[C320-list] Air Conditioning

[Phil Dubiel via C320-list]

I'm already planning upgrades for next year.
I want to install air conditioning. I'm looking for a few recommendations
on the project. I will only be using it while docked.
1. What size unit is needed?
2. Brand?
3. Expected cost?
4. Is this a DIY project?
5. Best location to install it.

Many thanks,

Phil
1996 C3, #365

[Troy Dunn via C320-list]

Phil

I answered your questions in line with your email.

Troy Dunn
Hull #514

On Wed, Nov 19, 2025 at 7:22 AM Phil Dubiel via C320-list <
c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

> I'm already planning upgrades for next year.
> I want to install air conditioning. I'm looking for a few recommendations
> on the project. I will only be using it while docked.

> 1. What size unit is needed? Depending on where you are located 10, 000
> BTUs is typically the lowest I would go. If you only need the AC at night
> then you could go lower but I would stick to at least 10,000 BTU and maybe
> more if you are in Florida.
> 2. Brand? I like the Dometic stuff but others have their favorites.
> 3. Expected cost? Assuming a fresh install and DIY expect to pay around
> $5,000
> 4. Is this a DIY project? People do it themselves all the time. But
> this is not a project for a newbie, you will need to install a thru hull,
> cut holes in fiberglass and bulkheads, deal with electrical runs, etc.
> 5. Best location to install it. Most folks prefer either the cockpit
> locker and creating a large return grille at the end of the aft berth bunk
> or in the starboard lazerette over the fuel tank with a return grill right
> next to your pillow if you sleep in the aft berth. The cheapo spot is to
> put it behind the door leading from the aft cabin into the port lazerette.
> This is the cleanest install because you don’t have to cut into
> fiberglass for a return. It isn’t a great spot if you ever need to remove
> the fuel tank or want to install a below deck autopilot. Some argue that
> it also removes an escape route in the event of a fire. I think this
> makes the bold assumption that the lazerette is unlocked and the clasp is
> undone….i call BS on that one. In summary you have three choices.



Installs are covered in prior email threads and I think articles on the
> association web page. Both are searchable.

[Jack Brennan via C320-list]

Hi Phil:

I did this a couple of years ago DIY.

Some basic info. I did a Webasto 12K unit, which works fine in hot and humid western Florida. I removed the bread basket and installed the duct over the fridge, which cools the entire boat well. The intake is in the aft cabin. The unit itself is in the forward part of the port locker.

I hired a semi-retired contractor friend to build a box to contain the unit and carve a hole for the intake into the aft cabin, as well as widen the bread box hole to accommodate the duct. He also did the duct work.

I had the yard add a through hole near the diesel to handle the cooling water, although you could probably use the intake for the head.

You need to add a 110-volt breaker on the panel to handle the AC, then run the wire to the unit. You also need a saltwater pump and strainer to go from the through hull to the AC unit. As well as a small pump for the condensate from the unit. The water from both pumps exit through above-the-waterline through hulls at the rear, near the one for the scupper.

All of this sounds complicated, but it's fine to do DIY if you move slowly and carefully. None of this is that complicated. The unit will have detailed instructions. Specific questions can be answered by me and many others on this list who have done it.

AC (and heat) are very nice when you stay at the dock. But it's good to remember that they change nothing in the actual sailing experience.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.

________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Phil Dubiel via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 7:21 AM
To: C320...@catalina320.com <C320...@catalina320.com>
Cc: Phil Dubiel <60du...@gmail.com>
Subject: [C320-list] Air Conditioning

[WindSwept via C320-list]

Jack and a Troy already provided much good input. I installed 16,000 BTUs from Cruiseair, now Dometic. I am located on Corpus Christi, TX where the water temp gets up to 92-94 in the summer. Since ACs don’t work as well with such a high water temperature I need all of this capacity to keep the cabin at 80-82 degrees on a hot afternoon with full sun. Where my installation is different is that I installed a split unit with 4,000 for the aft cabin and 12000 for the salon and v berth. The aft unit is on the shelf over the fuel tank and forward under the V berth. If I were to do it today I would install a self contained unit at the forward end of the port side lazerette. I would recommend that you do not install it in a location that blocks access to other critical systems like the fuel tank or below deck steering gear.

Larry #246

> On Nov 19, 2025, at 6:22 AM, Phil Dubiel via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> I'm already planning upgrades for next year.