

[gregb10]

How did your install go? Any Pics? I want to add AC to my 86 300 dancer as well and would love to see how yours came out

 

[Ten Years Gone]

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[NorCal Boater]

Not to hijack the thread...but this discussion got me wondering...why on earth would a person who could afford a 300 anything not spring for the factory a/c when buying the boat originally? It just seems ridiculous to me that a boat of that class should have a/c as a mandatory amenity. I understand the smaller boats like mine not having it; although a/c was in fact even available as a factory option on mine...but a 300?

It's a shame someone has to retrofit such a big boat with what most folks probably consider a requirement nowadays. Just like a/c in a modern car. Has anyone seen a new car without a/c in the last 20 years? I looked at a 270 wide-body Sundancer last year that was priced below market, but I walked away as soon as I realized it was not equipped with air. Beautiful low hour boat with every factory option except air! Shame. :smt089

Not ta unusual My 52' boat has no forced heat or AC. The boat was originally delivered in Los Angeles. On the coast we rarely used our home AC. The boat was then moved to San Francisco Bay....not needed there. Now its in the Delta and it is needed. However, $6k to do it myself, $10k to have it installed.