Albin FC 30 Air conditioning

[Bidgood]

This topic has been well covered for the TE 28's. However the FC 30 has some features distinct from the 28's. I am installing an ac unit in Bidgood. I would be interested in some guidance in the approach to providing cool air to the aft cabin. These seem to be my choices: 1. Seperate self contained units. 2. A split unit with two air handlers. 3. Run a duct from the forward cabin to the aft. and 4. other great ideas from fellow FC 30 owners and 28 Te owners.

I would be interested in some observations

Thanks.

[johnmurray]

My A-30FC came with factory-installed AC (actually a heat pump so it has a heating as well as a cooling capability.) The manufacturer was "Anchor" which I believe is no longer in business. The unit has a micro-processor control system with a digital read-out that I find very user-unfriendly. The unit blasts out an incredible amount of cool air and can lower the main cabin temperature very quickly. It is less effective in the aft cabin but still cools it down adequately. I do have some difficulty in balancing the system between the two cabins (Too cool up front, not cool enough aft.)
The ducting runs down the starboard side of the boat with the main cabin outlet just forward of the hanging locker. There is an air intake/return with an air filter forward of the dinette table. The ducting continues to run aft on the starboard side to the aft cabin with a single outlet at the forward end of the starboard sleeping area. There are no outlets on the port side of either cabin.
If it would be useful I could send you a few pictures of the installation.

[Bidgood]

Thanks John, and thanks again for the pics of the enclosure they were a big help in describing what I wanted to the canvas lady.

I installed an Ocean Breeze unit in my C-Dory and the installation was pretty easy. My FC 30 is prewired for AC located under the V berth. There is also already an unused through hull for the water pump. Right now I think that I will do a similar setup to what you have. Just run an extra duct back to the aft cabin. I think that I will have it on a seperate thermostat controlled blower though, to help control the temp in the aft cabin. It would be interesting to hear from other 30 FC owners. How many are there on the AOG, do you know?

[scott sousa]

hello jjohn murray , my name is scott sousa and my father has an albin 31 te and we are trying to get info on air condition installation for the boat. would you be so kind as to point us in the right direction please. thanks so much.

[kathylsails]

We have what sounds like exactly the same AC system as John's and have noticed the same things. However, the difference in temp's between fore and aft cabins doesn't really bother us because we only use the aft cabin for sleeping or changing clothes. Last year we thought we had problems with the system, but eventually my husband discovered that if the shore power is for some reason delivering below 120 volts the compressor will not come on.