Adding Second AC to Pilothouse- Albin 31- Return Location?

[Jkraft]

Hey everyone, I thought I had to replace the AC in my boat, so I did. Long story short, Annapolis Cruise-air just called and said that the unit is in near perfect condition and does not need much to put it back in service. I would like to add this as my second unit for the pilothouse. I have a spot for the compressor I have the power to run it dockside and on generator. The question is, where can I put the return. Curious to see what others have done or how the factory set up the boats with two AC units.

Thanks!

[Jkraft]

Thread Update- I spoke with PilgrimPaul & his AC Return is located under the helm seat next to the refrigerator, so I am probably going to do the same. I am going to add a soft start to the unit and use the existing AC pump to supply both units with a relay. The only thing I will have to do is add an extra thru hull for the AC discharge which can be done while in the water. I will update how this goes this summer once the install takes place.

[Nancy]

Nothing like finding a silver lining, JB! What's a soft start?

[Jkraft]

Nothing like finding a silver lining, JB! What's a soft start?

It goes in the power supply for the ac unit and reduces voltage spikes, starts the compressor slower which reduces wear and tear and noise. Plus it’s easier on the generator. It reduces start up load by 60%. I had one put on the new ac unit down below and love it. The salesperson at Dometic reccomends them doing a new ac install or retrofitting an old one. The technical name for it by Dometic is the “Smart Start”

[Jkraft]

Second AC install is complete. We are now pushing 32,000 btu in the 31. Should be frosty on those hot days. Ac went in under the wet bar. Return went under the helm seat. We did have to modify the base cabinet and shorten the two lower drawers. It has its own independent system running it’s own strainer and AC pump. Just about complete.

[REBMystic]

that install looks fantastic!!

[Nancy]

Gorgeous!