Air conditioner installation

Rich

Rich

New Member
Jan 5, 2008
96
Jericho, NY
Boat Info
270 Amberjack 2005, Raymarine C70, Fishing Package
Engines
350 Mercruiser w/ Bravo III Drives
I am interested in having an air conditioning unit installed on my 270 Amberjack. Just wondering what I should ask or watch out for. Also, what would the labor cost run, I'm in NY.:huh:
 
I installed a small unit in my old 268 Dancer years ago. The main thing is lots of planning before installing. It is best to see another 270 Amberjack that has A/C to see if it is possible to do the same installation. Sometimes it just isn't possible to run plumbing or vent lines once the boat is out of the construction mode without doing some major work. :smt013

Try to make sure that the air return grates are low and the supply grates are as high as possible in the cabin. Keep in mind that an A/C vent in the head is really nice:thumbsup: so try and plan for that when you are deciding where the unit can fit in the cabin. Also find a spot for the control pad that will not be subject to wild temp swings from sunlight, ambient air, or air being supplied by the running A/C unit.

I have a 12000 BTU Cruisair unit from my boat that was repaired after I purchased a new replacement if you have any interest in keeping your costs down. However, it is only the unit (no keypad or vent lines included).:smt017
 
I'm considering the same thing. I've attached excerpts from the owners manual here that I provided to the guy who will install it for me. He is used by the Sea Ray dealers in Texas since they don't do the work themselves.
[well unfortunately the Club Sea Ray site limits adobe pdf file size so I can't send it but your Owners Manual shows you where the unit is located and how the ducts, return air, sea water pickup, condensation drain hose, electronic control/thermostat, etc. are mounted]

I've called Sea Ray and they say they put in a:
Dometic Turbo Cruisair 8k
Vendor Part Number: 205361350 (though that may correspond to the 7k BTU unit that has since been replaced by the 8K BTU)

The installation guy indicated that he could get a complete system for about $2700 but that did not include installation. That would run me roughly 16 hours at anywhere from $65-85 an hour most most installation techs. So, another $1300 on top of that. I'm in the wrong business and need to start working on boats and A/C units. Seemed ridiculous, but it requires plumbing and mounting a sea water pickup and I'm not about to start drilling holes below the waterline myself.

Hope this helps.
 

Attachments

  • 270 AJ AC Layout PN.pdf
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$1300 may not be ridiculous, it depends on access. Some installs are pretty straightforward, others a nightmare. Routing the seawater supply and return lines, mounting the unit, running the electrical, and particularly running the ductwork can be difficult on some boats- often smaller ones where everything's "tight".

Sounds like a fairly reasonable estimate; but if it's not too bad he might get it done in less than the two full days quoted.
 
jpgshow said:
I'm considering the same thing. I've attached excerpts from the owners manual here that I provided to the guy who will install it for me. He is used by the Sea Ray dealers in Texas since they don't do the work themselves.
[well unfortunately the Club Sea Ray site limits adobe pdf file size so I can't send it but your Owners Manual shows you where the unit is located and how the ducts, return air, sea water pickup, condensation drain hose, electronic control/thermostat, etc. are mounted]

I've called Sea Ray and they say they put in a:
Dometic Turbo Cruisair 8k
Vendor Part Number: 205361350 (though that may correspond to the 7k BTU unit that has since been replaced by the 8K BTU)

The installation guy indicated that he could get a complete system for about $2700 but that did not include installation. That would run me roughly 16 hours at anywhere from $65-85 an hour most most installation techs. So, another $1300 on top of that. I'm in the wrong business and need to start working on boats and A/C units. Seemed ridiculous, but it requires plumbing and mounting a sea water pickup and I'm not about to start drilling holes below the waterline myself.

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

Try these guys? http://www.oceanbreezeac.com/
They have an ebay store...
 
Rich,

I have the same boat. I was quoted 3,000 dollars from three different marinas. I'm planning to have it installed in the spring. I'll let you know how i made out.
 
Believe it or not I picked up a used cruisair portable unit. I found it on craigslist, for the few times I will need it during the season it was a great bang for the buck! $325.
Thanks for all the feedback!
 
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