Upgrading to A/C

fly&floatpgh · **Posted:** Wed May 14, 2014 12:17 pm

I am pulling the trigger on upgrade to A/C this year on 99' 278 Vista. It was option and believe pre-wired as there is spot on the 110V breaker panel. I am having my boat mechanic do the install. Curious if anyone has done after-market A/C upgrade? I am looking on the internet @ units but not sure which is best fit/function? Any suggestion?

Paul I. · **Posted:** Wed May 14, 2014 12:53 pm

Would that give you one or two shore cords? Just wondering.

fly&floatpgh · **Posted:** Wed May 14, 2014 11:37 pm

Not sure what the amp draw is yet, but I'm assuming that I will need an additional shore cord for A/C.

Surface Interval · **Posted:** Thu May 15, 2014 6:22 am

You might look at www.boat-project.com. This site has several mods to a '99 268, including an AC install. Tbis info is from a few years ago (2002-2006), so there may be newer accessories on the market today but the basics are the same. Shore power is typically 110V and 30 amp. Unless you go way above the normal 5000 to 10000 BTU range for this size boat, you should not need more than the standard 30 amp system and cord that you should already have. Hope this helps.

Technologic80 · **Posted:** Thu May 15, 2014 6:53 am

I have considered doing this on my 97 Vista 278. But I feel my boat is already heavy enough with twin engines and the factory installed generator. I'd hate to add any more weight permanently. Buuuut with that being said, Im interested in your story because it would be nice to have! lol

Currently I have a "carry-on" air which is cumbersome but the pro to it is I can remove it from the boat and keep it in the garage when I dont need it.

Paul I. · **Posted:** Thu May 15, 2014 7:37 am

I have a a.c./heat (reverse cycle) unit. Its about 14" x 20", if that unit comes in over 75lb I would be shocked!

Like everthing else, there making them smalller and take less power. I only have one shore cord (30A). When I got the boat I thought there might be two 30A cords or maybe one 50A cord.

fly&floatpgh · **Posted:** Fri May 16, 2014 1:53 am

Thanks Surface Interval! That is a great web site. Impressed with how much detail was included in the process of the project. Certainly had no idea there was that much work involved. There were some great tips in choosing the unit and components for the project. Even different manufacture contacts. Info will be very useful. Appreciate the help!

Having work done in June let you all know how it goes!

Not sure on weight or size yet but I'm willing to sacrifice few LBS for the comfort of A/C for the humid nights on the Ohio River in Pittsburgh. Its all about keeping the Admiral happy... Right???

ric · **Posted:** Fri May 16, 2014 6:14 am

I installed this last year on my 215:

http://www.marinaire.com/Marine-air-con ... sba6k2.htm

The most advanced marine A/C on the market. 38lb. The size of a shoe box. Reverse cycle 6000btu. Draws 6 amps.

Here in Florida on a 95 degree day with 80% humidity I've messed around and got my cabin down to the mid 50's.

Paul I. · **Posted:** Fri May 16, 2014 2:16 pm

ric wrote:

I installed this last year on my 215:

http://www.marinaire.com/Marine-air-con ... sba6k2.htm

The most advanced marine A/C on the market. 38lb. The size of a shoe box. Reverse cycle 6000btu. Draws 6 amps.

Here in Florida on a 95 degree day with 80% humidity I've messed around and got my cabin down to the mid 50's.

You must have big feet?

ric · **Posted:** Fri May 16, 2014 5:09 pm

I couldn't imagine owning a Vista without A/C. You'll be happy you installed it.

fly&floatpgh · **Posted:** Fri May 23, 2014 1:10 pm

Thanks for the link 'RIC'! I sent the info on that unit to my mechanic and waiting to hear back. I entered below deck dimensions and it came back with 6000 BTU unit? Do you think that is enough? What was ballpark cost for parts on your unit? I am hoping to stay under $3k for parts/labor...

Thanks for info!

Technologic80 · **Posted:** Fri May 23, 2014 1:52 pm

Im also VERY interested in that compact A/C unit!! I'd love to install it under the galley seats, or even in the aft cabin in my 278. Heck for that price, maybe I'd install TWO! hehe jk

acguy · **Posted:** Fri May 23, 2014 4:22 pm

I installed an A/C unit on my 248. Install is straight forward. Ric's A/C unit being the most advanced is a load of..... They are pretty much all the same. They all use a rotary compressor. I used the cruiser air unit 5000 btu/h. The 6000 will do the trick for you. I think I paid roughly $1200 for all of my parts but got a great deal on the unit, and spent the winter searching ebay for deals on the rest of it.
If you have any other questions I'd be happy to answer them

ric · **Posted:** Fri May 23, 2014 9:25 pm

I was under 2k installed with inverter and battery bank. On a 90 degree day it put my cuddy to 57 degrees. More then fine for your boat.

www.iFourWinns.com

Upgrading to A/C

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