Self-Contained AC Units

[Maurice]

Can anyone recommend a self contained AC Unit for a 1973 38' FBDC?
And where it might be installed?

 

[bigbill]

you may be able to fit a self contained unit in the cabinet where the air handler was for the original unit. i put a 18,000 btu unit where the air handler and blower were in my 58 yf

 

[UNIQUE_NAME]

what area of the boat are you trying to cool?

 

[Maurice]

what area of the boat are you trying to cool?

Would focus on the salon and move the air with fans to get to the Master. The boat never had AC so I don't know where an air handler might have been. Wondering if I could put it on the flybridge somewhere? Quite a large space under the flybridge helm?

 

[Pascal]

You can put in under the FB housing as long as you insulate the unit and most importantly the air return. You may also need to upsize the pump and hoses to provide enough flow 18 feet or so high

 

[UNIQUE_NAME]

what pascal said. originally it was a 16k split located on the stb wall by the front bulkhead. intake down low exhaust right above it, poor design.
when i replaced my airhandler i went thru the bulkhead into the back of the cabinet and put the exhaust on top of the bulkhead which distributes the air much better.
im in ny and it can struggle on the 90 degree days even with a front window curtain.
there is a second 16k split that services the v-bunk and aft cabin and keeps them nice and chilly.
a boating buddy with the same 38 has aftermarket self contained units for the saloon and aft. he blows air with a fan from the salon into the v-bunk with limited success and thats a straight shot.
i dont know how successful it would be going to the aft cabin.