3227 AC location

[mikesparker]

Hello! Does anyone know where the AC unit is located on a 3227? Mine didn't come with it and I just got a great deal on two Mermaid 12K BTU reverse cycle units. Just wondering how the OEM AC units were set up in this model?

[Viper]

Do a Google search. Looks like there was one installed in the dinette bench.

[mikesparker]

I did a search...that one I didn't see. I'll look again...thanks!

[mikesparker]

Damned if I can't find the install you're speaking of...can you post a link, please?

[Viper]

If you look at the base of bench you'll see a vent, and on top of the counter forward of the bench is a box with a vent and the AC controls so I assume it's mounted in this vicinity or in the cabinet on the galley side of that counter.

[mikesparker]

Ah...that makes sense. The vent under the bench is passive ventilation for the mid-berth.

The area where the 'box' top vent with controls is located would be directly over the clothes locker in the mid-berth, so it certainly looks like an AC unit is mounted in the top of that mid-berth locker and is a direct output to the salon.

Hmmm. There is an existing raw water intake for the head mid-ships in that vicinity...I'll need to do some investigation to uncover access to route to it...while the discharge would be somewhat easier...to the rear of the refer to port along the hull and forward to the sink discharge.

That would take care of the salon and galley...then there's the important part...the forward V-berth. There's plenty of space for the unit itself in multiple locations in there...not sure about the raw water intake access, though. Drainage should be somewhat accessible as the shower is directly aft of the V-berth.

Electrical access is abundant, so no problem there (foreseeable, at least...lol.)

One of the units is a top-discharge, which should be ideal for the salon...the V-berth until is a side-discharge...again, should be perfect for the space.

Seems like this is a very do-able DIY over the winter...should be fun!

[Viper]

If you start the project, post your progress in case others are considering the same thing. Pics would be great.

[buster53]

The way I look at this…doesn’t matter where they were installed at the factory. Look at where it is easy and convenient to install now. Look at space for the unit, running ductwork and location for water pick up through hull and water pump.
I used to have a boat that I wanted to install AC. Got my AC guy onboard and we discussed installation options and came up with a game plan that saved me a bunch of money over where the factory would have installed it.

[mikesparker]

I wanted to see where the factory chose to put the AC in case there's a good reason. The location of the OEM AC for the salon is in the mid-berth forward hanging locker on the port side. Looks like a great place, actually...I'd lose about 14" of vertical space if I put it in there, which isn't a huge issue since A) there's another hanging locker in there and B) we don't use that berth except for company.

I'll have to do some semi-destructive demolition to get the intake/discharge lines run, but the ducting is a non-issue since it will come directly off the unit, through the 'shelf' and into the salon...shouldn't need more than 6" to 8" of ducting if that. Should make it fairly efficient.

The V-berth is a different story. There's really nowhere to put it unless I fabricate an enclosure above a hanging locker on the starboard side aft bulkhead. Not sure where I'd get the intake from, however the head is directly abaft that bulkhead. Discharge would be simple as the shower discharge is right there as well.

This'll be a winter-long project and I'll be diligent with pics and updates.

[RGrew176]

We all will be following your project. Good luck.