Fitting Airconditioning

[CAVOK]

Does anyone have any experience fitting airconditioning on a Beneteau or similar in the mid 40 ft range. Looking at purchasing a Beneteau 46.1, but the factory fitted aircon price is eye watering. I can purchase aircon units at a fraction of the price, but worried about fitting them & whatever ducting is required myself in a post production boat. I expect I’d need to fit 2 or 3 smaller units totalling around 32,000 btu.

[ranger58sb]

How much is "eye watering?"

Do they install ducting in all boats, whether the AC option is ordered or not?

FWIW, our recent replacement cost for one 16K BTU unit out of 2 was $3100 installed... and using existing ducting.

-Chris

[CAVOK]

The current factory fitted 32,000 btu system is quoted at €17,100. I’m not sure if it is a single system or multiple systems, but I assume it is fully installed.

[Flagship Marine]

Which lay out are you looking at? A quick look at the online brochure shows several, all with their own challenges. Knowing there construction and construction techniques I would see if they will do electrical, plumbing and ducting and leave off the ac units. Otherwise it will be a PIA to fit and may cost more in the long run. I also think that if you use the boat in S Fl and south you may need more BTU than 32,000.

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by CAVOK

The current factory fitted 32,000 btu system is quoted at €17,100.

Indeed. Having trouble reading that number, given the tears in my eyes...

-Chris

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by CAVOK

The current factory fitted 32,000 btu system is quoted at €17,100. I’m not sure if it is a single system or multiple systems, but I assume it is fully installed.

I think for most cruisers that qualifies as "eye watering" ! [emoji33]

[CAVOK]

I wasn’t aware of the online brochure but would appreciate the site if it’s available. I haven’t looked at the btu requirements, but was just being guided by the factory option. Initially I would be in the Med, but probably crossing the Atlantic and possibly on to the Pacific, so it probably needs a decent unit/s.