Mahe 36: Air Conditioning

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by Mahe-Mahe

Does anyone out there have AC installed in their Mahe? I am hearing that additonal equipment (larger inverter) needs to be installed as well. Where does the AC unit go? Any idea on price? I have been told that I will need a 16,000 BTU unit for the entire craft.

Thanks!

As a practical matter, you can not install enough batteries on your boat to run a 16,000 BTU air conditioner from an inverter. You might get an hour or two before the batteries are discharged.

If you intend to run an air conditioner on your boat, you need shore power or a genset, properly sized for the AC.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by Captain Bill

Keep in mind that water cooled/heated reverse cycle systems freeze up in water temps below about 4 C. They work great in the tropic or subtropics but are probably not appropriate above about 35-40 degrees lat except in the summer. I have reverse cycle heaters in North Carolina (35N) but they are quite marginal here in the depth of the winter when our water temps get down to around 5 C.

Quite true.

After going through two reverse cycle AC units (another story altogether), I found a company that makes AC units with electrical resistance heating instead of reverse cycle. Not quite as efficient, but I pay a fixed rate for electricity. It's a lot simpler and the wear on the compressor, etc. is cut in half because it only operates in the cooling mode.

I don't need to winterize my AC in my location but I could if I wanted to and still have heat.

[Fiddlerman]

Originally Posted by Seastream

We just had a 16K BTU installed under the port settee running to four vents. Install performed by Beard Marine; we're well pleased with the work. Unfortunately they're located in Ft. Lauderdale & Palm Beach, FL. Although they'd likely travel to you I don't know if that'd work for you.

Could you please tell me how they crossed over with the supply ducting from the starboard to the port side?
We're interested in installing one 27K unit under one settee and that is my dilemma.

[Fiddlerman]

Does anyone know if it's possible to cross over with insulated ducts behind the settee from one side to the other? I'm referring to this area or a different suggestion.
I noticed that it was tight close to the anchor locker compartment.

[Seastream]

Somewhat easy crossover. I had the installers use the 5 inch speaker holes as discharge vents, once I removed them. They had a tussle snaking the duct behind the saloon sofa (I helped them), but it can be done. The water tanks are no worries.

[Fiddlerman]

Originally Posted by Seastream

Somewhat easy crossover. I had the installers use the 5 inch speaker holes as discharge vents, once I removed them. They had a tussle snaking the duct behind the saloon sofa (I helped them), but it can be done. The water tanks are no worries.

Thanks. Makes sense. I can get to that space from the hanging lockers on both sides too. Found out that the space that I showed above is filled with foam.

[redneckrob]

Originally Posted by Fiddlerman

Thanks. Makes sense. I can get to that space from the hanging lockers on both sides too. Found out that the space that I showed above is filled with foam.

They installed our AC in that space(after removing the foam of course and fitting a lid in the top). It's a pretty common setup in the Mahe. Just remember to always keep your water tanks below 90% to make up for the loss of boyancy from the removal of that foam

[Fiddlerman]

Originally Posted by redneckrob

They installed our AC in that space(after removing the foam of course and fitting a lid in the top). It's a pretty common setup in the Mahe. Just remember to always keep your water tanks below 90% to make up for the loss of boyancy from the removal of that foam

I know this is asking a lot, but I would love to see a picture of this if you would be so kind. Where exactly to remove the foam and where to cut. That would be super helpful.

[redneckrob]

Originally Posted by Fiddlerman

I know this is asking a lot, but I would love to see a picture of this if you would be so kind. Where exactly to remove the foam and where to cut. That would be super helpful.

No worries, I'll walk down tomorrow and take a couple for you.

[redneckrob]

Originally Posted by redneckrob

No worries, I'll walk down tomorrow and take a couple for you.

Sorry, forgot about this until today. Here are a couple pictures, let me know if you have any questions on the install. As an FYI there is a ton of room between the hull and the cabin on both sides so you can run a 4" duct easily from any point to any other point in the boat through that center compartment. There is also a decent amount of space between the back of the settee (the back of the compartment shown) and the aft bulkhead of the anchor locker, not sure if it's 4" duct size but probably close. This is all on the Evo but I don't think they changed the hull or cabin molds between models.

[Fiddlerman]

Originally Posted by redneckrob

Sorry, forgot about this until today. Here are a couple pictures, let me know if you have any questions on the install. As an FYI there is a ton of room between the hull and the cabin on both sides so you can run a 4" duct easily from any point to any other point in the boat through that center compartment. There is also a decent amount of space between the back of the settee (the back of the compartment shown) and the aft bulkhead of the anchor locker, not sure if it's 4" duct size but probably close. This is all on the Evo but I don't think they changed the hull or cabin molds between models.

This is great. Thanks so much. I feel confident about what I will be doing now.

[Fiddlerman]

Hey guys,

I'd be super appreciative if any of you would share pictures on the placement of your vents. I'm more or less done with the installation of the AC but second guessing my choice of locations for the vents.

Thanks!!!

[Fiddlerman]

Installed the first unit but still hesitant about duct/vent placement in the cabins.
Any pictures would be appreciated.
Thanks.

[Fiddlerman]

Finally done with the installation.
First of all, any of you considering installing new AC units on your vessel should strongly consider the new Inverter, brushless, Contained technology AC's.
Our two 16,000 units are operating at 9 Amps each when maxed, which they haven't been. Imagine the possibilities!!! When the temperature is close to what is set they cycle down instead of turning off. This makes for less disturbance when sleeping with a very nice low constant humming sound. It also keeps the cabins dry by not cycling off. The control panel allows you to set the fan on night mode, reg, high or automatic.
They are super quiet and the quality of the Velair units is impressive compared to other units that I've installed or seen.

If you decide to go with Velair, Ted Meuche was SUPER to work with.

I'm sharing images for anyone thinking of installing new AC on the Mahe.
Lot's of customization needed along the way but it was fun doing it.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...WB?usp=sharing

[Acadia]

Hi,

I’ve just finished an install on my own catamaran to become an authorized service and install center for Velair with my marine business. As you mentioned Ted is exceptional to deal with.

My first impressions of the unit are simply amazing, having had Dometic and Webasco in the past, this unit is in a league of its own. Planning on doing some demo videos shortly of the A/C running on the inverter and Honda 2000.

What are your impressions after having the unit for a little while now ?

We service the greater Tampa area
Info@gulfnautical.com