Replacing Aircon Water Hoses

[scottinsydney]

Recently I cleaned all the aircon coils and noticed the water hoses were very tired after 35 years and needed replacing. 35' of reinforced Vetus 1" water hose arrived and a few days ago I started looking at how to replace the hoses between the aircons in the genset room and the pumps in the port engine room.

Using my iPhone via the small rear bilge hatch in the twin cabin showed the following condition of the aircon hoses and bracketing...... I have never understood why Hatteras used aluminium P Clamps? I continually replace them with stainless on each new project.

Aircon Hoses.jpg


I've now cut out the flooring with a multitool, leaving enough space along the sides and end if additional floor strengthening might be required when refitting. Luckily the floorboards were not glued to the cross beams.

I drew and then lightly scored my cutout first. Satisfied everything was at 90 degrees and square it made using the multitool very simple. The multitool is a fabulous invention.


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So the aircon hose can now be easily replaced, old and new electrical wires tidied up and bilge can be scrubbed clean. I'll divide the floor into two pieces to make for easier inspections and repairs.

I'd recommend anyone with the same 1980's MY set up as ours take a look at the aircon hoses in the twin cabin.

[Pascal]

I don’t understand why you have air con water hoses going after under the floors. I thought Hatteras only used split A/Cs

And yes, that’s the one tool I use the most!

[dottieshusband]

Scott, I'm assuming because it's a 1 inch hose, it's the 2 lines from the Orberdorfers to the distribution manifolds in the generator room. When I replaced mine, I was able to reach the clamps from the strainer hatch and the bilge pump hatch in the aft guest stateroomt. Its still a pain.

[scottinsydney]

Hi Paul and Pascal,

Yes, they are the 1" hoses from the two water pumps that run to the two AC compressor water manifolds in the genset room.

Its not possible with my access hatchs' locations and small hatch sizes to replace the hoses without taking up the flooring. There are also other wiring and bilge pump issues to attend to, so taking up the flooring has benefits.

My boat seems to have small access hatches throughout. Easy access to all the water strainers is difficult. Some of the loctions for the strainers do not make sense. eg bow toilet had 24 ' water hoserun. (now bypassed with thru hull in bow compartment as original water hose rotten)

[Cricket]

Are you able to replace the hose with fiberglass tubing and then just use hose on the ends??

[doc g]

the fwd head has that long run so the pickup which is under the port side bed does not suck air while under way and lose prime, I do agree though some of the thru hulls were put in strange spots, maybe due to fact they built the interiors after they lay that stuff in the hull .......Pat