Custom built A/C for 240 DA

D

Don

New Member
Jun 19, 2008
24
Grayson, KY
Boat Info
2000 Sundancer 240
Engines
5.7L w/ Bravo III
Greetings all! As the temperature warms up here in KY, (it got up to 26 yesterday) thoughts turn to boating and preparation for another season. Since I am a commercial HVAC contractor, I am wanting to build my own central HVAC system for my 240 DA. I have in mind a compressor, water cooled condenser, reversing valve, pump and controls in one compact little package to be installed in the engine compartment. A short run of refrigeration lines to an insulated box with an evaporator coil and blower will complete the system.

This will be 110 volts and run on shore power only. I am pondering installing the evap. section in the engine compartment, starboard side up against the aft wall of the mid-stateroom. A 12x12 hole with a grille will provide return air. An 8x8 supply air duct around the top starboard side of the mid-stateroom would provide supply air to the stateroom and an opening above the bottom step would vent air into the cabin.

It will be a neat, professional looking installation. Has anyone ever heard of such a home-built system? I think I can keep the return air tight so that no fumes are drawn in from the engine compartment.

Just wanted to bounce this idea off of some folks a lot smarter than I. Please feel free to offer any advice/suggestions positive or negative.

Thank you!
 
It's a no-no to install it in the engine compartment with a gasoline engine. As they say in your trade, does not met code and is not permitted.
 
Gee thanks for blowing my idea out of the water (pun intended! LOL). I guess with the water heater, battery charger and misc. other 110 volt goodies down there I didn't think of the potential explosion hazard.

Hmmm...back to the drawing board. Maybe a hole in the side of the boat with a window A/C duct taped in place!? Right beneath the gun rack and off to the side of the squirrel tail. I think that is acceptable in KY!

Thanks again everyone!
 
You can purchase compressors that are ignition protected and OK to be mounted in the engine room. Most marine AC companies make these split systems. The main advantage of these systems is higher capacity, which you really don't want, lower noise since the compressor is not in the cabin, and the ability to run multiple air handlers with one compressor unit. Packaged unit would probably be easier and cheaper. You don't need a heck of a lot of BTUs for a 240.

Best regards,
Frank
 
Thanks Mike. That's a neat little A/C. I may end up going that route.
 
Don said:
Gee thanks for blowing my idea out of the water (pun intended! LOL). I guess with the water heater, battery charger and misc. other 110 volt goodies down there I didn't think of the potential explosion hazard.

Hmmm...back to the drawing board. Maybe a hole in the side of the boat with a window A/C duct taped in place!? Right beneath the gun rack and off to the side of the squirrel tail. I think that is acceptable in KY!

Thanks again everyone!
Click to expand...

This system might be just what you need!!

And solve that questionable generator placement problem!

AC.jpg
 
Nice pic! Good use of what appears to be trailer lights bolted to the trunk lid. :smt043
 
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