I bit the bullet and had air conditioning installed on my 265 express. I can post pics and describe the process if anyone is interested. Just let me know.
Air conditioning install on express 265
- Thread starter DaveySea
- Start date
I am about to buy a Grady 265 and would love to see the pics and how it was done (and how much it cost and who did the work if possible). My Wife was hesitant about the boat since it has no AC/Heat or generator. Any ideas on adding a generator would be appreciated too.
Any Pics and guidance would be very helpful. Thanks in Advance !
Probably stuck using a portable generator on a 265. I don’t know where you would find room under the deck for an install of permanent mounted one.
The self contained unit including the condenser is mounted under the v berth where the hot water heater was originally installed. I removed it to make room for the AC. Not much use for hot water here in South Florida. I’ll take some pics and post them soon.
I’ll post some pictures of how it was installed. Total bill was $7500 and I used Tony Sharp at Sharpe Marine in Fort Pierce, FL.
I’m planning on using a portable generator when on the hook. Really no room to install a permanent generator unfortunately.
Thanks @DaveySea , Look forward to see the pictures. Must be so much more comfortable staying on he boat on a hot day or overnight?
A few questions if you don't mind
Do you know what was the make and model that was installed ?
Was it AC or an AC + Heat unit ?
How quiet or noisy is the unit given its under the v-birth
Are you happy with the results ?
Thanks in Advance !
The AC brand is CTM 6000 btu, 110 unit. I don't think it has heat but not 100% sure. I won't be using heat.
The unit is super quiet, especially when the hatch cover is on and the bed cushions are on top of it. I only hear the white noise of the air coming out of the vents. My wife and I are very happy with the results. It cools down to 72 degrees in a couple hours during the heat of the day (90 degrees plus). At night it cools down faster and I can air condition the helm area when the enclosure is up. I just put a small 12v fan in the companionway to blow cold air into the helm area.
I had to sacrifice the live well since I used that thru hull for the cooling water strainer and pump. The overboard cooling water goes into the thru hull for the rear compartment behind the sink in the galley. That space is now dry storage. I am using the live well as an insulated cooler now but you could always add an aerator and keep the live well.
Installed in the V-berth where the water heater used to live.
AC vents installed in the anchor locker next to the speakers.
control pad installed on the port side of the v berth.
Return vent installed under the sink. It connects to the space where the fridge and AC are installed so it pulls air from the cabin.
additional vent installed in the head to keep you cool while doing your business!
Ductwork installed in the anchor locker. The problem here is that wet anchor rhode and chain will ruin the ductwork. I need to find a solution to either build soffits to separate the ducts from the anchor locker or use some kind of waterproof bag for the rope and chain, Any ideas are appreciated!!
wahoo33417
GreatGrady Captain
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Nice installation!
You've got the air outlets on opposite ends of the cabin from the intake. That had to be a bear to run that intake duct work.
That is great that it cools the cabin on a 90+ degree day. That is a good 6,000 btu unit.
We have a 6500 btu unit in our Sailfish, but on a 95 degree day while overnighting in Marco Island it couldn't really keep up. But I did the install myself and my air outlets are not placed as well as yours.
Sorry you lost the live-well. Our choice was to give up the overboard discharge through-hull from the head. At least for our setup, it gives easy access to the cooling water strainer and pump.
Rob
You've got the air outlets on opposite ends of the cabin from the intake. That had to be a bear to run that intake duct work.
That is great that it cools the cabin on a 90+ degree day. That is a good 6,000 btu unit.
We have a 6500 btu unit in our Sailfish, but on a 95 degree day while overnighting in Marco Island it couldn't really keep up. But I did the install myself and my air outlets are not placed as well as yours.
Sorry you lost the live-well. Our choice was to give up the overboard discharge through-hull from the head. At least for our setup, it gives easy access to the cooling water strainer and pump.
Rob
Thank You @DaveySea for taking the time to share this all - I Appreciate You !
Looking at the website for the unit, seems is has reverse cycle to do both AC and Heat.
CTM CT-6 Self-Contained Marine A/C 6,000 BTU's, 115V, 50/60 Hz
6,000 BTU's of powerful, quiet, and efficient cooling. 115V. Titanium circulating coils, abs tray, and stainless steel structural pan. 2-Year Warranty.
citimarinestore.com