2nd A/C in Albin 31 - single screw

[tadel001]

I have one A/C unit under the forward v-berth. Curious where those with a second unit for the pilot house have that unit located. Do you use the same same pump and through hulls?

[kowal_53]

I have an 31 single screw, and only one AC unit. There is a single vent in the Pilot house, but it is run to the single AC unit down below.

[Pitou]

A single 16,000 BTU unit in the bow aboard my single screw as well with a vent a the helm seat to cool the pilot house.

4487686_20131015094028192_1_XLARGE.jpg

[tadel001]

I have a 6,500 BTU unit. No plumbing to the pilot house but I imagine that won't be too hard. I don't think the 6,500 BTU is enough for both areas. I could either upgrade to a bigger unit or add a second.

By the Kowal, I am keeping my boat on Kent Island (Queen Anne Marina) but frequent Annapolis. Hope to see you around.

[Pitou]

I have a 6,500 BTU unit. No plumbing to the pilot house but I imagine that won't be too hard. I don't think the 6,500 BTU is enough for both areas. I could either upgrade to a bigger unit or add a second.

The 6500 BTU is too small for both areas. Replacing your unit with a larger one has some advantages though having a second t-stat / control topside would have other advantages. Lots of extra work adding a second unit: searching for a 2nd space as well as adding another thru-hull, sea cock, associated plumbing, drains and electrical wiring.

Plumbing air to the pilot house from the existing location is pretty easy: behind the vanity in the head (remove cabinet for access) and in between the starboard inner skin and outer hull. You can even put a second "Y" and a vent in the head as you're passing by. That's on my list!

[tadel001]

Location of the second is the main challenge. I can use the same pump/through hull with a dual relay. This also helps with wiring. However, I don't think I can fit another unit in the same location under the v-berth. Not sure where you would add the second. Given it is a single screw, could add it on the starboard side in the engine room.

[kowal_53]

I have yet to try AC on the go, have to run the generator. I was told that the pilot house was a bit weak on a hot day. The "Y" sounds like a great idea. You might even be able to redirect all of the air to one place or another. Of course the real AC guys might want to add a return too if one is operating exclusively in the pilot house.

Perhaps I will see you on the Chesapeake, once mine returns from its extensive list of work I had done over winter, now looks like spring. Hopefully it will be soon.

Going to miss the Rendezvous next week. No boat, Father's Day, Birthday, so no boating for me. You should go if you can.

[Pitou]

Setting a second unit up on the starboard side would be the sensible place. I wish someone who had the setup would respond. My AC panel has a second AC switch. So Albin must have offered it. My boat was originally a FL show boat ordered by a dealer and only the forward AC, but with the Y at 16,000 BTU.

Correct on being a little weak in the pilot house and being a balancing act. There is a lot of uninsulated glass up there, but being in the northeast it works. Having return air is the right way too. I'll certainly do that in the head.

I'll be sure to get some pictures of the ducting today as the head cabinet is out for routing a new TV antenna tuner.

[Pitou]

Here is the AC set-up from where "Y" duct split is under the starboard side setee in the cabin where the main duct splits to the pilot house.

From the "Y" the pilot house ducting goes under / behind the hanging locker / drawers and then behind the vanity cabinet in the head then running behind the toilet, under the shower bench and then through the lowest point of the bulkhead dividing the engine room bilge and cabin before heading upward to the outlet above at the helm.

Duct Split.jpg

Entry to Head Cabinet.jpg

Running Behind Toilet.jpg

4 . Under Shower Stall Seat.jpg

Helm Bulkhead up to Salon Outlet.jpg

[Pitou]

Here is one more picture in the run .. in between the "Y" duct split and beneath the hanging locker:

20150622_203200.jpg

[addon323]

Kevin, these pictures are a tremendous help. My boat did not come with ac/heat and was planning on purchasing and doing the install myself over the winter. Thanks, I will be in touch this week when I am up in Gloucester. It's getting cold real quick.....