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98blackbell · 10-07-2016, 17:36

Hello Cruisers Mel & Michelle here,

New owners of S/V Dream Catcher.

Our First time post. We bought a 2004 Catalina 42 MKII #885 at the end of May. This was a 2 year adventure to find the boat, story for another day. Bought it through a broker, Dunbar Sales in Brunswick GA at the Golden Isles Marina. They were a please to deal with. The boat spent it's whole life there, used frequently by its owner pleasure and racing. Last trip out mid May he won the race from Jax up to St Simons.

We solo sailed first timers up from St Simons to our home port of Savannah July 1st 2016. What a trip with the wife. Took 12 hours, all good. Boat performered flawlessly.

Now to our query? I want a dry bilge! How to do it running the a/c units?

We have 2 a/c units. Work great. Yes we are spoiled! Both units drain the condensating hoses into the bilge. As you know this rapidly fills the bilge with 4 inches of water, then the bilge pumps out the majority of the water. If we do not run the a/c units and dry out the bilge she is a dry boat.

What do you do with your drain lines? We have to have a/c in Savannah, 100 degrees with indexes over 110!

Currently the bilge holds more than 8 gallons, then the bilge pump turns on and pumps most but not all water.

The forward unit is under the settee seat, the aft one is in the engine compartment above the fuel tank.

I was thinking of using 2 condensatng pumps, #1 under the front a/c unit, run that hose out to #2 in the rear under aft a/c. Have the #2 in the rear pump it out of the boat some how. The condensating pumps will hold less than a half gallon each, plus what stays in the hoses. And have a dry clean bilge!

So,

What do you do?
Have you done this?
What have you seen that works?
What have you designed?

We want a dry boat!

Thanks in advance.

SVNeko · 10-07-2016, 18:00

We run two AC condensate drains into a sump box, which pumps it overboard.
RULE INDUSTRIES Shower Sump System | West Marine

Pelagic · 10-07-2016, 18:05

Our 3 A/C unit's condensate drains into a small plastic grey water tank in the engine room that has a level switch and pump, so that when almost full, automatically pumps into an overboard discharge line.

Something like this

http://www.whalepumps.com/Marine/pro...k-Waste-System

pesarsten · 10-07-2016, 18:18

There are Venturi devices that can be installed on your coolant water outflow line, uses the pressure on the cooling water discharge to suck the water from the condensate drain line.

I know that one of the marine A/C manufacturers sells them, maybe Mermaid?

Condensate never makes it to the bilge.

Emerald Sea · 10-07-2016, 18:34

If your AC units discharge points are above the waterline then you can run the discharge hose to the hull (without accumulated heads) and install an above water thru-hull - similar as in some cats.

98blackbell · 10-07-2016, 18:46

Ah this. So i dont have to reinvent the wheel.

I found it at Mermaid

SSgtPitt · 10-07-2016, 19:00

Mine drains directly overboard, above the waterline via a thru hull.

transmitterdan · 10-07-2016, 19:20

Before you worry too much about this remember that the water from the A/C is "pure" water. It is not salt water and doesn't tend to promote stuff growing in the bilge. Lots of boats plumb the A/C drain to the bilge without problems.

Pelagic · 10-07-2016, 19:50

Once the condensate hits the damp moldy condensate pan it is anything but pure.

Not suggesting we over react to concerns over Legionnaire disease, but it is not pure.

I use a 10% solution of Tea Tree oil to treat my condensing units

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-c...s/con-20028867

Stu Jackson · 10-07-2016, 19:58

catalina42goup

Use the association website, in addition to this fine forum. Saves reinventing the wheel with your boat-specific issues.

TxCoastSailor · 10-07-2016, 20:07

We did this:

Mermaid Condensator / Accessories / Marine Division / Home - Mermaid Manfucturing - Home of Mermaid Marine Air Conditioning & Medi-Kool Climate Controlled Drug Cabinets

redsky49 · 10-07-2016, 20:21

From the perspective of HVAC and air quality/safety, while Legionella is possible, it is not the primary worry. Bacteria is likely to be present however, and there are likely various contaminants, including heavy metals, often found in condensate.

Best operating practices should include keeping the evaporator coil clean, ensuring positive drainage of the condensate pan, and periodically cleaning and sterilizing the pan. Biocides are available for this with wide spectrum capability.

A single dedicated condensate sump would be a good approach if you are able to drain both units by gravity to a single collection point.

dlymn · 10-07-2016, 23:55

2 bilge pumps. the little one sucks up the ac waste and other drips. nice and dry.

Sailmonkey · 11-07-2016, 04:57

A single AC condensate pump can handle both units, no need for multiples. Not an unusual thing to do at all

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