Rooftop Air Conditioner--Albin 27

[Vic K]

I'm now waiting on one little stinking connector. Dometic requires a freeze sensor be installed before anything more than the fan will operate. This sensor doesn't come with the install package. Domectic sells these for $125.00 I found one from a rv dealer for $16.00 plus shipping. DO NOT BUY A DOMETIC UNIT!!!!!!!!. Their thermostat set up is too complicated. Had to add 12 volt power just to operate the thermostat. Coleman sells a much 'installer friendly' unit. Another one of those shoulda, woulda,coulda moments.
Vic

[Vic K]

I'm happy to say the one lousy stinking little wire I was waiting for came in. It took about five minutes total to install it including removing and then reinstalling the cover. But cold air blows from the unit. Some type of covers are needed for the windows and rollups. Also have to change the direction of the baffles.
Vic

[sail149]

Hi Vic
So what's the latest?, are your cruising around with ice cold mint tulips drinks and a smile on your faces?

I was thinking you could probably run it of the main engine while you are going along.....there should be plenty of spare power there.
Warren

[Vic K]

Warren,

AC is up and running. Working very very well considering the lack of insulation and windows in the 'salon'. I rigged a drain so the water from the AC just doesn't run all over the place. I was at the boat today and the outside temp was still in the 90's. and the ac was doing an excellent job. Now I need to see if the Honda 2000 will run it.

Vic

[sail149]

Hi Vic, sounds lovely!
So does it runs off 110v? Could you run it off the engine with a 3-5000w inverter from harbor freight for about $300?
Somehow I assume it must be 12v, in which case you could start it with 12v boat power and then switch over to the honda gen.
Did I ever ask you if your boat has a fiberglass liner under the engine.....? It should as yours was next inline after mine!
Warren

[Vic K]

Warren,

I guess you could run the AC off an inverter if you had enough batteries. My tech friend says that with the 'Hard Start' added the Honda 2000 should run the AC. I have to emphasis the word should. That has yet to be determine. The Honda is next on my wish list.
My boat does have the engine liner and I'm glad it does. Also I'm pleased to say the engine blanket has really worked on keeping the engine noise down to a reasonable level.
How is your project coming along?

Vic

[sail149]

Hi Vic
I've been doing a little on the boat. I mentioned the engine would not turn over.i was not sure where the cooling water has gone and I was afraid it was water leaking into the engine. Still not sure where it went yet but is not in the oil which I changed. Could not figure out why engine would not turn over, batteries seamed good so had local starter rebuilder do his thing, but got confused by the correct wiring hookup. Final got it sorted and eventually hooked up battery direct from the bow thruster. The engine eventually turned over slowly, battery was not at it's best. is I guess engine is not frozen up....... So I can start thinking about other things....as I work on engine....
I went and saw 'Sprig1's' boat. Interesting differences and different rot issues!
I'm finally getting somewhere sorted to work on the boat, hopefully year round.
So maybe I'm going in the right direction.
As a friend of mine says it a bit of a 'tar baby' but hopefully I'll get thru it.
I do still go sailboat racing most Saturdays in the summer so I guess I could put more time into the Albin.....
Warren

[sail149]

Re AC units
Domestic do make an air only. Marine unit, durasea name
But twice the cost of an RV unit
This is the only online like to a price I found
http://www.suremarineservice.com/489516AXX1C0.aspx

[sail149]

These guys have a good site and a very good price on a marine air only unit
From COLMAn/rvp
http://www.flagshipmarine.com/rooftopac.html
Lots of good imfo too.